The Inside Loop - 2009/12
RC helicopters
It won't take a long look at the cover or the contents page of this issue to see that there's a theme going on: RC helicopters. I'll admit I'm a little unusual here, because I know there are Free Flight modelers who have experience with automatic-flight helicopters.
I know! It's almost unbelievable that somewhere out there stick-and-tissue models with rubber motors can impersonate a Bell JetRanger or another cool helicopter. But they exist, and they're really neat.
This magazine caters to aeromodeling and to the people who enjoy the activity. That includes both rotor- and fixed-wing models.
The International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) brings the success of the RC helicopter and its supportive community together once a year for the Jamboree. We are honored to host this event in Muncie, Indiana, at your International Aeromodeling Center.
Why coaxial helicopters are good for beginners
The advancement of helicopters is just as amazing as the evolution of the airplane. Still, one thing shocked me recently that I (and maybe you) never believed would happen: today, when someone asks my recommendation for a first RC model, I recommend a helicopter. Gasp!
I fly both RC airplanes and RC helicopters, and this recommendation didn't come as an overnight epiphany. Considering the needs and facilities of the modern aeromodeler, the electric-powered coaxial helicopter offers real advantages to someone completely unfamiliar with RC.
Remember: an airplane always needs airspeed to fly, and it covers a lot of ground compared to a model aircraft that can lift off vertically. An airplane is always moving, so a pilot must, at some point, make an input to avoid obstacles or to prevent flying out of range. That's a lot to manage for some people.
The modern twin-rotor helicopter almost needs no adjustment (when correctly trimmed) to stay in one spot. With only throttle (collective) control, a beginner can practice taking off and landing. The neat part is that the RC student enjoys the relaxing pleasure of learning one flight control at a time—and with that, they often get to solo sooner.
With very little practice, the student can get comfortable working the throttle and holding the helicopter at a steady altitude. This is when the smile starts to come back.
Next, rudder (tail rotor) control is introduced. This is where students get used to looking at the helicopter in different orientations. Imagine that: using the rudder on the second lesson. All of this learning can be done in the comfort of a climate-controlled room while winds outside gust 20–30 mph.
This is the part I like best. The coaxial helicopter (and a good instructor) teaches the student how to use all the features of the transmitter—not just elevator and ailerons. Learning firsthand the significance of power input and the benefit of yaw control right from the start positively impacts that new RC pilot's future ability.
No matter what type of model aircraft the student chooses next, the lessons learned with the coaxial helicopter will directly benefit them. Another way to look at it is that if you're a competent airplane pilot, you can pretty easily become a helicopter pilot too.
IRCHA Jamboree and featured articles
If you were one of the 954 pilots who registered at the IRCHA Jamboree, you'll appreciate Mark Fadely telling that story with words and photos. Likewise, his article on scale helicopters is a supportive overview, whether the reader is casually interested or fanatical about detail. It's all good, and there are lots of ways to get involved.
Companions in the sky, aircraft and helicopters each have specific roles. We think Jim Young's Turner Special is a good example of MA's dedication to the airplane crowd.
As the author writes, the LTR-14 isn't just a go-fast, turn-left model. Take a look at the round cowl, midwing planform, and decent-sized control surfaces. The full-scale aircraft was ahead of its time, and—like other popular round-cowl, midwing models—you may find it surprisingly capable.
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
