I’m not sure if there’s any RC heli fans out here but I’ve been, unfortunately tasked with purchasing an RC heli for a family member. The family wants to pitch in a favorably sized amount of cash for the gift but I have no frigging clue in regards to RC heli. Googling made it more complicated as there’s just way too much info out there. The basics seem 2, 4, 6 and 9 channel? Lower being more beginner and the 4 channel and up allows 3-D flights. And also something about coaxial, fixed pitch, etc. That’s about it. Some say buy a kit and build it yourself, etc.
The heli is for an RC heli fan but no experience flying one, although he’s always spoke about dedicating the time and effort to learn(he’s retired so needs the hobby anyways). There’s no local hobby store around here(there was but it seems it closed down). If someone knows of one around Milwaukee, WI, let me know (but I don’t wanna go into a hobby store blind either). Anyone wanna lay out some quick clif notes on the basics for me? Or link me a simplified forum/site to read(the forums I’ve googled are too compiled with info)
Edit: It seems I’m blabbering on and on so had to cut off quite abit, typing this on the go.
Before you do anything, go to www.experiencerc.com. They are the most knowledgeable and fun people I have ever met. They also have some mad skills when it comes to flying and sell everything from simple helicopters to 3D performance machines. They will help you pick the right one. Sweet deals too. You can’t go wrong with them!
The quickest learning curve is any coaxial chopper 5 minutes your an expert . The super 3D normal looking machines with a main rotor and tail rotor are hard to fly for beginners . A crash will cost 5 - 60 bucks , there are stability sticks to practice hovering ( like training wheels ) without flipping over .
The eFlight Blade mCX2 is an easy to fly electric helicopter that is hard to break. If you do manage to brake it the parts are cheap. I used to fly mine around the house chasing the cats. It is very stable. If you plan to go outside flying when there is more than just a breeze I would go for a bigger helicopter with more power. The electric helis are getting very popular.
Ideally your friend/family member should start off simple. If he wants to fly a bigger helicopter he should join a local club where they can help him learn.
A Realflight R/C simulator for the computer would be a good idea. They come with a helicopter controller that is similar to what he would use when flying his kit. Best part about it is that crashes when flying on the computer don’t cost a thing in repair parts, and he can fly all winter.
I used to VERY actively fly RC planes and helis. This is in the pre-electric days, maybe up to about 1998 or 1999. Very actively.
My experience is that if you’re going with a gas (actually methanol and nitromethane plus oil for 2-stroke) heli, it would be a huge mistake. They are complicated to set up well, and are not friendly to the novice pilot. I had a number of years of planes before trying to even hover one, and that one was bought used from and set up by an expert friend. When they’re flying like an airplane, the controls and behavior are very similar. But that whole landing thing, not tipping over, not catching the tail rotor on the ground, don’t run out of gas and have to auto-rotate to a landing … crashes are costly and time-consuming. The expression goes: “airplanes are for people who love to fly; helis are for people who love to tinker.”
There are some co-axial models and electrics today that surely are better suited - but that still doesn’t make the whole learn-to-fly thing easier; just cheaper.
Good luck. The rate at which people actually stick with it is very low - it’s usually money spent quickly, then interest eventually peters out.