| A single-rotor R/C helicopter consists of a main and tail | | | | blades. Basic models of single-rotor R/C helicopters |
| rotor. The 2 rotors work together to control the | | | | have main rotor blades that do not change angle. This |
| stability and maneuverability of the helicopter. Many | | | | is referred to as Fixed Pitch (FP). On the on other |
| pilots who are proficient in flying a dual-rotor or coaxial | | | | hand, advanced types have the Collective Pitch (CP). |
| rotor R/C helicopters find single-rotor models a little | | | | Helicopters with FP cost much lower but slower than |
| different. Beginners are not recommended to start | | | | CP helis. |
| with a single-rotor model because of its complexities. | | | | Cheap ready-to-fly (RTF) single-rotor helicopters come |
| The pilot must have a complete understanding of | | | | with 'brushed motors'. More sophisticated types have |
| important aspects such as applying throttle to the main | | | | 'brushless motors'. This type requires a specific |
| rotor, maneuvering of the tail rotor, setting variable pitch | | | | electronic speed controller (ESC) that increases the |
| to the blades and many more. | | | | power and flight time significantly. Rotor heads and tail |
| A flight simulator is highly suggested before diving into | | | | assemblies are usually made of either plastic computer |
| your first single-rotor helicopter adventure. It will give | | | | numerical controlled (CNC) machined aluminum. Most |
| you the feel of an actual single-rotor experience | | | | professional aerobatic pilots prefer the CNC type |
| without the hassles and troubles of crashing. That will | | | | because it results to smoother and more predictable |
| definitely save you some money and time! Other | | | | flights if configured properly. It also enhances the |
| training apparatus and crash kits can also aid you | | | | helicopter's appearance even if it adds to some weight |
| during your first few flights. A training gear is a set of | | | | and cost. Other electronic components that may vary |
| equipment and supplies that is hitched up onto the | | | | are the following: gyros, radios, servos, and speed |
| landing skid to avoid severe damage. These are similar | | | | controllers. |
| to carbon rods with orange ping pong balls mounted on | | | | There is a website that has great information on RC |
| ends. Crash kits are basically spare parts readily | | | | Helicopters, the website is called: RC Helicopters |
| available in case of a crash or any other smash up. | | | | World, and can be found at this url: |
| Major parts and components: An R/C helicopter with a | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| single-rotor generally has either a belt-driven or | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or |
| motor-driven rotor tail. A belt drive gives superior | | | | on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety |
| control though an electric motor is less expensive. The | | | | and without modification except for formatting needs |
| tail rotor has the responsibility of preventing the body | | | | or grammar corrections. |
| from rotating against the directions of the main rotor | | | | |