Radio-controlled aviation is a fascinating hobby. Learn all about its newest and fastest growing sector, electric RC helicopters at http://www.electric-rc-helicopter.com.
Electric RC Helicopters have enjoyed a sudden rise in popularity due to recent significant improvements in the radio-control and electronics industry. As their components improve in quality while at the same time getting cheaper in price, many manufacturers launch beginner models labeled as RTF or "Ready to Fly"- but are they really?
In fact, the phrase "Ready to fly" was born in the days of more "traditional" RC aviation. What it actually meant, at least initially, was "required no assembly". It didn't mean that RTF kits didn't require set-ups, tuning, or tinkering before it could take to the air.
Nowadays, however, new pilots just starting out with this hobby expect their new model that comes labeled as "flying right out of the box" to do just that. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Very often, beginner pilots realize that RTF helicopters are not so "ready to fly" when they learn that keeping them in the air is quite difficult, especially for four channel models. While there are co-axle models available which are relatively easier to handle, they too require hours of training.
Also, these helicopters with their rotor blades spinning at extremely fast speeds can cause serious injuries. Therefore, no one would want an out-of-control helicopter of any size in their vicinity. Many would soon conclude that even for these RTF fliers, the best approach is to first learn in a simulator. This fact alone means that even easiest to fly RTF helicopter requires practice, and often times, lots of it - upsetting the very concept of "flying right out of the box".
RTF Helicopters doesn't always come with everything you need to fly as most people would think either. The most common missing component is the battery back for the radio controller - they usually come with a battery rack that requires 4 to 8 AA alkaline batteries. More serious fliers usually end up buying a rechargeable pack not long after their initial purchase of the kit.
Another popular missing component is a battery charger. These RTF kit usually comes with very rudimentary adaptor that you can plug right into your battery pack, which by all accounts, doesn't constitute a "charger". They don't even cut the electrical flow when the battery is full (which, by the way, may lead to over charging and ultimately, the explosion of the battery pack). In fact, many find it ironic that these RTF kits include a battery pack but no charger.
Not until very recently has this issue been addressed and few very new models (such as the LAMA IV by Esky) come complete with an adequate charger.
Nevertheless, there are some helicopters that are truly "ready to fly" right out of the box. These are the 2-channel models such as famous Picoo Z. Not only are they ready to fly, they are palm-size, allowing for them to be flown just about anywhere that is windless. These little fliers are also pretty durable, enabling them to withstand crashes after crashes. However, they are much less maneuverable than four-channel models.
All in all, there are many kinds of RTF kits and some are more "ready to fly" than others. Those who want models to work seamlessly right out of the box can settle for 2 channel models, compromising maneuverability. On the other hand, those who want more flight-capable models may go for 4 channel models, only to find that they are not as ready to fly as advertised. Nevertheless, these RTF kits provides a great lesson for enthusiasts new to this hobby; one that teaches them to fly as well as to endlessly enjoy setting up, modifying, and upgrading their models.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- Coaxial RC Helicopters: How Do They Work?
- Fixed Pitch Vs Collective Pitch RC Helicopters
- Manufacturer of Mini Micro Firefly Rc Helicopter
- Free Rc Helicopter With Completing Survey
- Esky Honeybee 4ch Rc Helicopter Review
- Electric 3CH Super Stable Apache RTF RC Helicopter - Great Functionality With Loads Of Fun
- RTF Helicopters, Are They Really "Ready To Fly"?
- Purchasing Remote Control Helicopters - Some Must Know Facts Before You Buy




The use of Satellite phones in Maritime
By: Mark Sheldon | 15/11/2009The sea covers around 75% of the earth. Given this, communication can sometimes be made difficult without the ability to position cell towers, and given the distance that cell towers cover an alternative method of communication has to be used
Alternative Green Energy
By: jerzy jagielski | 15/11/2009As you may have noticed, fossil fuels are becoming a thing of the past due to their costs and environmental effects. So what is it that is taking its place? Well
4 Tips for Using Secure Flash Drive
By: Dan Simons | 15/11/2009Secure flash drives are important not only to business, but to individuals as well. Having a secure flash drive can mean the difference between having your personal data exposed, and keeping it safe. Costs of secure flash drives are so reasonable today that there is no excuse for not using them.
Satellite Direct Review - Is Satellite Direct Tv Scam?
By: Pavan Kumar | 15/11/2009Satellite Direct Review - Using Satellite Direct TV You can watch more than three thousand high definition channels directly on your computer without having to spend hundreds of dollars each month. Watching live TV on your computer through Satellite Direct TV means freeing yourself from cable or satellite TV service plans that require you to pay recurring fees and extra charges.
Alternative Energy
By: jerzy jagielski | 15/11/2009the price of oil grows and the economy continues to stumble, the people realize that something must be done. What is that something? Well that something is turning our attention
El Paso Court Records - El Paso Criminal Records
By: David Elliott | 15/11/2009El Paso Criminal & Court Records are now available online. If you want to find El Paso Court Records or El Paso Criminal Records, you need to read this article. El Paso Court Records - El Paso Criminal Records:
Winnebago County Marriage Records - Winnebago County Divorce Records
By: David Elliott | 15/11/2009Winnebago County Divorce & Marriage Records are now available online. If you want to find Winnebago County Marriage Records or Winnebago County Divorce Records, you need to read this article. Winnebago County Marriage Records - Winnebago County Divorce Records:
The changing world of technology
By: thearon thomas | 14/11/2009Technology has a huge impact on our lifes and how we live from day to day.
What Kind Of RC Helicopter Should You Buy?
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 09/06/2008 | Art & EntertainmentNow a days RC helicopters come in so many size and types that choosing which one is right for you can be quite daunting. Here are some tips to make choosing that first helicopter easier.
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery FAQ
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 25/08/2007 | TechnologyLithium Polymer Batteries is the favorite power source of electric radio-controlled models. They are relatively cheap, light, and hold lots of power. However, many new hobbyists may have some enquiries as to their operations. Here are three frequently asked questions about them.
7 Tips To Maximizing Your Battery Performance
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 16/08/2007 | TechnologyBattery technology seems to have taken a leaping step recently, allowing electric RC models to go places where once only nitrous model could go. However, these batteries are not exactly cheap, and improper operations will have detrimental effects. Here are seven tips to maximize your battery performance.
RTF Helicopters, Are They Really "Ready To Fly"?
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 29/06/2007 | TechnologyAs electric RC helicopter becomes more and more popular, manufacturer often label their beginner models as RTF or "Ready to Fly", but can they really fly right out of the box?
Coaxial RC Helicopters: How Do They Work?
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 29/06/2007 | TechnologyCoaxial RC helicopters have secured their position as beginner pilots' favorite. They allow for easier flying without sacrificing stability. Here's how they work.
Fixed Pitch Vs Collective Pitch RC Helicopters
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 25/06/2007 | TechnologyRC Helicopters comes in two forms, fixed pitch or collective pitch. Knowing how the two differ is important in choosing a helicopter that is right for you.
A Brand New Big Electric RC Helicopter : The Hurricane 550
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 20/06/2007 | TechnologyFrom the production line of GAUI, maker of many successful models such as the Zoom and the Shogun, comes another model to fill the void in the big electric helicopter market: the Hurricane 550. With a much lower price, the Hurricane 550 will undoubtedly provide pilots who want to try their hands on a big electric model helicopter with a promising alternative.
5 Steps To Piloting RC Helicopters
By: Tara Soonthornnont | 05/06/2007 | Art & EntertainmentRC Helicopters are acclaimed to be the hardest to master amongst all RC crafts. This 5 steps guide aims to make the learning curve a little less steep.