Flying radio controlled Helicopters is more difficult and challenges the flying enthusiast in more ways than a radio-controlled airplane does. You need to put in a lot of practice but the rewards are worth the effort. Most pilots or beginners prefer to train on a simulator or seek an instructor to learn flying. Radio controlled helicopters are expensive and nobody would want to risk a crash on their maiden flight. It is recommended that beginners check out the helicopter ground school to learn more.
Radio controlled helicopters are available as 'full kit' in which very few parts are assembled and in kits with almost 90% or more parts assembled. Some kits have the helicopter assembled excluding only the radio and the engine, while other kits have the engine, gyro and radio assembled. It is recommended that you look for a package deal that includes the radio, engine and gyro, as this is the best setup for a beginner.
Nitro gas powered remote controlled helicopters make a very realistic sound and are preferred over electric powered ones. Also the nitro-powered helicopters can be flown for longer durations; all you need is to fill in more gas. On the other hand electric powered helicopters will fly for 8 to 10 minutes before loosing power. You need to have an additional pack of batteries or have to recharge the batteries.
The only advantage the electric powered helicopters have over the nitro gas fired helicopters is that they are super quiet. In case you intend to fly often in areas that have noise restrictions then the electric powered helicopter is the best option otherwise stick to the nitro gas powered model. The Mini Electric RC helicopter is ideal for indoor and year round flying.
The Reflex XTR 'Next to Reality' Flight Simulator or Radio Control Dave Brown RCFS 2001 Flight Simulator is a cost effective way for beginners to learn to fly a radio controlled helicopter. Crashing model helicopters is an expensive proposition and flight simulators will pay for themselves in the first 30 seconds of use. Simulators closely mimic the real conditions and helps new pilots learn how to react to the controls.
Some people want to get started with the real thing and are not interested in simulators such people should consider the .30 size radio controlled helicopter as it is relatively inexpensive along with the repair kits.
Some models, which are recommended for beginners, are Dark Knight RC Electric RTR Helicopter, Radio Control * Thunder Tiger Raptor V.2 RTF Helicopter 49 BB Pro Mod Engine-TTR 4839-A11. These helicopters are belt driven and are more precise than helicopters that have torque rod driven tail rotors. Performing 3D maneuvers is easy with belt driven tail rotors.
Start with the Raptor 50 model and when you have gained some experience try the Radio Control*Thunder Tiger Raptor 50 High Performance Helicopter Kit w/ Engine- TTR 4851 K 11 which is slightly bigger and expensive. It has a larger rotor disc; parts are compatible with the Raptor 30. it is more powerful and has a real cool muffler. However the Raptor 50 is worth the investment. |
