Like.. don't let your friends fly thumbs, eh Hoss?

One thing I've found myself doing on occasion is flying with my thumb on top of the elevator/aileron stick (right stick) and my forefinger 'in front' of the stick. Sort of a modified pinch method. I seem to fly that way at times, and change during the flight depending on what I am doing.

I'm sure most of us have some personal way of flying. I was taught with the pinch method by a pattern flyer, and a gentleman that has been flying for 34 years. But, as I said, I seem to have developed my own way. And, as most have said, I don't think that there is a right way or a wrong way. Whatever works.

Hey, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it!!!

DS

When I started learning I used the pinch method because I saw a lot of other people do then my instructor told me to move the stick up and down then left and right with the pinch method.(on the ground). I could not move the vators with out moving the ailerons, so then he told me to use my thumbs and then I was able to move the vators with out the ailerons and then move the ailerons with out moving the vators and so on. My instructor help a lot by doing that test so it is something you might want to try.

rc-plane

I used my thumbs during training but after watching the pattern guys, and my instructor I practiced the pinch on the sim. Now I think pinching gives me more precise control.

Hi

I can fly with both thumbs but normally fly pinching the right stick and my thumb on the left (mode 2).

If i fly inverted i remove my finger from the right stick leving my thumb below the stick as you normally have to hold some down elevator in the tension in the spring is enouph to move the ailerons and it isn't possible to pull the elevator stick back.

If i'm teaching somone i just tell them to use whatever method there happy with.

Simon

I do about the same as CGRetired said in post #27. I fly both sticks with my thumb on top and my forefinger in front. It helps to have the thumb on top to get the full range of motion and the forefinger helps with smoothness.
Chuck

I am a thumber myself, but I don't think that it really matters, or that one method gives you more control than the other. I think that most people think that the "better pilots" fly with the pinch method, and while it is true that most of the pros use the pinch method, there are some that are also all thumbs. Quique, and Mark Leseberg use their thumbs.
BTW, I like stiffer springs.

LT-40

Thanks guys.

You know, there are probably a combination of all of the above that helps people fly better. I adjusted the springs on my new DX7 transmitter a couple weeks ago and that seems to help with straight lines in maneuvers. When I 'pull' for, say a loop, I use my index finger to center the stick (sort of do that automatically) then pull straight back using my thumb for a guide. Sort of a modified pinch. Then, as I said above, at times, I put the thumb on top and fly the rest of the maneuver that way. Any maneuver that requires a straight pull or straight push becomes a consentration method of straight stick movement to the side or up and down.

The rudder and elevator seem to be one that gets to be a bit of a 'problem' with me. I am right handed so I have more control with my right hand and, it seems, more coordination. When adding or reducing throttle, for instance, I seem to add rudder, either one way or the other. And, when I push or pull the rudder, I seem to change the throttle setting slightly. It's not as much of a problem with the rudder/throttle mix but the throttle/rudder mix can be a problem in a windy cross wind on landing. But, not so much that is over controlled. Just another thing to focus on while flying.

Thanks again. I will add some of the above to my training sylabus for the club.

Oh, one more little thing. I 'trained' Chris (Overbored) in his RC flying. It wasn't much of a challenge to me, Chris already had the hand-eye coordination and just needed to be 'introduced' to the third dimension, vertical movement. After one or two flights, he was pretty much on his own. I watched him and his finger use and did not try to change his method. He sort of figured that out after asking a few questions. The sign of a good RC flyer, for sure. See you tomorrow eve at the meeting, Chris.

DS.

[color=#FF0099]Dick,

Dave taught me to use the "pinch" method. I had used the G3 simulator a few times out at the field before I started taking lessons and one of our pilots, Henry, spotted me and said "Whoa Bev, why are you using only your thumbs...get your other finger up on the sticks". Then, of course Dave said the same thing. And yes, I have a neck strap...I use it most of the time, but if I'm letting friends fly the plane too, I don't strap in so I can hand off the transmitter easier. I haven't had a problem holding onto the transmitter, and playing with the switches and trims, but then again, this is the method I learned, so it's what I'm used to.
Bev

I do a combo but mostly thumbs , I try both ways on the sim and don't notice a diff between either method for me thumbs is more comfortable its more like a video game controler and feels more natural. go with what works for you I say.

I use both methods. Usually go on the planes and or Pinch on the Helicoptors. I find that if im doing aerobatics, the thumb is much easy, but for sweet sunday flying with the heli's, I use pinch. I like both to be honest.

I agree with Rob, I have been using gimbals with thumbs, and Im very comfortable with it, as I dont use neckstrap.


Mody

Anyone have advice on how to retrain yourself from thumb to pinch? Neckstrap for sure then what? I have tried but seems so unnatural to me I quickly revert to my thumbs, I do think I could have better feel and control if I could master pinch menthod.

Just keep practicing - repetition - simulator time may help as if you screw up, no crash.

K3 I started switching on the sim I rested the handle of the controller on my desk, My first few pinch flights were with my trainer so If I had a problem I had some time to react or change back. No neckstrap my first few times (I didn't have one for my Airtronics controller)
now I use the neckstrap that came with my new TX and I am building a transmitter tray.

well i dont teach people to fly but i always find it easier to use my thumbs on top of the sticks but as of yet the only stick TX ive been using is the one for my old Nikko boat, so i cant really comment on which is better

i guess it all depends on what type of TX it is, be it a small toy grade one or a big heavy Futaba

Ought to make this thread a sticky.... seems to come up every couple of years. I say this because I asked the same question two or so years ago when I started flying, and pretty much got the same answers.

Andy

ooh ooh! lets make a poll!

i use thumbs. i find it hard to reach any switches on top of the controiler with the pinch methoud

I've just started with Heli's, flew planes for a short time years ago. With my CX2 I've been using the thumb method, and in the Sim I've been trying to learn the pinch method. I can't really tell which I'm better at, I'm pretty sure I suck equally with both methods. Everytime I see a pro doing 3D it sure seems like they are pinching which is why I am trying to learn that.

It's interesting to see how others are doing it.

I cut my pointer finger on a wood joiner and it hurts too much to pinch the stick[]

Its like asking if your right handed or left handed.

Everything doesn't have to be important. [:'(]

Lol I know, just making an observation

And keep your finger out of the joiner, you'll stain the wood.

Thanks, lil sandpaper and everythings good though

heres what I was making