I just started helicopter lessons this week
. Going to PPL(H) only, but completing the CPL(H) exams. I already hold a CPL(A) and have a fair amount of experience as an Aircrewman in the military, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience of flying a helicopter myself.
I expected it to be very hard, and I have heard that fixed wing pilots often have trouble transitioning. So I studied the theory, watched the intro videos and practiced the co-ordinating actions (raise collective, left pedal etc.) to gain as much knowledge as I could before I started.
It was awesome! I HAVE THE BUG!
Just listening to what the instructor told me and understanding the theory, I picked it up quickly. I hovered, full control, in my first lesson- no bulls
t. It wasn't pretty, but it was reasonably stable and I had full control. The flight controls in an R22 seem a little more sensitive than those in a Pitts Special.
Fixed wing pilots don't know what they are missing out on. Those of you who do this for a living (except those who get shot at) are very, very fortunate
.