RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS
Paul Tradelius 4620 Barracuda Dr., Bradenton FL 34208
This issue of Model Aviation is dedicated to the new entrants to the hobby, or even to those who are thinking about joining but have yet to take that first step.
Helicopters and their related equipment are rather expensive, thus restricting the number of potential fliers; I'm always saddened to hear of someone who purchased a helicopter and failed in his or her attempt to fly it. Most people work for a living, and they deserve to have some sort of hobby to make it worthwhile. If you are new to helicopters, or thinking of trying them, I have a few ideas to make your modeling experience more enjoyable.
Getting started
- Read what you can in this magazine and in others, and consult the books available to get as familiar as possible with helicopters and related equipment. You will get a better idea of the differences in helicopters, engines, and radios, and you will be able to form a better initial opinion of the type of equipment you would like to have. I have written a book, The Basics of Radio Control Helicopters, which should be available at a local hobby shop — it should help the novice get off on the right foot.
- Visit the local club flying field to see what helicopters and equipment other people are flying and what they recommend. Flying similar equipment is nice because other fliers can answer your specific questions better and keep you from encountering the same pitfalls they did.
- If possible, use the same brand radio as other club members, especially if it supports a "buddy box." An instructor can take over when necessary, which will pay off when you start flying circuits.
- Hopefully there will be several modelers willing to give personal instruction and recommendations. If the group is fairly large, there is a good chance that one or more fliers will have a personal computer (PC) with a helicopter flight simulator that a newcomer could use to practice hovering.
Local fliers should also be able to recommend a nearby hobby shop where you can get a first-hand look at models and radios that fit your budget. Don't overlook used helicopters at the hobby shop or individual models that are well taken care of; they provide many years of service, and many are available just because the owner wants to try something new. If you are not familiar with the model or the person selling it, get a second opinion from someone you know so you don't buy another person's problems.
Choosing equipment and setup
I recommend that you get the best helicopter you can comfortably afford; it will probably last longer and give you better service than cheaper models. When you decide to sell your aircraft there will probably be someone willing to purchase it at a reasonable price.
The helicopter you purchase must be set up properly for a novice to fly. Before you attempt to start the engine, get one of the local fliers or the local hobby shop to make sure it is set up correctly. After basic hovering instructions (and installing a wide set of training gear), keep the helicopter close to the ground as you practice. If you can hover at six inches, you can hover at six feet, but it's more difficult for the helicopter to sustain damage if it hits the ground from six inches.
Simulators, training, and club support
Once modeling interest is sparked, having access to a PC and a flight simulator is a great way to keep that spark alive. It's amazing how quickly the younger generation adapts to using computers and how PCs improve hand-eye coordination. If club funds are still available after purchasing a simulator, you could approach your local hobby shop and purchase another one; it could be kept at the hobby shop for customers of any age to use to improve their flying skills, which could generate more business.
If there is enough interest in the community, it may even be possible for your club to spring for a used trainer helicopter. Although most children cannot afford to purchase one, they may be able to do odd jobs to at least pay for fuel, which would give them a real sense of accomplishment and keep their active minds involved in an educational and enjoyable hobby until they can afford a helicopter of their own.
Promoting the hobby in your community
There are several projects that modeling clubs (helicopter or fixed-wing) or individuals could take on to promote flying:
- Participate in a local mall show. Mall shows are popular throughout the year, and a club table with models on display could generate interest in both young and old.
- Address local Cub or Boy Scouts. Young minds are receptive to new ideas, and your talk may spark an interest in aviation that will last a lifetime.
- Use surplus club funds to subscribe to several modeling magazines for your local public or school library — good reading material for those who show an interest in modeling.
- Provide access to a flight simulator at a hobby shop to encourage practice and bring customers into the shop.
- If feasible, provide a used trainer helicopter for community use so youngsters can learn responsibility and gain experience.
It wouldn't take much effort from each person to ignite the spark and change a life for the better.
A personal note
I was born and reared in the heart of New York City, and I saw my first model airplane at the age of five. Shortly thereafter I was drawing and designing airplanes, which led to my enjoyment of math and sciences, school, a degree in aeronautical engineering, and an exciting 23-year flying career in the Air Force. I retired several years ago, and now I fly the big airplanes for US Airways. I have often wondered where life would have taken me if I had not been introduced to modeling at such an early age.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
