Gas RC helicopters -
a dying breed?
Flying gas rc helicopters is ultimately very rewarding but the complexity and costs often dissuade beginners from this demanding sector of rc flying.
And in recent years electric rc helicopters have become increasingly popular, and 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.
Having said that though, helicopters such as the popular and much loved Thunder Tiger Raptor V2 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 popular example is the JR Venture, pictured below. The Venture has similar flying qualities to the Raptor and is also very popular with beginner rc helicopter 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 purchased separately. But an ARF rc helicopter kit is a great way of getting to know your helicopter 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, 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 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 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!
Important: 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; remember that rc helicopters can crash the same as rc airplanes can, only when they do it can be a lot more expensive!
Helicopter radio gear
Radio control gear for gas rc helicopters is not 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 new digital 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, a spread spectrum one is definitely the way to go. A popular choice for helicopter pilots is the Spektrum DX7 Heli, shown below...
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!
Related pages
Electric rc helicopters - read about some of the more popular electric helicopters.
Coaxial rc helicopters - the most stable helicopters available.
RC flight simulators - the safest way of learning to fly an rc helicopter.
RTF rc helicopters - what to expect with a Ready To Fly heli.
RC helicopter controls - a basic look at how a model helicopter is controlled.
Thunder Tiger Raptor - overview of a popular entry level gas helicopter.
JR Venture - another popular example.
How helicopters fly - read how these machines stay in the air.
