RC helicopters are the most demanding aircraft in the hobby and the most rewarding to master. Our range spans coaxial trainers that hover almost on their own to collective-pitch machines built for 3D aerobatics.
The three types, in order of difficulty
Coaxial (easiest)
Two counter-rotating rotors cancel each other’s torque, so the helicopter is naturally stable and largely self-hovering. The right starting point, and fine indoors.
Fixed-pitch single rotor
One main rotor with a tail rotor. Climb is controlled by rotor speed. A genuine step up in skill, and much more responsive.
Collective pitch (hardest)
Blade pitch changes independently of head speed, allowing inverted flight and full 3D aerobatics. Steep learning curve — most pilots use a simulator first.
What to look for
Gyro and flybarless systems
A modern flybarless controller handles tail stability and makes an otherwise unflyable machine manageable. Non-negotiable on anything beyond a toy.
Size and where you fly
Micro helicopters (under about 200mm) fly indoors and are cheap to repair. Larger machines are far steadier outdoors and in light wind, but need space and cost more to crash.
Spare parts
You will break main blades, the tail boom and the feathering shaft. Buy a model with readily available spares and pick up a crash kit at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest RC helicopter to fly?
A coaxial with a gyro — the two contra-rotating rotors make it close to self-stabilising, and it is happy indoors.
Are RC helicopters harder than drones?
Considerably. A GPS drone holds position by itself; a helicopter requires constant input on all axes. Practising on a simulator first saves real money.
How long do RC helicopters fly?
Typically 5–12 minutes per battery, shorter than planes because hovering is power-hungry.
See also RC airplanes and RC drones.
