Thursday, September 17, 2009

Radio Controlled Helicopters Getting Started Made Easy

By Nick Roerts

Radio controlled helicopters are a lot of fun and flying them is a very popular hobby; even more than this, there are also R C helicopter competitions. RC planes have been flown competitively for some time now but a helicopter is a whole different ball game.

If you're just getting started, then the best thing to do is to pick up an inexpensive electric powered RC helicopter which is made with indoor use in mind. This way you'll be able to build some skill with RC helicopter flying before taking on the challenge of competitive radio controlled helicopter flying.

Electric helicopters are the best choice for beginners, since these are easier to maintain and are less costly. An electric helicopter is also far quieter than is a gas powered model and they are easier to control as well. However, there is a trade off in terms of shorter flight times for electric helicopters, with two hours being needed to recharge the battery following each flight.

Some of the new technologies that do make the RC helicopter easier to fly, is the new streamlined mainframe and boom of the helicopter, which helps it to do all the hardest maneuvers, from flying upside down and flying backwards. Another technology is the double blades that are the secret to the R C Helicopters stability and flight control, because the blades spin in different directions at the same rate of speed.

There are inexpensive RC helicopters which feature fixed pitch blades. These blades make for a smooth flight, even if you're a beginner with these exciting models.

You may need some additional equipment, depending what kind of radio controlled helicopter you opt for. Electric RC helicopters usually include everything you need in the kit, but you'll probably want to pick up some extra batteries so that you don't have to sit out on the fun while you recharge.

If you'll be flying a nitro gas powered RC helicopter, you will need to get fuel and you'll want to have a supply of rags handy to wipe up any spills. You'll certainly want some extra blades no matter what kind of RC helicopter you select, so that these can be replaced if they are damaged.

Beginning radio controlled helicopter pilots often wonder whether they should go for an electric helicopter or one which is gas powered. This is a question which only you can answer both types of RC helicopters have their own advantages and drawbacks.

More experienced RC helicopter enthusiasts tend to prefer gas powered models, saying that these provide an experience which is closer to that of flying a real helicopter. Gas powered helicopters do provide users with a quick refueling process, so that you can get back to flying very quickly; however, the gas for these helicopters can be a little expensive.

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