Model helicopters, getting started with model helicopters

Model Helicopters
Model helicopters are fundamentally different to fixed wing models to build, and fly. Instead of PVA and balsa wood, you're dealing in bolts, bearings, metal & plastic. Flying one of these machines takes considerable skill and training. You will be working ALL 4 controls ALL of the time , especially challenging in a turbulent wind. A model helicopter is very rewarding to fly however, when you get the hang of it. A heli is even capable of inverted flight and some other incredible aerobatics.

Choose a simple training model helicopter to get started with. I started with a Mosquito Basic powered by an irvine 46 heli. Putting one of these together should present no real headaches. In fact it's an interesting and enjoyable process. The tools needed are nothing elaborate, your almost certain to have them knocking around the house. I used 4 channel aero radio control equipment in my Mosquito as I had it by me, but I recommend using a dedicated heli radio. Spend some time running in the motor before fitting it to the model as it's easier that way without the whirling blades. You may be thinking I can just take the rotorblades off when I run the engine in. Not a good idea as you can overrev the engine and break it, and there is still enough moving around to make it dangerous.

Here is my Moskito nearing the end of a rebuild. I can recommend these helicopters to those who want a machine to learn with. This lot is covered by a canopy when flying. To be honest with the Moskito Basic the cheap vac formed canopy was the one thing I didn't like about the model. The more expensive versions of the Moskito have higher quality ones though. Figures!

To the left is an example of what's in the instruction manual. This picture shows the assembly of the tail rotor setup. As you can see it's quite easy to follow. Only basic hand tools are needed to put one of these together.
The tail drive on the 'basic' is belt driven. This tends to break if you catch the tail rotors on the ground when flying and costs about a tenner to replace. It does act as a weak link in the transmission or the helicopter though, saving more extensive damage.

Support equipment needed for your radio control model helicopter is quite similar to what you would take with you if fixed wing power flying. Here's a list of the basics.

12v Lead Acid Battery of 6 Ah or more.
Power panel to divert this power to where it's needed.
Fuel pump if the power panel didn't have one built in.
Glow leads for your plug.
Spare glowplug.
Starter to spin your engine.
Fuel.
Fuel feed tubing with in-line filter.
Tools for model and engine. Including glow plug spanner.
Some Cyano(super glue) and Epoxy.
Don't forget your transmitter(Tx) as well.

Learning to fly helis

TIP SERIOUSLY consider a computer simulator for learning to fly model helicopeters. It's the cheapest & fastest way. One of these sims can be set up to behave like your chosen trainer heli. You can adjust turbulence and gyro rate. To start with you will probably be all over the place, but keep on pluggin away at it and eventually you will have learned enough to have a go on your actual model. What's more, when you have passed the training stage, a good simulator can get you flying advanced aerobatics like 3D.

TIP FIT A GYRO Essential for a novice who wants to keep on speaking terms with his bank manager.

TIP USE A TRAINING UNDERCARRIAGE These are cheap to buy and again are going to save you money and make learning a happier time. They have two benefits, firstly they make the machine much more stable on the ground. Your much less likely to tip over with one of these on your helicopter. Secondly it makes the machine much more visible in the air and really cuts down on the moments when your asking yourself "Which way is the D**N thing pointing now"

TIP GET THE CLUB PRO TO TESTFLY & TRIM THE HELI The first few seconds of flight for a previously unflown model can be a little exciting. You, being a rookie are going to have SERIOUS PROBLEMS trimming the model yourself if you've never flown one of the things before.

Make sure the engines run in before you even had it in the model. Bolt it to a bench with a propeller on it and run it as per the instructions that came with the motor until she's sweet as a nut.
If possible get as much assistance from fellow heli flyers as you can when learning to fly. Buddy box training is worth it, but keep in mind that things can get out of shape extremely quickly and the pro may just not have the time nor altitude to catch it for you before it craters itself.
When you are taking the model out for them first flights don't over do with the length of an individual flight. It's very demanding learning to fly a model helicopter. This applies even if you have trained yourself up on a simulator. If you didn't bother with the simulator then GOOD LUCK!
Just practice tail in hovering to start with, into the wind. Don't stand DANGEROUSLY close, and not to far away as you will not be able to see it properly. Something like 30 feet away would be about right, maybe a little more. When you are getting comfortable with the tail in hovering start sliding it about a little to the left and right, then back to middle. Still into wind and tail towards you. Gradually make these slides bigger with the helicopter increasingly side on. All this should be done at about head height.
Don't be tempted to nail the throttle and go belting around like it's a fixed wing aircraft to begin with, the crash induced will be a spectacular, but costly.
When you've got used to flying in the above way, you have a recovery position that you can put the helicopter in if your more adventurous manouvers get out of hand. If in doubt put it in a tail in hover.
Keep at it, with the model and your simulator and soon(ish) you will become an old pro.