Q: I am an experienced R/C airplane pilot, how do I get started into R/C helicopter?
A:
It is common for entering airplane pilots to think helicopters are intimidating. However they are actually quite similar. I recommend for beginners to first gain experience on a flight simulator to learn the controls of a helicopter. Unlike airplanes where many times you can fly it on ailerons and elevator, helicopters must be flown with all control at the same time (cyclic (aileron & elevator), rudder, pitch). This may sound difficult, but with practice, it's no different than learning to fly an airplane. Once you have some experience with the controls of a helicopter, you can move into selecting a helicopter. We recommend for beginners to start with the Align TREX 450XL. It is easy to assemble and most importantly the prices are inexpensive. It was told many years ago when you crash a helicopter that you will be spending hundreds of dollars and many hours to fix it. With the TREX that is not the case. You can expect to spend no more that $50 dollars when you crash and about 30 minutes to about 2 hou rs to repair. However don't be fooled to think that the parts are cheap. Align takes special care into making their parts with precision and all moving parts are supported with ball bearings. Lets go into what items you will need to get started into R/C helicopter.
Hitec HS-56HB servos (3) for cyclic and (1) for rudder
Gyro (Futaba 401)
Battery - APEX 2100 15c 3s or Align 2100 16c 3s
Radio - minimum of 6 ch. computer radio that is compatible for helicopters. Needs to have CCPM mixing. Most computer radio today is capable of that feature. Radios (JR 9303 or Futaba 9CHP)
Radio - minimum of 6 ch. computer radio that is compatible for helicopters. Needs to have CCPM mixing. Most computer radio today is capable of that feature. Radios (JR 9303 or Futaba 9CHP).
