Radio controlled or RC helicopter differ from other helicopters on its construction, aerodynamics and the fuel used. RC helicopter trainers have the opinion that it is the most challenging type of radio controlled model and its complex nature asks for 100% concentration while operating.
RC helicopters work similar to ordinary ones so controlling it requires great experience. Budding helicopter pilots should learn how to fly it before using it for own purposes. It is not a difficult task; one can easily learn to fly forward, backward, sideways, hover and do all kinds of aerobatics. Training sessions and practice can make a pilot expertise in flying RC helicopters. Once you have proper training sessions, then you will love to fly.
There are battery powered and gas powered helicopters. Gas powered helicopters are big and will fly long distances and great heights. Some of the popular models include Syma S108G Marines Mini RC helicopter, KA-52 Alligator Micro RC helicopter, Syma S111G US Coast Guard Mini RC helicopter and Viefly V568 Black Hawk Mini RC helicopter.
Different parts of RC helicopter:
The engine- Engine of most of these helicopters are similar to a 2-cycle aircraft glow engine. Motors used in each type of RC helicopter will be different from other, so starting methods will also be different.
When some models come with a pull start method, certain other models have a cone start system. In cone start system an electric motor will be used to start the engine. Another model uses an electric starter and a belt for starting the aircraft.
Gyroscope – This is an electro mechanical device that help in semi-automating the response of the tail-rotor. In RC helicopters gyroscope can be seen between the receiver and the servo that controls tail rotor blade pitch. A sensor in the aircraft will measure the unnecessary yaw in the aircraft by correcting the tail rotor pitch. All models have gyroscope and it makes flying easier.
Radio– A specially designed radio system that has many electronic functions is used for such helicopters.
Servos and battery pack – if you are planning to buy a helicopter then should think about servos and battery pack. Choose servos that have output shafts, because bushing servos are easily susceptible to wear outs. In a helicopter minimum 5 servos and one gyro is used. Battery pack up that comes with helicopters is standard 600 maH pack. You can also consider a pack in the 1000 to 1200 range for a better performance.
Tools – Aircrafts have electronic and mechanical parts. To assemble it different types of tools are necessary, like screwdrivers, nut drivers, ball drivers, wrenches, piles etc. Another important tool is ball link pliers. In helicopters this tool is used in removing and adjusting of linkages.
There are two types of aircrafts, one that have collective pitch and another that doesn’t have. Most of the them are collective pitch models. In a collective pitch model the rotor head has a number of moving parts, and this makes it more expensive. However, RC helicopters that have a collective pitch and an electric starter are the best buying option. You should check the working of the motors, gyroscope and the capacity of battery pack before buying them. Battery pack within in the 1000 to 1200 range will give an improved performance. But its cost will be slightly higher than the normal one. It is better to select RC helicopter that don’t have many bells and whistles. Additions will always make helicopters operation more complex.
