Gas RC helicopters (glow/nitro) -
a dying breed?

Flying gas rc helicopters is ultimately very rewarding but the complexity and costs often dissuade beginners from this demanding and serious sector of rc flying. Incidentally, the term 'gas' is a generic one that can cover all IC (internal combustion) types but this page talks about the most common type, glow plug or 'nitro' powered helicopters.

The popularity of such helis has waned in recent years as electric rc helicopters have become increasingly more available and easier to fly; the brushless/Li-Po revolution has seen many gas heli pilots convert to electric power, and many stores have simply stopped stocking gas helis because of this!

But if your heart is set on learning to fly a gas rc helicopter, then it's important to understand that they are serious business and you need to be very aware of just what is involved both in terms of cost and learning to fly one before you jump in with both feet.

There are glow plug powered helicopters such as the popular and much loved Thunder Tiger Raptor V2 that are suitable as entry level models, as well as being capable of advanced aerobatic flying. The term 'entry level' may sound odd given the seriousness of gas rc helicopters, but if you do want to fly these models without progressing up the electric helicopter ladder first, then an entry level gas helicopter is certainly what you need!
The Raptor can be seen below:

The Raptor V2 is one of the most popular gas rc helicopters flown by novice pilots, and is renowned for its stability and 'flier-friendliness' in the air. But of course, even an entry level helicopter like the Raptor has a very steep learning curve.

Another option is to build your helicopter from a kit and this is no bad idea at all. Having to assemble the helicopter will teach you much more and you'll be a lot more familiar with how everything operates; building and setting up a gas rc helicopter is a complex process but ultimately very rewarding and satisfying.

Browse some unassembled gas rc helicopter kits.

Given the higher prices of gas rc helicopters, compared to electric ones, it's good if you don't have to upgrade to a better model once you've learned to fly, and a helicopter such as the Raptor V2 will let you go on to more advanced maneuvers without that need to upgrade.
Having said that of course, advice sought from a local model flying club will be invaluable when choosing a suitable helicopter, and talking to as many experienced model helicopter pilots as possible is the thing to do.

If you already fly rc airplanes then you will obviously have an advantage in learning to fly helicopters, because you will already have gained the reactions needed and developed the necessary co-ordination between eyes and hands. But it is important to understand that gas powered rc helicopters do require a much greater level of concentration and respect, and the guidance of a suitable instructor should be a priority - although I do know a few guys who have taught themselves to fly their rc helicopters to a very high standard.

However you learn, flying gas rc helicopters is a massive achievement and will reward you with a great deal of fun and exhilaration, and if you reach the dizzy heights of 3D helicopter flying then you've truly made it to the top!

Important tip: If you're seriously thinking of learning to fly gas rc helicopters, you should really consider buying an rc flight simulator. The initial investment will soon pay for itself; multi-channel rc helicopters are harder to fly than airplanes, and more expensive to replace!

RC helicopter radio gear

Radio control gear for gas rc helicopters is not quite the same as for airplanes, in that they need to be slightly more complicated and are generally 6 channel or more, 7 being typical. But as with everything rc, it's not necessary to buy the 'all singing, all dancing' radio system that will cost you a months salary.
There are some seriously over-complicated radio sets out there, and choosing one that suits your needs, yet allows for potential changes of model without having to upgrade the set, is a good plan.

Recently the newer 2.4GHz rc technology has come in to play, and if you're now at the stage of having to purchase a new rc system, one of these is definitely the way to go. Of course, the majority of modern computer-based transmitters cater for helicopter and airplane programming functions but if you have no interest in flying planes then a helicopter-specific transmitter will be the better choice.

An example of a moderately priced radio set suitable for helicopter pilots is the Spektrum DX7, shown below...

See some other suitable heli radio sets.

RC helicopter reading

Aside from the internet, rc helicopter magazines are great sources of regular up-to-date information. Rotory Modeler is certainly one of the top publications for rc helicopter enthusiasts.
Handbooks are also worth having and can be another invaluable source of reference to keep on the shelf - below are a couple of examples both available from Amazon:

Radio Controlled Helicopters by Nick Papillon
"In this updated edition, the author provides a guide for newcomers and others interested in new developments in the design and manufacture of radio controlled helicopters..." (customer review extract). Read more

The Basics of Radio Control Helicopters: Everything to Know from Start-up Aerobatics by Paul Tradelius
"This book is very well setup and organized for the beginner in mind. It does not assume that you know everything..." (customer review extract). Read more

Flying gas rc helicopters may well be a step or two above rc airplanes, but the rewards are great if you do choose to go down this road. There are still plenty of gas heli pilots around, but numbers of gas helicopters being sold have definitely decreased since electric ones have appeared on the scene.
But if you do want to help keep this (potentially endangered!) sector alive, don't jump in lightly - be sure of what you're getting in to, and definitely look at getting an rc flight simulator first!

Browse some gas rc helicopters here.

Electric rc helicopters - read about some of the more popular electric helicopters.