| Flying a remote controlled helicopter or RC helicopter | | | | inexpensive version, particularly if you are going to be |
| as they are referred to by hobbyists, can be | | | | using this with your child. Keep in mind that the less |
| challenging and exciting. This hobby is not just child's | | | | expensive the unit the less durable they are and the |
| play; in fact some versions of these remote controlled | | | | more like a toy they are likely to be. The less |
| flying machines can be so technical and advanced that | | | | expensive units will entertain you for a while, but they |
| they would entertain and enthuse even the most | | | | wont handle rough landings very well nor will they be |
| mature of flight enthusiasts. These devices are a great | | | | capable of advanced maneuvers. |
| way to teach coordination and responsibility. | | | | If you re really interested in getting into the hobby of |
| While RC helicopters are obviously a hobby device | | | | RC helicopters than you may want to purchase a |
| they do offer the ability to gain an understanding of the | | | | hobby grade copter. These units will typically run into |
| principles of flight. These remote controlled units can be | | | | the several hundreds of dollars. However if you are |
| very complicated and are not advised by small | | | | after the best possible flying experience then these |
| children. If you want to purchase one of these devices | | | | more expensive units may very well be worth the |
| for a child then perhaps you should consider enjoying | | | | extra expense. |
| the experience with them. This could include having | | | | There are RC helicopters that use different sources |
| them watch you operate it ad may b e a bit of a | | | | of power. Some models are powered by electricity |
| navigator suggesting where you should fly it. | | | | and will require a battery pack. These units tend to be |
| As the child matures you can further their level of | | | | able to provide a decent speed for short intervals but |
| responsibility and allow them to slowly learn to operate | | | | will not last long without the batteries being replaced. |
| the con trolls. This can be a great way to build a | | | | Rechargeable batteries are a good idea and you may |
| stronger bond with your child; it provides you with | | | | want to carry an extra set of them just to keep you |
| interaction that you might not experience together via | | | | going. |
| other means. The child will look up to you and desire to | | | | Some of the more expensive RC helicopter models |
| learn to fly it the way you do, and you can be proud of | | | | will use gasoline rather than batteries. Gasoline |
| them as they mature enough to handle the helicopter. | | | | powered models are able to fly for longer durations; |
| There are many different price levels, skill levels and | | | | they can also be easily refueled and kept running. |
| technical ability of RC helicopters. When you are | | | | Obviously these units will be more expensive than |
| considering thee hobby you should decide how much | | | | battery operated models. You may also want to |
| you are willing to spend. Chances this will be affected | | | | consider between fixed pitch and collective pitch |
| by your budget and the amount of time you anticipate | | | | versions, the collective pitch versions are the hardest |
| to have to spend using the helicopter. | | | | to learn to fly but are the closest simulation to the real |
| You may want to start with a more simplistic and | | | | thing. |