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Getting Started In Radio Controlled (rc) Helicopters
By Robert A Phillips

If you've had a brief look at radio controlled (RC) helicopters and think that they look like fun but are definitely too complicated to really try, think again. Yes, it's true that radio controlled helicopters can be challenging, but it can also be a very rewarding hobby to have. Today's modern electronics and easy to put together kits have made it much easier than in previous years to get started in radio controlled helicopters.

Getting started with a simulator

There are several simulators available on the market, the best of which is probably the Real Flight G4. This windows-based program plugs into the USB port on the computer with an interlinked transmitter. Take a look at www.realflight.com to see how it works.

This simulator lets you learn how to fly several different models of radio-controlled helicopters before you go with the real thing. (Airplanes and sailplanes are included in this program, too.) It's a good way to practice without having to crash a number of your own models when you're just learning (which, of course, can be expensive). This will cost you about $200, and even though that seems expensive, remember that a good radio controlled model is going to cost you at least $50 per crash, likely. That means, you can learn to your heart's content for about $200 instead of having to crash perhaps numberless models (which could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars long term) while you learn.

Choose your model: nitro or electric?

If you're just getting started, you might want to choose a lower cost model first. Some of the best are included from Compass Model or Esky, and can all be purchased from most online and store front hobby shops. The lower cost versions start at round $100. If you want to try something simple, a model called the Esky Lama is very simple and stable, with a coaxial design that can be flown in the living room so that you don't even have to go outdoors.

When you're ready to get a little more inventive, you can choose Compass Model Knight 50 Sport, which starts at around $300. The Compass Model helicopters are some of the most durable models on the market today. However, don't try this one until you've had a little experience and have had some practice with a simulator at least. Preferably, you should have been learning how to fly with another lower cost model first.

Electric micro-helicopters come as both "almost ready to fly" or as kits. If the module is "almost ready to fly" (ARF), then the airframe is largely assembled. If you start with the kit, it's completely disassembled and you'll start from scratch. Some companies will build a model for you for a price, although of course the fun of flying helicopters includes building them yourself once you get some experience with them.

Going electric

With an electric helicopter, you'll usually be working with an electronic speed control, motor, helicopter transmitter, servos, battery packs, gyro, and charger. In addition to your kits, you'll need tools like an Allen wrench and screwdrivers, although you can also buy tools specifically meant for your model along with your kit.

Going nitro

Nitro is a bit different than electric because they're a bit larger and the internal combustion engine is what drives it. They are easier to work on than their electric counterparts and are usually much more stable than electric models. You can choose

from 30, 50, 60 or 90 sizes. The 30 and 50 have almost identical airframes, with the 60 and 90 using almost identical airframes as well.

Which model is best for me?

If you're just learning, choose a 50-sized model; again, the nitro is larger and easier to work with, so makes a good "beginning" helicopter, and it's also more stable than electric. In addition, once you become more adept as a pilot, you can truly do 3-D aerobatics with this type of helicopter. If you want to keep within a budget, choose a 30-sized model to start, although you'll want at least a 50-sized model for the aerobatics. If you're going to stay entirely away from aerobatics, then a 30 is both economical and enjoyable.

Equipment

Choosing your transmitters, servos, gyros, main blades, tail blades, paddles and field equipment:

Transmitter

You need a transmitter that handles at least six channels; the new "Spread Spectrum" systems from companies like Futaba operate on 24 GHz and don't affect other radio systems. This means you won't have to worry about interference from someone else in a nearby field. You'll probably spend between $300 and $500, but you literally never outgrow it can use it forever. Seven channels may be best, because this has features not found on six channel models.

Servos and gyros

Servos are electronic devices that turn electrical signals to mechanical action (your car has them, too). Different models will have different requirements for servos, which are made by speed and torque. For radio-controlled helicopters, these control the tail rotor pitch, the throttle and the swash plate. Most electric helicopters will need four servos: three to control the swash plate and one to control the tail rotor pitch. In general, you'll use three identical servos for the swash plate and one high-speed digital rudder servo in addition. They start at about $25 for small electric helicopters, or about 40 for nitro models.

You also need a gyro to control the tail rotor. The most popular of these is probably the Futaba GY401, with matching servo S9254. You can get the servo and gyro together for less than $200.

Main Blades, tail blades and paddles

Every radio-controlled helicopter needs blades; some kits have them, and for some, you'll need to buy them separately. Use wood rotor blades if you just starting, because they're a lot less expensive to replace. These are among the first things that break when you crash, which is common when you're just starting. Fiberglass blades are common, but carbon fiber blades are more popular now that they have become more affordable, too. These can also usually handle all 3-D maneuvers. Then there are a few new products to the market manufactured by KBDD. They currently make a number of high performance tail blades and dampeners with soon to be released blades and paddles. They make the composite plastic blades that everyone thinks is carbon, as they are so durable.

Field equipment

If you choose a nitro helicopter, you'll need field equipment that consists of a glow igniter, fuel pump, starter wand and starter motor. There are all-inclusive kits sold that can start a 30 to 50 sized helicopter easily.

Conclusion

Learning how to fly helicopters can be very challenging and rewarding. It certainly takes some skill in getting used to, but once you've mastered it, it's truly a fun and addictive hobby.

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