Getting Into the Air
Co-axial helicopters are the most stable and easy to fly once they are in the air. However, since new RC pilots aren't used to the controls getting one airborne takes some finesse since four controls must be co-ordinated at the same time: motor/rotor speed, tail direction (yaw), side-to-side position (roll), and forward/backward position (pitch). A good way to begin getting the feel of the controls is to select as large an indoor flying space as you can find, then take off and land the helicopter numerous times. This process will let you get used to the controls and discover how to manage motor speed, which is very important.
Take-off Procedure
1. Position the helicopter six or more feet in front of you with the tail pointing directly toward you. Pick the largest indoor flying area you can find, preferably with a smooth floor such as wood, linoleum or concrete.
2. Turn on the transmitter (Tx).
3. Plug in the flight battery on the helicopter.
4. Wait for the green LED on the 4-in-1 controller to stop flashing and show steady green.
5. Gently push the left control stick upwards until the helicopter leaves the ground. Don't lift it more than two or three feet in the air . Keep both hands on the control sticks at all times.
6. Gently lower the left control stick until the helicopter settles back onto the ground. Do not slam the stick down.
7. Disconnect the flight battery on the helicopter and turn off the transmitter.
Total flight time for this exercise does not need to be longer than 15 - 20 seconds .
When the helicopter leaves the ground a number of things will start to happen, depending on how well it was adjusted at the factory and how well co-ordinated the pilot is. Typically, when the blades start turning on the ground the tail may drift to the left or right. It is absolutely necessary to keep the tail pointing straight at you, on the ground and in the air.
Ground Effect
When the helicopter is barely off the ground the cushion of air from the rotors tosses it around, making it hard to keep in one place. You will find that when the heli rises higher than two feet the air smooths out and it is easier to manage. Learn to control the power to keep the helicopter high enough to stay out of ground effect.
But not too high! If you suddenly increase the motor speed you can send it higher than you feel comfortable flying. If this happens don't haul back on the left stick too quickly. Gradually and gently reduce power until the heli settles back to your selected altitude.
In the Air
Once the heli is in the air it may stay still or drift, either left or right or forward or backwards. The right control stick handles these directions. The first flights should be very brief. When you set it down you want to think about what happened and what you should do about it. Then take off again and try to hold it in the same spot. As you practice more takeoffs and landings you will gradually get used to the controls. This is the safest way to learn to control the helicopter. When you can reliably takeoff and land and the helicopter does not drift very far you are ready to keep it in the air a little longer as described on the next page.