🚀 go-pugleaf

I am new to R/C and plan on getting started with an electric helicopter. I
have heard about how tough helicopters can be to learn to fly, but I have
always been interested in them, so I figure I'll be more likely to carry on
with the learning process.  I also like the convenience and lower noise of
electric, so I decided to start with them. I figure I can also switch to gas
powered latter if my interest continues.  So I would like to ask a few 
questions to see if I am thinking straight on this project.

1. I figure a good first step is to join the AMA and check out the local
	hobby shops for clubs with helicopter owners.

2. A helicopter with collective pitch vs. fixed pitch seems to be the best
	way to go in the long run.

3. Because of #2, I figure I need at least a 5 channel radio. There seem to
	be ones made specially for helicopters. What is special about these
	and can be they be used for planes too (thinking about the future)?
	I have thinking of the Futaba 5NLH with S133 servos or Airtronics 
	VG6H with electric servo package. Any recommendations? 

4. Because I am going electric, I have read that I need special servos and
	other items, like speed controls. It seems like this is really just
	related to what goes in the helicopter and not the radio. So, can the
	radio then be used for gas powered models?

5. I have been surveying the various R/C magazines and found the following
	electric helicopter models, any recommendations. 

	A. Hobby Lobby: Hughes 500 (fixed pitch)

	B. Century: Asonic EH-550

	C. Kalt: Whisper
	
	D. Kyosho: Concept EP

6. Is it worth spending the $180.00 for the trainer stands?

7. General question, what are the extra channels in 8-10 channel systems used
	for with any R/C model?

You can either Email or post. Hope to hear from you Helicopter pilots and 
thanks in advance.
--
Alan Bair             		AMCU DSCS
Motorola, Inc.            	    (Design Software &
Mail Stop OE-320		     Computer Services)
6501 William Cannon Dr. West	
Austin, TX  78735-8598          abair@parsons.sps.mot.com