How to Fly an RC Helicopter - A Quick Lesson

One step above toy is the hobby version RC Helisforward movement, or a basic direction change.
that comes with a 3 to 4 channel remote control. TheyNow with a 2 channel you begin to notice the
allow for almost all types of flight with the exception ofhelicopter will fly in seemingly random directions. It's not
extreme acrobatics. The full capabilities only come outrandom at all, but very specific to the weight balance
with the 6 channel radio controlled models. This allowsof the helicopter and the blade angle. In a 4 channel
for full 3D helicopter movements that really push theyou control this balance with more control directions as
limits of what the helicopter can do.well as carefully managing the weight. On your 2
A true newbie should master one type at a time. Youchannel you need to test out different weights and
can lock out the controls on a 4/6 channel radio andpositions to find the right balance for the small copter.
make it into a 2 channel, however you don't want toExperiment, this will be good practice before you lift off
be flying a nice 5 channel capable heli in 2 channelyour 6 channel machine. With the right setup and
mode. It's too dangerous for a more expensive aircraft.practice you will be able to perform a good hover with
That said, if you are about to spend a couple bills on ayour 2 channel at different heights. You'll be able to
nice Walkera 6 channel copter you want to know howdescend to a hover and take off to a hover just
to fly a 2 channel first and then a 3 channel. So goinches above the ground while keeping the body in
ahead and grab them all together. You'll have that niceplace with the tail rotor.
pretty one in the corner that you will be thanking meNow the only difference between the 2 and 3 channel
for while you smash the $20 one into the wall. Theyis the ability to move it forward on command.
don't break too easily since they are small andYou can then direct the helicopter around the room
lightweight. You might still break one if you get a bitand land on certain areas and fly around obstacles.
over excited though, but not to worry. They are easilyThat simply takes a bit of practice to accomplish but
and cheaply replaced. Another great thing about 2you can learn in one day, granted that you've learned
channel is they are 99% ready to fly out of the box.all the basics of a 2 channel.
So 2- channel helicopters have really only two controlsA 4 channel simply lets you also move backward.
and these are the first ones anyone has to master.Some are larger, and thus easier to hover, but are
These are Throttle and Rudder.going to require outdoors.
The throttle is the control that sends the motor powerMoving on to the 6 channel helicopters is a bit different.
to the blades. You always want smooth throttleThese are usually a lot larger and require outdoors for
control. Do not slam it to 100% throttle or you will loosesafety. The rotors spin very quickly. The trade-off is
control quickly. Practice slowly increasing throttle untilworth it since the acrobatics you can perform with
you see the helicopter lift off the table or groundthese are incredible and awe-inspiring.
slightly. See if you can "bounce" it gently on theThe sticks on a 6 channel will let you move them in
surfacemultiple directions at once - like a video game controller
The rudder comes into play so that you can directwith joysticks. You can then learn the inverse hover,
these machines a bit. With a 2 channel you don't haveloops, rolls and all full 3D maneuvering. The only real
total control but it can still be fun. The rudder will simplyway to learn those is with a simulator truly or with lots
control the rotation of the body of the heli with respectof preparation through practice and a good feel for the
to the blades. This will balance the heli and allow forhelicopter.