What do I need to get started?

Make no mistake, Radio Controlled helicopters are not simple machines and you will require a lot of patience and preferrably some help from an accomplished model helicopter pilot to achieve success.
Having said that you can get some practice in without even going near the flying field! How?...... There are a lot of very good model flying simulators on the market now and for around one hundred pounds you can practice those initial hovers on the PC in total safety and you won't break the bank when you crash!

Anyway enough said, here's what you need to spend your hard earned cash on:

The helicopter!
Bet that surprised you! There are many different makes of model which come in all shapes and sizes. More on this by clicking on the link opposite.

A Radio System
Basically the radio is the device that controls the helicopter. The radio system comprises of :
Transmitter
Receiver
Servos
Batteries

Again there is multitude to choose from and there is more detail on the link opposite.

Gyro
What great little gadgets these are. In a nutshell they stabilise the tail by counteracting the torque of the main rotors and also wind conditions.Again click on the link opposite for more info.

Engine
Obviously we need something to power the helicopter and this will depend on on the helicopter that you choose. Again click on the link opposite for more info.

Exhaust/Muffler
Yes we have to buy an exhaust as well. Again there are different flavours of these, some providing extra power, some quieter than others etc. Click on the link opposite for more info.

Support Equipment

Well that's the helicopter itself sorted. What you need now is the support equipment to get the machine started and keep it in the air!

For example:

Starter Motor
This is must unless your machine has a pull starter or is electric.

Glow Plug Battery
Before the engine will start it needs to be "lit" by passing an electric current through it. This at a low voltage (typically 1.5 to 2 volts). This can be done by a purpose made clip on rechargeable battery or by a commercially available "Power Panel".

Fuel Bottle and Pump
You will need a fuel bottle and some form of fuel pump to get the fuel in to the tank in your helicopter. Fuel pumps come in both electric and hand cranked varieties. This one is down to personal choice.

Tools
The following list is fairly typical of the tools that you would require to build, setup and maintain your machine:

• Set of Hex drivers (Allen key drivers)
• Pitch Gauge to set the main rotor blade pitch.
• Glow plug spanner to remove/replace the glow plug. (yes they do burn out!)
• Ball link pliers. This by far the best tool for removing the ball linkages without damage.
• Set of Philips screwdrivers. Most screws on the machines are philips head so these are a must.

Oh! nearly forgot, please do not fly your machine for the first time without the aid of an experienced model helicopter pilot. He will check the machine over for you and make sure it is in safe state to fly. Also do not fly without insurance!! In the UK this can be obtained from the BMFA.

Finally, if you do decide to take up this hobby, I can assure you that you will find it fascinating and rewarding and who knows maybe I will see you at the flying field for a bit of craic!!!