Hours of fun that can be yours so very easily with RC Helicopters.

Thanks to the 1968 mastered mechanics of Swiss Professor Dieter Schluter, the earliest form of a remote controlled helicopter was introduced then perfected by others over the years. There are mini remote controlled helicopters that fit in the palm of ones hand and helicopters as large as fifty inches long and over sixteen inches high or more; with some being designed for indoor use and/or outdoor use. The smallest remote controlled production model helicopter made is the Picooz Extreme MX-1 which is infrared controlled, not radio. The next smallest is the standard Picooz helicopter.

Keen recommendations have stressed the importance of practicing indoors with a smaller remote controlled helicopter to get a confined, controlled feel for the fun activity being embarked upon and then escalate to the outdoors for the excitement that a remote-controlled helicopter brings. The exception to this would be the indoor use of any non-electric remote controlled helicopter as toxins could be hazardous; if not marked on packaging, find out if the helicopter you are choosing is constructed for indoor/outdoor use or has any restrictions.

Small helicopters need a four-channel radio that includes throttle, elevator, aileron and rudder, while collective-pitch models need a minimum of five channels with six being most common and include the throttle, collective pitch, elevator, aileron, rudder and gyro gain. There is normal interaction of the various control mechanisms so advanced radios include adjustable mixing functions.

To ensure a high level of safety, there are five key rules: first make certain to have a pre-flight tight hold over the blade grips with a clear, unobstructed path; next check that the helicopter is equipped with working parts by performing a pre-flight check; use electric helicopters only indoors; exercise special precautions when flying at night or in the wind; practice beforehand on a simulator. Following these rules will ensure optimal safety.

Power sources for remote-controlled helicopters could be electric, nitro or gas/petro powered.

The electric form of power is battery-operated and very quiet; the larger the helicopter the larger and more expensive the battery. Still provides hours of fun no matter the size or cost.

Nitro powered helicopters are generally much larger than the electric run helicopter; they are extremely noisy and very easy to refill with fuel.

The small amount of gas/petro powered helicopters marketed are quite large and designed solely for an expert; utilizes either a gas turbine engine or petrol engine.

Designs of helicopters come in the form of toy electric, electric coaxial, electric fixed pitch or collective pitch.

Toy electric helicopters are dynamos perfect for the beginner; one downfall to consider is in the difficulty expended to replace parts if the helicopter is damaged.

Electric coaxial helicopters can be described as the easiest type of helicopter to learn to fly largely attributed to their impeccable design; can be flown either indoors or outdoors.

Unlike the electric coaxial helicopter, the lightweight electric fixed pitch helicopter has very few moving parts and is more prone to crashes; best used indoors or outdoors in light breeze.

With collective pitch, a key benefit is the rotor being constant providing varied lift; advantages over a fixed pitch are better control response with abilities to auto rotate and fly inverted.

Using a nitro collective pitch remote-controlled helicopter is best left to a pro familiar with the mechanics of a spinning rotor; it's large size and weight aid in their ease of flight but again, not for a beginner.

To hone in or maybe perfect a remote controlled helicopter hobby that is certain to bring hours of fun, consider finding a national/ international organization or local flying club.