| Radio controlled helicopters can provide hours of fun | | | | expect, more channels means more variables to tune. |
| both indoors and out. Model helicopters can be found in | | | | The single biggest difference between the entry level |
| many types and sizes, so you are sure to be able to | | | | and advanced helicopters is that the basic models |
| find one you can enjoy that won't break your budget. | | | | have fixed pitch rotors while the fancier choppers |
| Toy helicopters can usually be radio controlled | | | | offer variable pitch. Some mini or micro RC helis come |
| (abbreviated RC) from a distance of 100 ft, which is | | | | with just 2CH controls and these are the only |
| approximately 30 m. This gives plenty of room for | | | | helicopter models that just have 2CH. I suggest 3CH |
| leisurely flying inside your home or aerobatic | | | | for novice radio control pilots. I advise 4CH for |
| maneuvers. With so many kinds to choose from, how | | | | intermediate pilots and suggest that pilots not attempt |
| do you select one that is right for you? There are | | | | to fly 6CH radio controlled helicopters until they have |
| several major considerations, apart from price. These | | | | gained some experience flying a 4CH model. |
| are: | | | | 3. Power source. Most ready-to-fly radio controlled |
| 1. Size matters. The smallest mini or micro sized radio | | | | helicopters are powered by electric motors with |
| controlled helicopters can fit in your hand, while larger | | | | rechargeable batteries, but nitro gas models can also |
| ones are a couple of feet in length. The micro RC helis | | | | be purchased. Nitro gas is otherwise known as glow |
| are wonderful for indoor flying, but can be hard to use | | | | fuel. Nitro gas powered models have the drawback of |
| outside except in gentle winds. Of course, big | | | | being a bit louder. They also emit a gas trail and some |
| helicopters are hard to use indoors. Before purchasing, | | | | people think the little plume makes them look cool. The |
| you should think about where you plan to use it. Ideally, | | | | main advantage of nitro vs. electric is that you can |
| of course, you can get two: a small one for indoor | | | | simply add more fuel to a nitro helicopter and resume |
| flying and a larger model for outdoor use! | | | | flying, while an electric model needs to get its battery |
| 2. Maneuverability. The speed and maneuverability of | | | | recharged first. All the cheapest helicopters are |
| helicopters varies greatly among models. Helicopters | | | | electric, so at the lowest price point you won't have a |
| with more advanced control systems are quite | | | | choice but to get an electric helicopter. |
| powerful and can be used for aerobatics. However, | | | | 4. Special considerations when choosing for children. |
| these are also much more challenging for novice pilots | | | | Simpler 2- and 3CH radio controlled helicopters do still |
| to handle. Since radio controlled helicopters with | | | | require some patience to learn how to fly and hover. |
| advanced controls are inevitably more expensive, | | | | For this reason, smaller children may be happier |
| crashing these is also more costly. | | | | receiving toy trucks or boats as presents rather than |
| A quick way to tell whether an RC helicopter is | | | | helicopters until they are a little older. Flight time is |
| designed for novice, intermediate, or advanced level | | | | another consideration. The cheapest models of radio |
| radio control enthusiasts is to examine its transmitter | | | | controlled helicopters may only fly for 5-8 minutes per |
| system. Is it 2-, 3-, 4- or more-channel? As you might | | | | battery charge. |