Having Fun With A Remote Controlled Helicoper

 Since the development of modern aviation at the start of the twentieth century, the building of model aeroplanes, and remote controlled helicopters,  has been a popular pastime which has delighted several generations of children and continues to grow in popularity. However, like aviation itself, this hobby has become more advanced and is no longer just a privilege for the young and the range of models has increased greatly, including model helicopters. Also, the increase in the technology of these models means that it is now possible to purchase kits to construct model aircraft which actually fly! These models can be designed for flying around the garden, as a leisure pastime, or for those wishing to take the hobby more seriously, there are models designed for entry into competitions. There is a wide range of kits on the market to meet all levels of expertise, with basic models suitable for flying around a garden to highly advanced models for the more serious model aviator.

 Normally, a helicopter kit contains only a kit of the airframe, meaning that you will have to purchase the engine, radio, gyro and starting equipment separately but all of these items are readily available from any good supplier or model shop.

 There are a variety of fuels that are used to power these models. The most common being standard petroleum, however, the ‘Glow Fuel’ (made from alcohol) is an effective alternative but it is important to know that when using this fuel, the model requires a ‘glow engine’. The use of ‘Glow Fuel’ has several advantages over using petrol, such as the fact that it is odourless and far less volatile than petrol and also because glow engines have a better power to weight ratio. However, these glow engines make a high-pitched sound which may prove irritating, but using a muffler, plus the fact that these models are flown outside, is likely to counter this.