Most, if not all remote-controlled coaxial (two sets of blades on top, stacked) helicopters with less than 3 radio channels for remote control are considered “toys” by default. This is in contrast to “Hobby Grade” helicopters which usually have 4 to 7 channels, and more advanced features. Hobby Grade helicopters are seldom appropriate or even useful for beginning pilots, because crashes are bound to happen during learning, and these machines are optimized for low mass over durability, resulting in high breakage costs. A toy helicopter is a perfect way for the beginner to try out this fun and exciting hobby, and the simple 3-control layout affords fast and easy learning. These simple models are easy to spot.
A 2-channel’s lower blade pair will not have links going down into the helicopter’s workings, and the tail will not have a motor or driven blade. These are surprisingly durable, but must always fly forward. You cannot hover, fly backwards, or fly sideways with them. They can only fly up and down, and pivot left or right.
A 3-channel will have and identical layout to the 2-channel with the addition of a tail motor and blade. This blade is oriented so that spinning lifts or drops the tail of the copter. These run the gamut from fragile to kick-ably tough. They are able to match the 2-channel movements, and also can hover and fly backward. They cannot fly sideways. 4-channel helicopters add this ability, and quadcopter hen other features as channels increase, and are beyond the scope of this article.
3. Smaller Helicopters are ideal for beginners and indoor fliers for many reasons:
The space needed for safe flight can be likewise diminutive: a bedroom or dorm is more than enough.
A smaller airframe weighs less and thus will survive impacts much better.
The blade energy can be very low, making the craft essentially harmless.
Competitive pricing makes them attractive casual gifts.
The smaller size framework is less work for the drive motors, making them longer-lived.
The more popular models can be repaired if damaged, with essentially the entire craft available as spares kits. This is important to fliers who may not be able to replace the whole helicopter, choosing instead to effect their own field servicing. There is little variation in design between models, and it is quite easy to become proficient at maintaining them.
A 2-channel’s lower blade pair will not have links going down into the helicopter’s workings, and the tail will not have a motor or driven blade. These are surprisingly durable, but must always fly forward. You cannot hover, fly backwards, or fly sideways with them. They can only fly up and down, and pivot left or right.
A 3-channel will have and identical layout to the 2-channel with the addition of a tail motor and blade. This blade is oriented so that spinning lifts or drops the tail of the copter. These run the gamut from fragile to kick-ably tough. They are able to match the 2-channel movements, and also can hover and fly backward. They cannot fly sideways. 4-channel helicopters add this ability, and quadcopter hen other features as channels increase, and are beyond the scope of this article.
3. Smaller Helicopters are ideal for beginners and indoor fliers for many reasons:
The space needed for safe flight can be likewise diminutive: a bedroom or dorm is more than enough.
A smaller airframe weighs less and thus will survive impacts much better.
The blade energy can be very low, making the craft essentially harmless.
Competitive pricing makes them attractive casual gifts.
The smaller size framework is less work for the drive motors, making them longer-lived.
The more popular models can be repaired if damaged, with essentially the entire craft available as spares kits. This is important to fliers who may not be able to replace the whole helicopter, choosing instead to effect their own field servicing. There is little variation in design between models, and it is quite easy to become proficient at maintaining them.
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