So I’ve wanted to have a radio-controlled helicopter ever since DC Comics’ General Jumbo! He controlled his miniature army/air-force from a controller on his sleeve. This was back in 1965! Alas it was not to be until I was well into middle age.
In the last few years there has been a spurt in the popularity of RC Helicopters thanks to new battery & electric motor technology. No longer does cranking nitro motors add another level of difficulty to the dark art. Li-po batteries can keep even large heli’s in the air for over ten minutes.
I have a fixed pitch MSR Blade that is an incredible exercise in miniaturization. On one circuit board are solenoids, gyros, electronic speed control and all the other gubbings that keep a 1oz. machine in the air!
Downside – repairs. I have yet to go over one hour without ALL of my fleet of four choppers being out of action. I came by a Blade 400 in a sweet deal and am restoring it. However I know that without due care & attention it will be a basket case within seconds. Such is the tragic life of le pilote d’hélicoptère…