| Remote control helicopters take the RC hobby to a | | | | Keep speeding up and slowing down that way, coming |
| level all by itself. | | | | a bit closer to the ground on each slow-down action, |
| Many of the airplane models have gliding capabilities, so | | | | until you finally contact earth. Do this on a few flights, |
| if you lose power you at least have an opportunity for | | | | and you'll master the art of landing an RC helicopter in |
| making a smooth landing without damage to your toy. | | | | short time. |
| Helicopters are more difficult to control during the | | | | Practice is the key to expert piloting of remote control |
| landing even when you still have full handling power | | | | helicopters, and during that practice you'll likely crash a |
| with the remote. Come down too hard with these | | | | few times. Use the learning technique above, and you'll |
| hover craft, and you'll break something. | | | | get the least amount of damage to your aircraft from |
| If you lose power at altitude your aircraft crashes into | | | | those impacts. |
| the ground, and your only option is hoping the | | | | Another thought is get a learning experience before |
| breakage is minimal. | | | | you even send your helo into the air. Get yourself a |
| Don't let that keep you from enjoying the sport of | | | | flight simulator, and practice first on it. You'll get some |
| radio control helicopter flying though. If that branch of | | | | virtual experience at piloting helicopters that way, and |
| the hobby attracts you (and helo flying is particularly | | | | the simulator will teach you smooth landing control. |
| intriguing isn't it?), start with a learning phase before you | | | | My recommendation is a flight simulator that includes |
| fly those expensive models. | | | | programs for both radio control helicopters and |
| Make your first helicopter an inexpensive one. Look for | | | | airplanes. |
| the lightweight, tough bodied choppers designed for | | | | That way you learn to pilot all types of aircraft, and |
| withstanding hard landings. Look for a training model for | | | | later have the opportunity for expanding your remote |
| your first time buy. | | | | control avionics collection. |
| Learn controlled landing techniques for helicopter flying, | | | | Many RC aircraft manufacturers provide basic flying |
| and practice them until you build your skill level. One | | | | lessons with their models too. I know most of us don't |
| idea for the beginner is landing with a hopping method. | | | | like following directions, but these instructions sweeten |
| As you come down use the main rotor speed control. | | | | your flying experience. |
| Accelerate to slow down the decent, back off the | | | | Learn the remote control flying basics up front, and |
| speed to lower the craft, speed up again to slow the | | | | you'll have a whole lot fewer crash and burns. |
| drop rate. | | | | |