Getting Started with RC Helicopters

How to start learning to fly RC Helicopters

With all of the options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to try and figure out what you need to get started learning to fly model helicopters.

This article will help you answer that question by showing you a variety of options to suit all budgets and scenarios that we at Midland Helicopters regularly recommend to many people asking us that same question.

You just want to try it to see if you like it?

If you are just looking to try helicopters to see if you like them, take a look at something fun and cheap for indoor use, like the Twister Ninja 250 or the Blade Revolution 90FP.

The Twister Ninja 250 is super simple to fly, as it is flown more like a drone than a helicopter, with a height control (instead of pitch or throttle) as well as normal helicopter cyclic and rudder control, so there is less to think about while learning and having fun flying.

The Blade Revolution 90FP is also simple to fly, but gives you additional control over the height based on RPM which is controlled by the throttle. You also have normal helicopter cyclic and rudder control as well, so a slightly fuller flight experience but still quite easy to fly.

Twister Ninja 250 (Ready to fly)

Blade Revolution 90FP (Ready to fly)

Want something a little more advanced yet still easy to fly?

If you have already decided that helicopters are amazing (they are!) and you want to get more involved, we have a couple of fantastic helicopters that we recommend for beginners to get started with, as the technology built-in is great to help with the early stages of learning. The fun part here is that they are also extremely capable models that can do everything you might want to do as well, so they cover all the bases!

These helicopters come pre-built and ready to bind to your transmitter (if you already have one) and fly with default settings on the flight controller that are very helpful to beginners (in Stability mode) while also being able to fly 3D (or however you want) in the other flight modes. Easy tuning of the flight controller via bluetooth and an app means the model can be as stable or agile as you want.

For these Bind and Fly models, you will require a tiny receiver to go on the model, suitable for use with your transmitter.

If you already have a Spektrum or Futaba transmitter, then you will only need a bindable Spektrum satellite, or a Futaba FHSS satellite respectively for these OMPHOBBY and Goosky models. The OMPHOBBY models can also be used with Radiomaster transmitters and a suitable ELRS receiver.

Bind and Fly Satellite receiver options:

• Spektrum Compatible
• Futaba FHSS
• ELRS

There are also ready to fly options which include a basic transmitter as well, and no need for an additional receiver.

OMPHOBBY M1 V3 PRO (Bind and Fly)

Goosky S1 (Bind and Fly)

Goosky S1 (Ready to Fly)

Don't be fooled by the size of these helicopters! They fly incredibly well and feel like a much bigger model than they are.

However, if you would prefer something a bit bigger to get started with, they both have big brothers in the M2 and S2 helicopters. Some of these models have colour options to choose from.

OMPHOBBY M2 V3 PRO (Bind and Fly)

OMPHOBBY M2 V3 Sport (Bind and Fly)

Goosky S2 Max (Bind and Fly)

Goosky S2 Max (Ready to Fly)

We also have a third option at this size of helicopter, which is the Blade Revolution 235CP. A great beginner friendly model ready to bind and fly to your Spektrum transmitter. This one does not include a flight battery or a charger though, so bear in mind you would need to add those if you need them.

Blade Revolution 235CP (Ready to Fly but without a battery)

How about something easier?

If you would prefer to fly a GPS based helicopter, which are very easy to fly, we have a couple of scale helicopters and a pod and boom option available as well.

These models are extremely beginner friendly as they can basically fly themselves, or you can take control and get more involved - as much as you would like.

Goosky E2 GPS (Ready to Fly)

Based on the Goosky S2 mechanics

Flywing FW450L (Ready to Fly)

A 450 sized model helicopter with the Flywing ACE GPS flight controller.

Various Flywing Scale Helicopters (Ready to Fly)

Based on the Flywing 450L mechanics

What else do I need to know?

Charging a flight battery will take about an hour and give you about 4-5 minutes of flight time. Some models can fly quite a lot longer though - 15-20 minutes on the GPS helicopters for example!

Now you can decide which model you would prefer and order online or give us a call.

When we receive your order, we will pick, pack and dispatch it the very same working day, for orders received before 3PM Monday to Friday, so you can start enjoying learning to fly RC Helicopters.

I need more help!

No problem! Feel free to give us a call on 01455 637762, ask a question on our contact form, or use the live web chat at the bottom right corner of the website.