DIY Network

Radio-Control Helicopters: Introduction From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-404

Chris surveys some of the RC helicopters on display at the International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA) Jamboree.

Chris Chianelli, host of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, visits the Academy of Model Aeronautics in Muncie, Indiana. This is the site for the International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA) annual Jamboree. More than 500 RC helicopter pilots from all over the country are here to show off their birds and their flying skills. Chris demonstrates the basics of flying a helicopter and showcases some of the more popular RC helicopters on the market today.

In this first segment, Chris talks with Ron Kummer, President of IRCHA. Chris and Ron talk about some of the more popular helicopter RC models available today and the difference between electric and nitro-powered 'copters.

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Ron Kummer, president of IRCHA.

International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA)

The IRCHA Helicopter Jamboree is the largest competitive event in the world focusing on RC helicopters, and likely to become the largest RC competitive event of any variety. It's also the largest event ever hosted at the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) headquarters in Muncie, Indiana. Model helicopters in an amazing range of sizes and descriptions are gathered at this special event.

At the organization's twelfth annual jamboree (the fifth held at AMA), Chris talks with IRCHA president Ron Kummer about some of the classes of helicopters being displayed and flown at the event.

RC helicopters represent one of the fastest growing segments of the RC hobby. Electrically powered RC helicopters (figure A) in particular have become one of the most popular gateways into the world of radio-control models, possibly exceeding planes and automobiles.

Electric helicopters are easy to fly and many come pre-built and ready to go. They come in a range of sizes, with some even small enough to fly indoors at home (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

Larger electrical models are "3D"-capable, meaning that they are capable of performing some of the amazing aerobatic stunts like those seen at the IRCHA event. High-performance specialty models use new-technology batteries and are capable of 15-minutes of flying time between recharges. Some are outfitted with specialized out-runner motors (figure C) capable of producing large amounts of torque.

The Kyosho Caliber 30® (figure D) is an example of RC helicopter that is ideal for a beginner who wants to get into serious helicopter flying. It's capable of some stunt flying and is available at a modest cost.

Figure C

Figure D

High-performance machines (figure E) are suited to competitive flying like that done at the IRCHA Jamboree. And for the ultra-serious enthusiast, there are even jet-turbine RC helicopters and super-authentic scale models (figure F). Some of the scale models are so detailed and accurate that they may take years to complete.

Figure E

Figure F

In the article that follows Chris introduces 3D flying, the highest level of helicopter piloting. He also meets an talks with Zak Johns, 12-year-old ace 3D pilot.

Important: This demonstration shows provides basic information for assembly and operation of these particular radio-control model helicopters. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours -- whether it is one of the models featured here or another. Thorough information about assembly, running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model, as well as important safety precautions, can typically be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Radio Control Hobbies, episode 404

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Muncie, Indiana
Website: www.modelaircraft.org

International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
Website: www.ircha.org

Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC)
Edison, NJ
Website: www.modelrectifier.com

Megatech International
North Bergen, NJ
Website: www.megatech.com