Helicopter ??

Hey all

How do you use the Helicopter Collective or is the a Stick for that you can purchase?? I haven't seen any. I just got a huey but cant fly it.

I use the control column for the cyclic, and the throttle for the collective. I set the collective the opposite way to a real helicopter, so that forward increases power, just like a Harrier!

Yes, you can use the throtttle s a collective, then if you want to go more serious into flying helicopters, you can buy yourself some dedicated controls. There is a decent choice now of helicopter controls manufacturers for PC, here is just one that I am using now: https://shop.microhelis.de/UH-1D-Control-Parts_1

But you also have complete kits like https://pro-flight-trainer-com.myshopify.com/collections/control-full-sets that are also nice.

I'm not sure I understand using the throttle, I can see using the throttle to increase speed or RPM but how do you get the lift/rise of the helo??

The throttle needs at least two axis, one for collective control (rise/fall) and one for the engine throttle. You set the throttle once and then use the collective as the engine governors will take care of fuel flow.

If your throttle only has one axis, use that for collective and use keys for the throttle, like in the KA50, Pgup/Pgdn.

ok I kinda got it figured out now just to stop from spinning. LOL

That’s when you need a rudder axis as well. Lol. Or use your keyboard (which would be crap I’m sure)

Once you go to helicopter controls you will not willingly go back. I have the Pro Flight Trainer Puma and prefer it even to the warthog hotas

The RPM control is not the most important. Once your engine is warm enough, you are basically pushing the RPM to 100% and leave it here until you shut it down (because you landed or because your engine is on fire). So you can live with page up / page down for the time being.

The collective on the contrary is something you will fiddle with constantly and having a dedicated axis is mandatory, along with the cyclic and rudder.

As has been said generally other then start and shutdown you do not use throttle, the engine is governed to maintain RPM within a certain RPM band.

The collective controls the angle of attack of the main rotor and hence the lift it provides although there is a lot more to it then simply lift in flight.

If you do not have pedals you'll want to get some it will make flying the sim that much better as well you might find a cyclic will add more to the immersion of the sim.

If your handy with basic woodwork, metal work and soldering you could roll you own or go down the path of purchasing prebuilt gear.

And VR is awesome for helicopter flight.

Here is some ideas for rolling your own.

Oh by the way welcome to the light side of flight simming :D