Northern Helicopter Modellers Club N.ZNew Zealand's only Model Aero Club dedicated solely to Radio Control Model Helicopters.
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Northern Helicopter Modellers Club N.Z New Zealand's only Model Aero Club dedicated solely to Radio Control Model Helicopters. Home | Flying Sites | Newsletter | Recent Events | Photos | Suppliers | FAQ | Links |
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Radio Control Model Helicopters are both demanding and rewarding. The controls are often difficult to master initially, but the satisfaction of progress with practice, makes it all worth while!
A complete set-up costs around ($NZ) $1000 for a good second hand system, or $2000 to $4000 for all new gear.
Model helicopters can perform all the aerobatic maneuvers of aeroplanes, plus a few others as well... Inverted flight/hovering is also possible if you happen to get bored , or you could concentrate on “scale” realism.
The four transmitter joystick movements are similar to the controls of a full size helicopter.
- Forward/back cyclic : [diagram (21K)] Forward/back cyclic will move the helicopter forwards or backwards from hover, or will cause nose up/down in forward flight. (In forward flight = similar to the elevator on an aeroplane.)
- Left/right cyclic : [diagram (17K)] Left/right cyclic will cause the helicopter to crab left or right (move sideways) from hover, or will cause left/right ROLL in forward flight. (In forward flight = similar to the aileron on an eroplane.)
- Anti-torque : [diagram (25K)] This controls the tail rotor and produces yaw, similar to the rudder on an aeroplane.
- Collective : [diagram (23K)] This controls the (overall) pitch of the main rotor blades, and is also linked to the carburettor (throttle) to provide more/less power. When main rotor pitch and throttle are correctly matched, the rotor RPM remains constant. This control makes the heli go up and down vertically, and when combined with forward cyclic, produces forward flight.
(Note: The diagrams show "throttle/collective = left stick" (mode 2), however equally popular is mode 1, where the collective is on the right transmitter joystick.)
The top speed of these models is about 120 - 140 Km/h (80 - 90 mph).
Flight time is around 15 - 20 minutes, depending on fuel tank size, and time spent at full throttle.
The "60" size (0.6 cu inch) models have engines which produce over 2 HP, and they can lift a payload of around 3Kg or so. "60" size models (the largest commercially available) have a main rotor span of 1500mm.
Maximum height is 400 feet A.G.L. (by NZ law), range is limited by your eyesight, but is typically 300 metres approx.
A new kitset will require about 20 - 30 hours of construction.
A beginner can usually master hovering after about 10 to 15 hours flight time.
Through the Club, you will find experienced pilots keen to help and assist in setting up your model, and with flight instruction. We have a "training stand" available for members use. With this, the model is attached to a system of counterbalanced arms, such that it can move about, but not hit the ground. Great for those initial "flights". Further, we may be able to "buddy box" with you. This is where both the Student and Instructor each have a transmitter, connected by a data cable. The Instructor can release a switch, thereby giving him/her complete control of the model, should you get into difficulties.
