A Guide for Beginners (Helicopters)
Heli Flying at GMAC
Getting Started
Flying model helicopters is a fun and challenging hobby! Arguably, it takes more skill to fly a heli than a fixed-wing aircraft, and some R/C clubs insist you start with “plank-flying” (as heli pilots like to refer to fixed-wing aircraft) before you try helis. There’s a lot to be said for this approach, but GMAC does not have this requirement.
All the advice provided for fixed-wing models is very relevant to rotary-wing models (helis), so we suggest that you go back and read this if you skipped over it!
Simulators
A computer R/C simulator will help your heli (and fixed-wing) flying enormously.
They will save you lots of time, money, building, and frustration and are absolutely a must for heli flying.
Without a simulator, you might spend years just hovering and/or re-building your model! You should be able to comfortably hover a helicopter on the flight simulator before even attempting this with a model.
In fact, you should be very comfortable doing any manoeuvre on a simulator before attempting it “for real”.
A simulator is the best first investment you should make, even before buying a model and transmitter.
And … simulators are fun!
The Heli
There are many different makes and models of helis available, and there’s no “right” choice for your first model.
Probably the best is a good entry-level model that is flown by a number of people at the club you’ll be flying at.
This way, there will be plenty of help and advice available regarding building, setup and maintenance.
Come down to the club and check out what others are flying, and ask lots of questions!
Internal Combustion (IC) or Electric Power (EP)
This is very much a matter of personal preference.
Of recent years, batteries and motors have improved to the point that EP is preferred by many, and overall are cheaper, quieter and cleaner than IC and with far less chance of having a “dead stick” (engine cut-out while in flight).
Glossary
Refer: www.heliguy.com/nexus/glossary.html
