OH-58 How to transition from AI hover to pilot controlled forward flight

[drandall]

I like using the AI copilot to manage my hover while I work the sensors and weapons, but whenever I take back control the helicopter immediately begins to drop, even if I raise the collective above 100% and hold the cyclic forward to gain momentum. This is a significant problem if I'm close to the ground. I'm curious if this is normal or if I should be doing something different. Any thoughts welcome... 

[GrEaSeLiTeNiN]

Does seem to sink a little even when matching the AI's control indicators (save the pedals which do not show). Should be seamless at least at point of handover before moving the physical hotas (unless maybe if "Synchronize cockpit controls with hotas" was selected in the Misc options). I also noticed the animation of the cyclic and collective do not reflect the flight commands to the AI. Maybe there is some disconnect there. Might wanna check at their discord since PC is mostly absent here.    

Edited September 19, 2024 by GrEaSeLiTeNiN

[TFS]

Are you using the flight controls indicator? If this is happening with you matching them something else is going on. I used to use the indicator and it was smooth as butter coming out of a hover, now I've gotten used to it rather enough that I can come out on my own easily.

For me I'm never near 100% collective ever, so coming out collective is usually around 50% and I bring it up slightly after getting controls, pedals are using slightly right pedal, and cyclic just offset low left from center, or high left and center depending on alititude and wind speed. 

[drandall]

I've never used the FCI because it takes away from the immersion for me. But I will bring that up and see if it helps to identify what I'm doing wrong. Thanks. 

[drandall]

So, I brought up the FCI, got up to about 150 feet, manually stabilized a near-hover, then commanded the AI copilot to perform hover. At this point the cyclic and collective controls were very close in the FCI, but the pedals seem to default to the center position. Matching that obviously doesn't work. But when I take controls (with normal left pedal adjustment) the helicopter seems to naturally sink several feet before I can get any forward movement to counteract it. It's a real issue when I'm close to the ground. If I come across a solution, I'll post. Thanks again for the help.  

[LazyBoot]

6 hours ago, drandall said:

helicopter seems to naturally sink several feet before I can get any forward movement to counteract it

why do you need forward movement to counter this? shouldn't you be able to just add more collective?

[drandall]

I was a bit remiss in not thinking about "weight" sooner. After performing some tests with different payloads, I realized that I was simply carrying a bit too much - even though I was below maximum takeoff weight. Lesson learned... 

[=475FG= Dawger]

In my experience in the KW, the AI pilot can do things a human pilot cannot. 
 

So be careful operating at heavy weights and/or hot weather.