Radio Control: Helicopters

Radio Control: Helicopters

Paul Tradelius — 6704 Santiago, Fort Worth, TX 76133

This issue of Model Aviation is dedicated to the youth of our hobby and to helping the novice flier. In my last column I described some of the more interesting happenings at the Nats and briefly mentioned watching some of the other flying activities. It was particularly interesting to see a group of youngsters in the 10-to-15-year-old category participating in control line.

I'm not sure of the manufacturer or even which airplane they used, but they were almost guaranteed flying success with an easy-to-build, simple design that had a foam wing and an .049 engine. That made me think of my earlier modeling days and how they have directed my career and life.

I was born and raised in the heart of New York City and somehow was able to see my first model airplane at the early age of five. It wasn't long before I was drawing and designing airplanes, which led to my enjoying math and the sciences in school, a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and a 23-year flying career in the Air Force. I retired from that exciting career several years ago, and now fly for USAir. I have often wondered where life would have taken me if I had not been introduced to modeling at an early age.

Now that my two sons have graduated from college and are out on their own, I joined the Big Brothers and Sisters program to help a child who does not have a father. Although we do other things besides modeling, Joe and I have built and flown a handlaunch glider, an electric RC glider, and now he is learning about helicopters.

Unfortunately, helicopters are rather expensive for young modelers; therefore, we need to go a little more out of our way to introduce this fine form of radio control flying to the younger generation.

Introducing youth to helicopters

While the one-on-one relationship of the Big Brothers and Sisters program can help one child, much more can be done on a wider basis to kindle that spark of hope and desire in children who will soon come to the crossroads of either joining a local gang or staying in school to work toward a better life. We can all contribute to help these children make the right decision.

• See when your local school will have a Career Day or other similar activity. This is a perfect opportunity for you and your club to bring a few model helicopters — and possibly a video of helicopters flying — for the children to see.
• Take the names and phone numbers of those who show interest, invite them to your next fun-fly, and provide transportation if needed. Wouldn't it be nice to find someone looking for your friendship who could help you in building or repairing in exchange for a little stick time or other help getting started?
• Address a local Cub or Boy Scout meeting or set up a club table at local mall shows. These activities can generate interest in young and old alike.
• Use a small amount of club funds to subscribe to several modeling magazines in the name of your local public or school library to ensure good reading material is available.
• Provide access to a PC and flight simulator. The younger generation adapts quickly to computers, and simulators greatly improve hand-eye coordination.
• Ask your local hobby shop to pitch in toward a PC and flight simulator that customers of any age can use — this should also generate more business for the shop.
• If enough interest is generated, the club might consider purchasing a used trainer helicopter for children who show interest. Even if they can't afford a helicopter, they may be able to do odd jobs to pay for fuel. This program would give them a real sense of accomplishment and keep them engaged until they can afford their own helicopter.

It's unfortunate that the expense of helicopters and their equipment restricts the number of potential fliers. I'm always saddened to hear of someone who has purchased a helicopter and failed in their attempt to fly it. We all work for a living and deserve a hobby to make our working life worthwhile.

Tips for new helicopter fliers

If you are new to helicopters or are thinking of trying our hobby in the future, here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Read widely. Read this magazine and others, plus several books on modeling. Reading will acquaint you with differences in helicopters, engines, and radios, and help you form a better decision on the type of equipment you want.
2. Visit the local club flying field. See what helicopters and equipment are flown and what the fliers recommend. It's helpful to use equipment similar to what others in the area use because they can answer your specific questions and help you avoid the same pitfalls they had while learning.
3. Use the same brand radio as the other fliers, especially if it has a buddy-box feature. This will pay big dividends when you start flying circuits and an instructor needs to take over.
4. Seek personal instruction. Hopefully several modelers will be willing to give you guidance and recommendations. If the group is fairly large, there is also a good chance someone will have a PC with a flight simulator you can use to practice hovering in a threat-free environment.
5. Get a first-hand look at models and radios at a recommended hobby shop to find options that fit your budget.
6. Don't overlook used helicopters from hobby shops or individuals. Well-maintained used machines can provide many years of service. If you're not familiar with the helicopter or the seller, get a second opinion from someone you know so you don't buy another person's problems.
7. Buy the best helicopter you can comfortably afford. It will likely last longer, perform better, and have better resale value.
8. Have the helicopter set up properly — for a novice. Before you attempt to start the engine, have a local flier or the hobby shop ensure it is set up correctly.
9. After basic hovering instruction and installing a wide set of training gear, keep the helicopter close to the ground as you practice. You can hover at six inches or six feet, but it's very difficult to hurt the helicopter at the six-inch level.

I hope I have helped provide some ideas and motivation to help others who have not yet had the opportunity to enjoy modeling. It may cost your club a little time and money to get started, but isn't this a great project for the entire club? Even if it costs you some time and money, big dividends can be gained by making this world a better place.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.