Learning to fly Radio Controlled (RC) internal combustion (IC)  Helicopters competently can take some time and initially what you need is a reliable well built kit, set up to an exacting standard and well maintained. There are numerous kits available in 30 size, 50 size, 60 size and 90 size. When starting out a 30 or 50 size are more commonly chosen as replacement parts are cheaper than the larger size models and are less intimidating when being flown. The transmitter has to have a 'Heli mode' which usually means one of the more expensive computer variety. The 50 size is most popular because when your skills improve and you want to learn 3D flying these helis can cope with the power and agility requirements without

Hirobo Sceadu 50 Evolution Kit

having to purchase another helicopter kit. There is quite a lot of' 'setting up' for a heli to fly correctly and there is somewhat of a learning curve for the potential pilot here. As always I would suggest going down to the flying field and talk to people who fly helicopters or use the internet (links provided below) and specialised models shops. Bear in mind that model shops want you to buy the equipment from them and can only sell you what they have in stock. It is highly recommended that you join a Club to learn to fly so talk to the members who fly them!!!!  When building your chosen model follow the instructions implicitly and ask for help if required.

Thunder Tiger 50SE Kit

Electric helicopters are another alternative and due to the increased capacity and development of batteries they are now a viable option. You can buy very reasonably priced kits complete with transmitters, and a loy are already set up to fly.  Not much more needs to be purchased to get fully airborne! The only drawback is that these helis are not as stable in the more windy conditions. The big advantage is that you can practice in your back garden if it's big enough ! There are fully aerobatic electric helis available but you would then be looking at paying about the same price as a 50 size IC Model.

Twister 3D - Electric

When building your helicopter the instructions will guide you through the necessary link lengths, belt tensions, bearing placements etc so read them carefully and do exactly as stated on the sheets as this will help to ensure a model that flies well. Any modifications can be made by the 'test pilot' prior to the first flight. Do not attempt to start the engine (IC) if you are a newcomer to the sport you will either damage the clutch or worse crash the helicopter......be warned Don't do it! There is quite a lot of checking to do before it can be test flown, free movement of links and bearings, correct sense of servo's and gyro, pitch and throttle settings etc. Contact one of  the pilots prepared to train you for help and advice in the information/Learn to fly link.

For learning to hover / fly any reliable engine with a suitable muffler is good enough. However if long term you are looking to perform aerobatics (as most of us want to!) or extreme 3D maneouvers (which we dream about) you will need a powerful engine which is further 'tuned' by a special pipe to cope. You will also need a high content of nitro-methane fuel to give it the 'kick' desired. There is no way of giving any advice here apart from saying that you check out what others at the flying field are using in their helicopters. There are some informative web site links below that are worth having a look at. The engine on the left is suitable for most 50 size helis and offers a lot of power / torque.

OS 50 Hyper SX

To fly aerobatics and 3D you would also have to give consideration to the type of main blades used, paddles, set-up  and other things. If you by a decent 50 size helicopter, Raptor 50, Scheadu 50 etc these are all up-gradable to full spec 3D flying, but at a cost. If price is no problem GO FOR IT from the start.

If there is a market for a product then generally there is plenty of choice and it's the same with Radio Gear. I cannot advise you which is the best as I haven't tried them all so the choice tends to be one driven by your pocket and desire. There are certain functions that are required and others that are desirable and most Heli computer sets will have everything that you need to start with at a reasonable price. Ask what type others are using at the flying field, research the model shops/websites as full kits (5th servo included) can be obtained. Re-chargeable batteries and charger will be included.

Assuming you are now drooling over your newly built helicopter and completed all the tasks within the instructions you will now want to see it flying and try it yourself. There is some other kit you need like the training stand shown on the right. The helicopter is fixed to the top of this by means of strong elastic bands and offers some protection when learning to hover and the inevitable 'hard' landing (believe me, it will happen !!!). This you must acquire yourself from the beginning. Your will also need FUEL.

Electric starter

• 12v Lead Acid battery
• Electric Starter (and Hex start shaft, depending on model)
• Fuel pump
• Power Panel ( and lead to connect to glow plug)
• Something to carry it all in

Once at the field with all this equipment a complete check is required before anyone attempts a flight. Once set up the opportunity for you to have a try at hovering has come. It might be that a buddy box arrangement has been set up with the trainer pilot or maybe he will stand at your side whilst you hover a few inches off the ground. Watch out for the brown adrenalin.

Fuel Pump

Hex-start

Power panel

Over the next few weeks you will spend your time hovering, with help from the trainer, but it is a solitary process. This must be mastered before any further progress can be made. A great boon to learning helis is to buy a Flight Simulator for your PC. There are numerous ones on the internet and model shops and possible on eBay. I use the Reflex XTR which I find excellent, see if you can try one before you buy. Note:  It must be compatible with the transmitter you have purchased.

Midland Helicopters

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Revolution Models

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Skyline Models

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