(Nitro) Gas RC helicopters -
a higher level of rc flying

Flying (nitro) gas rc helicopters is ultimately very rewarding but the complexity and costs often dissuade beginners from this section of rc flying, especially since electric rc helicopters have become so affordable and easy to fly in recent years.

Proper multi-channel gas powered rc helicopters 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.

Having said that though, gas rc helicopters such as the popular and much liked Thunder Tiger Raptor V2 are intended as entry level models, as well as being capable of advanced 3D aerobatic flying.
The term 'entry level' may sound odd given the seriousness of gas model 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 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 that Raptor has a massive learning curve.

Another example is the JR Venture, pictured below.
The Venture has similar flying qualities to the Raptor and is also very popular with beginner heli pilots.
The particular model shown is the '30' size ARF version helicopter, which means the helicopter needs assembling, and the radio gear and engine would need to be pruchased separately. An ARF rc helicopter kit is a great way of getting to know your model a bit more than just how it flies; not a bad idea given the complexity of these models.

Given the higher prices of gas rc helicopters, it's good if you don't have to upgrade to a better model once you've learned to fly, and both the Venture and Raptor 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 more than valuable when choosing a suitable model, and talking to as many experienced model helicopter pilots as possible is the thing to do if you can.

Of course, 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; being able to hover, fly backwards, inverted - in fact do pretty much anything you want - is a great achievement for anyone!

If you're seriously thinking of learning to fly gas rc helicopters, you should consider buying a rc flight simulator.
The initial investment will soon pay for itself; remember that rc helicopters can crash the same as rc airplanes can, only when they do it can be a lot more expensive and messy!

Helicopter radio gear

Radio control gear for gas powered rc helicopters is not the same as for airplanes, in that they need to be slightly more complicated and are generally 6 channel.
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.

Basic heli sets such as the JR 6102 heli set (shown below) are very suitable for the beginner (JR is one of the top radio gear manufacturers).
Indeed, the JR 6102 is a good choice for your first time heli radio set if you're buying an ARF helicopter kit, and also as a more advanced one when you need it, without the need to upgrade.

RC Helicopter reading

Great sources of information are rc helicopter magazines, such as Rotory Modeler. This is certainly one of the top publications for rc helicopter enthusiasts.
Handbooks are also worth having and can be another invaluable source of information - 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 choose to go down this road.

The Thunder Tiger Raptor, one of the most popular gas rc helicopters, is available from RC Discounts.

Related pages & resources

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

RC helicopter controls - a basic look at how a model helicopter is controlled.

How helicopters fly - read how these machines stay in the air.

Gas vs electric rc flying - the fundamental points to consider.

Heliguy.com - plenty of friendly & helpful advice and tips for beginners and pros.

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