Helicopter handling

[Montie]

So it might be me, but I feel that helicopters handles very weird in MSFS 2020 and are very unstable. The handling in previous sims, FS9, FSX and P3D was (maybe not as realistic) more enjoyable.

I am wrong? Or is there any tips on how to fly them in MSFS 2020?

 

[RobM]

Are you using any of the helicopter assistances in the Control assignments? They may not make helicopter flying very realistic, but IMO they make helicopters a lot easier to fly than in FSX or P3D, especially if you don't have a dedicated Collective..

 

[Daube]

I've been using helicopters back since FS9 or earlier... Helicopters in MSFS are anyways more stable than the default Bell 206 we had since FS9
The trick is having your controls setup properly, about the response curve and sensitivites. It might be a bit too sensible at first.
I'd suggest you to train with the freeware H-135, which is certainly one of the easiest ones in MSFS.
The Cabri is quite uncontrollable for me, too light and too nervous. The fact that I use the twist axis of my joystick instead of a real set of rudder pedals doesn't help for sure...

 

[collensr]

Must admit i have tried and failed on all helo flying. I have watched a ton of tutorial video's on control assignments and have downloaded "make it easy" mods but I'm still rubbish!

 

[Victory103]

Stock ones do even with controls set up and bound. The SimFocus 407 improvement mod is a must have if you want to continue with the B407, changes the helo completely and gives you a limited autopilot. I do recommend the HPG 135, but given HPG used external FM changes if feels too stable to me, along with the H160 (great modern helo). The Flyinside B206 brought me back to the those early flight school days of learning to hover, moving every control in harmony to keep it stable. Having fun in Taog's UH-1, easy to trim.

 

[heywooood]

if helo's are a problem - watch the video

 

[Dangerous Beans]

One thing that helped a lot for me was to put two small zip ties on the softest spring for my Saitek X56. makes it loose enough so it still centres if I let go of the stick but it takes very little effort to move it.

 

[Wing_Z]

Most models have trim settings, which take much pain out of the middle part of the trip.
The helo heroes have pedals and collective etc which I suspect would improve the experience.
I fly them with a twistgrip joystick which requires a little (!) practice.

Best tip I have had: when approaching to land, look at the horizon, not the landing pad.
Current favourite is the Cowansim MD500: nimble, accurate and responsive.

 

[Killbilly]

I struggled mightily for a while, but I'm actually pretty good and enjoy flying them now. Practice, for me, was the key. Also, as Wing_Z mentioned, rudder pedals help a great deal.

 

[falcon409]

I've been using helicopters back since FS9 or earlier... Helicopters in MSFS are anyways more stable than the default Bell 206 we had since FS9
The trick is having your controls setup properly, about the response curve and sensitivities. It might be a bit too sensible at first.
I'd suggest you to train with the freeware H-135, which is certainly one of the easiest ones in MSFS.
The Cabri is quite uncontrollable for me, too light and too nervous. The fact that I use the twist axis of my joystick instead of a real set of rudder pedals doesn't help for sure...

I concur with your suggestion of the H-135. My go-to helicopter and I also use a Thrustmaster twist grip for control and TrackIR for maintaining visual awareness especially when landing in tight spots, like a Hospital Helipad.

 

[Montie]

Thanks everybody for your input. I will practice more.