Gas RC Helicopter - Radio Control Hobbies

Gas RC helicopters are very fun and rewarding to fly, but they are complex, pricey, and much more demanding than electric RC helicopters. These days, even some formerly die-hard gas RC owners have started converting to electric models because of the increasing popularity of brushless/Li-Po models.

It is very important that you understand gas-powered RC models before you jump in, because they do require time, money, and dedication. It can be difficult to find certain gas-powered models, and it takes considerable time and expense to learn to fly one. While gas RC airplanes can often be piloted by beginners, helicopters are a bit trickier. I suggest getting used to flying an electric model before you attempt to fly a gas model. This helps lower the learning curve a bit.

One of the most popular gas-powered RC helicopters is the Raptor V2. It is especially loved by novices, because it is very stable and ‘flier friendly’. Even though it is known as an entry level model, it still has a fairly steep learning curve.

Another popular model for novices is the JR Venture. This model is very similar to the Raptor V2, but it also has a very steep learning curve. Neither model is particular good for helicopter novices, but either is acceptable when moving from electric models to nitro models.

Gas RC helicopters are usually much more expensive than electric models. Since they are more expensive, more complex, and have a much higher learning curve, they are considered to be better suited only to seriously hardcore fliers.

It is a very good idea to join a model flying club if you are really interested in using a nitro helicopter. They will be able to recommend a good model for you, and they will also be able to help you get through the learning curve a little faster than you might be able to on your own.

I do highly recommend getting in a significant amount of practice with electric models before you attempt to use a gas-powered model. Or spend some time on an RC helicopter flight simulator. I cannot express just how complex and tricky it is to fly a gas-powered model, but gas RC helicopters are much faster and more maneuverable than electric models, which also makes them more dangerous and easier to crash.

You can also get a good RC flight simulator. This will give you a little practice before you get started, which is a really good idea when you consider how expensive a gas-powered RC helicopter can be! It is a lot easier than you think to crash one, and they are expensive to repair or replace.

If you’ve flown RC airplanes, but not helicopters, you should be aware that the RC controllers are significantly different. Most controllers are 6 or 7 channel, making them more complex than airplane controls. This is one of the main reasons for the steep learning curve, because there’s more involved in controlling an RC helicopter than an RC airplane.

If you find a model flying club in your area, you might be able to take someone’s gas RC helicopter out for a test flight. This is a really good way to find out if they are right for you, without making the very expensive gamble of actually buying one.