RC Helicopters and Essential Tremor

by Dwain Mitchell
(Sun City West, AZ)

I have been considering the purchase of an RC helicopter. After reading through the information on this web page regarding set-up and flying, I am wondering if I really should try this because I have a physical problem known as Essential Tremor.
This problem mainly effects my hands and manifests itself in hands shaking. More sometimes than others. Are there any others out there that fly RC planes and Helicopters with this problem or should I just not try flying and "stay on the ground"?
Thanks for reading.

Comments for
RC Helicopters and Essential Tremor

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 29, 2008

RC Helicopters and Essential Tremor
by: Pete

Hi Dwain, sorry to hear about the medical condition. I'm no expert on such matters, but it is true that many rc helicopters are very sensitive to control inputs, so I guess it would depend on 1) what type of helicopter you'd choose and 2) just how severe the tremors are.
Co-axial helicopters, like the E-flite Blade CX2, are very stable and quite forgiving, and you may well be fine flying one of those. But a conventional single rotor helicopter is another story, they are unstable and very sensitive.
Have you looked at rc flight simulators? They are very realistic and will give you a good idea of just how you'd be able to cope with the real thing.

Mar 28, 2009

Essential Tremor
by: Catherine

Hi, I have Essential Tremor and on bad days I have trouble using the computer as my fingers take on a life of their own and hit the wrong keys. As you probably know there are many things which make the condition worse such as stress, temperature etc. plus the condition is progressive so in my personal opinion I think flying a helicopter would be a dangerous pursuit. If you want to read more on E.T I have a large website dedicated to the condition. www.essentialtremorinfo.com.

Click here to add your own comments