I'm starting to think it's all a big lie, and the videos I've seen are convincing Hollywood fakes...

I've been driving RC cars, and flying RC planes for many years, so I have the control thing down. I've been through Radd's training program, and I did well with that. I can totally control the helicopter with the main skids off the ground, and just the training balls touching the ground. Side to side, forward and back, no problem.

But I just find every time I take it off the ground, it's impossible to control. One small thing upsets it, and I end up chasing the damn thing all over the place. I can't seem to get "ahead" of it, if you know what I mean. I'm just reacting. I don't know if it's just too slow responding, or if there is something wrong with my heli? I've crashed it plenty of times, on my 4th set of blades, bent my second main shaft, couple tail rotors. I patch it up, and try to set it up properly, check the blade tracking, etc...

Today really made me mad. Brand new set of blades, go outside into the back yard, get up and almost immediately crash again.

Could there be something wrong with this thing? It just seems like it's completely unstable.

I'm wondering if maybe the Bell Hiller mixer might help make it more responsive?

I can fly a Super Decathlon knife edge from horizon to horizon, or drive a touring car 40mph between boards 4 feet apart, but I can't seem to really CONTROL this thing.

That's because it IS responsive, they are not near as stable as larger heli's, which is why they are the hardest to fly. The bell-hiller would make it even more responsive, if you can't control it now I don't reccomend that upgrade. I can tell you right now what the problem is, EXPERIENCE. Invest in a simulator such as Realflight G3, log some hours, then come back and you will be flying like you've done it for a while. You can crash as much as you want and you won't be losing money, it's an invaluable learning aid.

I did try a sim last year. I picked up the transmitter and was flying around no problem. I *get* how to control the helicopter. I just find it's so unstable, it's frustrating.

These small birds are VERY easily manipulated by the slightest breeze, the best option for you would be to sell your BCP and pick up a 400 class heli, they are much easier to fly. They cost a bit more, but with the times you crashed I bet you could have afforded one by now.

By the way, what model were you flying on the SIM, if you were flying a gasser, or even the Watt Not, those all are bad practicing heli's. You can download a model of the blade cp that performs just like the real one does.

Hi

That is not true. The stock Blade CP is actually quite sluggish in the air when it comes to the controls. I pretty much had the same problem that RLefebvre had until I put the bell hiller upgrade into my Blade CP, and now I can actually stay in the air for longer then 2 seconds.

-DELETE-

I have 4 bcps and love them...practice,practice and practice some more.I fly mine all over the place...yes they do fly

Huh... I was actually going to get a Kyosho Caliber 30, but decided to save some money just in case I didn't like helicopters. I guess it was a mistake.

I'd reccomend you sell the BCP and get yourself an ARK MX-400, they are a 400 class and you will find they are easier to fly.

I bought a Blade CP with my Ralph Bucks and crashed the heck out of it also. I put the BCP on the shelf and bought a Corona. MUCH better heli for learning on! You can crash it into the concrete from 4-5 feet and do NO damage. It is rock solid compared to the Blade. The Corona can use your RC car battery packs also and it likes to be heavy to learn on. I plan to get good on the Corona and then pick up the BCP again. Good Luck!

Phil

I bought a Blade CP right after Christmas. It was my first attempt at flying an RC helicopter. Within two to three weeks I was flying it without the training gear. I followed Radd's School and was very patient. The trick is to limit yourself indoors unless there is no wind outside, at least until you get comfortable with it. The Blade CP can fly in slight wind, but it is tricky. Part of what makes the Blade CP hard is that it doesn't have a Heading Hold gyro, so you constantly have to control the tail. I recently bought an MX400 Pro, and it is much easier to fly and more stable. It still reacts to the wind, but is easier to control. But keep in mind the gyro on the MX400 costs half what your entire Blade CP cost.

Learning to fly the Blade CP will make you a better overall pilot.