WELCOME TO SMALL ROTORS

www.smallrotors.co.uk

FIRST TIME BUYER

So You Want a Helicopter
1. Before you invest any money at all on a heli its well worth buying a dedicated magazine such as Rotorworld, Model Helicopter World or if you are into fixed wing aircraft as well R.C.M. & E.
   These magazines offer a wealth of information and advice although the first time buyer might find themselves a little out of their depth, however they will give you an insight into the world of R/C Heli's.
2. If you have never flown before you just cannot do better than buying a co-axial (contra-rotating twin blades).
   These heli's are very stable in flight due to their rotor configuration, but they don't fly themselves you will still need to practice. I personally love these little helicopters they are just so much fun to fly.
3. If after flying your co-axial for a while you feel you want to advance to a more conventional looking heli you have to decide between fixed or collective pitch.
   I personally think fixed then collective but if you are on a limited budget then collective pitch will be your best option although the learning curve is slightly steeper.
4. There are a variety of RTF (ready to fly) heli's available so choosing one is relatively easy; ask at your local model shop for advice they should be happy to help you, if not find one that is.
5. This brings me to the question of buying from the internet.
   Now I am not going to say that you shouldn't, but it is a mine field for beginners, the prices are lower than a shop but if you are not careful you will end up with one that you cannot get parts for or a cheap imported imitation of a branded heli.
   YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!
6. So you have your heli, a large enough garden to fly it in, it is a calm day with no wind and you are about to take your first flight. Have you got your training undercarriage fitted (yes), have you turned your Tx on first and then your heli, have you ran through your pre-flights checks to make sure all servo's are working, are you ready to take your first flight !!!
   Well go on then and come back when you have finished.
7. Now you probably know why it is better to buy from a model shop because if you are quick you may be able to get down there and find the spares you now need.
   To some degree I am joking but in the first few weeks you will have accidents and need quite a few spares, there are crash packs available which contain the parts most likely to break, it is a fact of life with helicopters I'm afraid.
   Experienced or beginner every-one who fly's them will crash on occasion, if you find some-one who say's they have never crashed then I guarantee they have never flown either.
8. As a hobby helicopters can be an expensive business but with thought and care the cost can be minimized you just have to use your head.
   Also once you get bitten by the heli bug it is amazing how many of them you can accrue over time especially when you start building your own.

Happy Flying and Safe Landings

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