What do I need to get the helicopter off the ground

Helicopter

We recommend you start with a 550 to 600 size kit for which you can easily get parts and service. Some suggestions include the Century Hawk Pro, Radikal N640, Radikal E640, and Swift NX.

Engine

We recommend using the best engine or motor you can afford. For the beginner this is very important because the better engines are very easy to tune, reliable and durable. You want to spend your time at the flying field practicing, not tuning your engine. We recommend O.S., and Y.S. engines.

Muffler

Helicopter engines do not come with mufflers and some helicopter manufacturers do not include a muffler in their kits. Helicopters like the Century Hawk Pro include mufflers. Century Helicopter Products make high-quality mufflers and tune pipes

Radio

We recommend that you start with at least a basic computerized 6 channel helicopter radio. Brands such as Spektrum, Futaba, and JR are recommended. If your budget can go higher, get a good 7,8, or 9 channel heli radio. As your flying skills progress, these better radios will keep you from being limited by the basic features provided in the entry level units.

Gyro

You want to choose a piezo type gyro, just about any brand works well, prices for any worthwhile unit will range from $80 up to $399. We do not recommend you start with the high cost complicated heading lock gyro. Why? Because, when training, you may have the odd "hard" landing, and you can damage an expensive high end gyro just as easily as the low priced basic one. And at the beginning stage, the difference in performance will not be that detectable. Save your money for fuel to practice. Gyros from Futaba and Jr are well known.

Starting Equipment

For Nito RC Helicopters, you need a 12 volt starter, 12 volt sealed battery, 12 volt battery charger, 2 or more glow plugs, glow plug igniter (with meter preferably) and charger, electric or hand crank fuel pump, 3 feet of fuel line, fuel filter, air filter, and some models will need an extra starter extension. Try to get at least 15% nitro methane helicopter fuel, usually with synthetic oil, stay away from castor oil type of fuel.

Training Gear (Flying Simulators)

A set of training gear will save you a lot of money and skid stops reduce wearing on your skids later when you remove the training gear. Although many have learned how to fly helicopters before the introduction of computer simulators, the modern trainee can take advantage of this new development. We highly recommend the "Real Flight" or "Phoenix" computer simulators or something similar. These electronic devices have the ability to very closely simulate r/c helicopter & airplane flight. In the initial learning stages and as you progress to aerobatics, you will find them an invaluable teaching aid, well worth the cost.

Accessories

For nitro RC helicopters, a remote glow plug adapter to facilitate hook up to the glow plug when starting the engine. An on board battery monitor to check the receiver battery condition. Foam rubber (or our velcro wraps) and rubber bands to cover and mount the radio receiver and battery. A thread locking compound is a must, you use it on every bolt and nut that does not use a locknut. JB Weld or epoxy for gluing anything in high stress areas. Tri-Flow Teflon lubricant for all metal to metal sliding parts, and some small size wire ties to help keep all the servo wires together.

Tools

A set of (1.5mm/2.0mm/2.5mm & 3.0mm) hardened hex drivers will help greatly in the assembly and last forever. You can use allen key sets. Also add a metric ruler, hobby knife, ball link pliers for installing and removing ball links. Cross wrenches for engine nut & glow plug if you have a nitro RC helicopter. A pitch gauge and fly bar paddle gauge will be handy for setting up the main rotor pitch angles. Main blade balancer, piston locking tool and a ball link driver are also considered relatively necessary tools if one is to continue in this hobby.

Books, Magazines, and DVDs

We recommend you get as much information as possible. There are many of these items available that are of great assistance in setting up your heli, for learning how everything works together, for explaining different flight exercises etc. Magazines such as RC Heli Magazine are a good source of information. Videos of consequence are the Ray's Authoritative DVDs.