Gas RC helicopters (glow / nitro)

- suitable for beginners?

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

The popularity of glow plug powered helicopters has waned in recent years as electric rc helicopters have become increasingly more available, affordable and easier to fly. The brushless motor/Li-Po revolution has seen many gas heli pilots convert to electric power and many stores have simply stopped stocking gas rc helicopters because of this.
But that's not to say that such helicopters are a dying breed; IC helis will always have their place and their loyal band of followers, just like IC planes will. But it is fair to say that electric rc helicopters are more popular and 'more accessible' to the masses.

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

Fortunately for the newcomer there are glow plug powered radio control 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 Thunder Tiger 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 and is a very serious radio control model aircraft.

While the Raptor is available in RTF (Ready To Fly) form, another favourable option is to build your helicopter from a kit or buy an ARF (Almost Ready To Fly) one. This is no bad idea at all because having to assemble the helicopter will teach you much more about it and you'll be a lot more familiar with how everything operates.
Building and setting up a complex rc helicopter is an involved process but ultimately very rewarding and satisfying, and if (when) a crash happens and you need to strip down your heli and replace parts, you'll be that much more familiar with the process having built it in the first place. It's a fact that the majority of IC helicopters are sold in kit or ARF form, there are actually very few RTF ones out there.

Browse some 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.

Learning to fly gas RC helicopters

If you already fly rc airplanes then you will have a slight advantage in learning to fly an rc helicopter in that you will have already gained the reactions needed and developed the necessary hand-eye co-ordination. 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; one on one instruction is by far the best method of learning to fly your heli.

Learning to fly on an rc sim A radio control flight simulator such as the excellent Phoenix sim is highly recommended especially if you can't find an instructor or experienced rc heli pilot to teach you. Modern day sims like Phoenix (shown left) are excellent training aids and almost essential for learning to fly a complex collective pitch helicopter from scratch.

And on the topic of learning to fly a radio control helicopter, have a look at the Beginner's Guide To Flying RC Helicopters ebook; primarily covering electric powered helicopters it will give you a solid base of knowledge for any power type radio control helicopter.

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!

RC helicopter radio gear

Radio control gear for complex collective pitch helicopters is not quite the same as for airplanes in that it needs to be slightly more complicated and is 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 and budget, yet allows for potential changes of model without having to upgrade the set, is a very 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 is a realistic option.

An example of a moderately priced radio set suitable for helicopter and airplane pilots is the Spektrum DX8, shown right. It's what I have and is a very good quality transmitter with all the programming needs you can think of, plus a few more!

Browse more heli-suitable radio sets.

RC helicopter reading

Besides the internet, handbooks are worth having and can be another invaluable source of reference to keep on the shelf - below are a couple of examples:

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

Use the search box to the right to check out more rc helicopter books and magazines at Amazon:

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. Just be sure of what you're getting in to and research everything well prior to handing out any cash!

Browse some gas rc helicopter kits.

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