How to Fly RC Helicopters

Follow these steps to learn how to fly RC helicopters. The majority of single rotor collective pitch RC helicopters crash and burn within minutes after their first flight or are forced to sit in a virtual graveyard in the garage because frustrated users have lost interest. Learn how to fly your RC aircraft so it never happens to you.

1. First: Set realistic learning goals

   You are not going to expertly fly a single rotor collective pitch RC helicopter minutes after you remove it from the box. While ambition is commendable, that is an unrealistic expectation. Pace yourself; every time you take your helicopter out, take small steps. Watch your skill level increase over time with patience.

2. Second: Stay until you master

   It could take days to weeks to learn how to fly a RC helicopter. Each lesson builds upon the next, so it is advisable that you do not move on to the next lesson unless you are confident and comfortable with the step you just learned. Focus on understanding the lesson rather than the time it takes you to learn it. People learn at different paces.

3. Third: Go with the proper rotor diameter

   Part of learning how to fly a RC helicopter is purchasing the right model. Buy a helicopter that has a rotor diameter of at least 600mm. A small size is difficult to control and see if you are flying circuits. If cost is an issue, a 400 mm sized helicopter is a compromise. You are not giving up that much stability for the decrease in cost.