Hello everyone,
Hello everyone my husband has been telling me for years he would love to try and get into the hobby of remote control flying with a helicopter.
He works very hard for a living so I think this would help him relax on weekends.
He has been looking on eBay for months now but will not say anything to me as I catch him doing it most days looking at all the types of helicopters.
It is his birthday in a couple of weeks so what I would like from you guys is what type of helicopter should I buy him for a surprise for his birthday as I also have had a peep on eBay but there are so many.
He has never flown anything before and we live in a remote part of the United Kingdom so there is no clubs around to learn from.
Can you guys put me in the right direction in what I should be looking out for???
Also where I can look to purchase one of these with everything he needs.
He is a very calm person so he takes his time with most things.
I personally think a training helicopter where the parts are cheap would benefit him.
Please help as soon as you can.
Thanks Emma
P.S I almost forgot do you need a license of any sort to fly helicopters what I mean is can he fly it in most places :blink:

Emma,

I am the newest heli guy to this forum and area. I recently purchased a Lite Machines Corona Electric Helicopter. The nice thing about these heli's it they are almost bullet proof. If you go to litemachines.com you can watch them flying this same heli into a wall, tree and into the ground with very minor damage. In my limited experience, this is a great Heli to learn on. Good luck.

P.S. I wish I could get my wife excited about this stuff. Everytime she calls me, I'm at HobbyTown buying something new.

Later,

Buzz

I think we all have the same proublem with the wife Buzz ;)

Thay just don't Understand :no:

I bought my wife one of those little birds Rob had on the counter :thumbup:

Total bill was $250.00 She hasen't seen the receipt yet <_<

Hmmmmm I think I better get her another one :thumbup:

Don

That is as bad as me buying a few bolts and such for 200.00...... :hysterical:

Hi Emma,
I enjoyed reading of your interest in helping husband get involved with a great hobby/sport. :)
"Buzz" gave good advice about the electric motor powered RC helicopter. That would certainly be one way to go. They are relatively smaller, quieter, less messy. (no fuel or oily engine exhaust involved)
Most people though, probably start with a model engine powered helicopter in the size range of .30 - .39 engines. A "Raptor 30" by ThunderTiger or "Hawk 30" by Century would be a couple of excellent choices if available near you for support and readily available spares and advice.
Online shopping sites and walk-in hobby shops will have beginner set-ups containing about everything one would require for inital involvment.

Please keep us, on this side of the Atlantic, informed of you and your husband's new model aviation adventure. Also, any other questions or help needed, feel free to post back here and we will do our best to respond with some usefull advice.

I did some research and found these web sites, all based in UK, that will be helpfull for anyone interested in RC helicopter hobby.


UK based online shopping sites specializing in RC helicopters. Perhaps one will have a store front near enough for a walk-in one day.

http://www.rotorsport.co.uk/main.html
Rotorsport - Martin Briggs Models

http://www.flightbox.co.uk/
The Flight Box

http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/acatalog/m_index.htm
Midland Helicopters


Various UK based RC helicopter sites for informational web surfing.

http://www.flyingsites.co.uk/clubs/index.htm
UK RC Club Finder
Perhaps find a flying club near enough to you for a visit to get first hand information and see things in action.

http://www.modelaviatorsassociation.fsnet.co.uk/
Model Aviators Association (UK)
The aims and objectives of the MAA are to promote, encourage, and develop all aspects of model aviation. Information, newsletters, pictures, reviews, contacts, and related links.

http://www.fraserker.com/helilessons/
RC Helicopter Lessons With Nigel Fraser Ker
Based in Epsom in Surrey, UK. General information, training procedures, and related links.

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/
RcHeliAddict.co.uk
UK forum for RC helicopter pilots.

http://www.rotorwash.co.uk/
Rotor Wash
RC model helicopter site dedicated to flyers in Scotland.

http://www.birminghamheli.btinternet.co.uk/
Birmingham RC Helicopters
Birmingham, United Kingdom - Information, pictures, a newsletter, and help for beginners.



(BMFA) National Organization for all model flying activities.
Most all flying clubs would require membership in this organization before being allowed to join or fly. Mainly for the liability insurance coverage. Of course, if one is flying in own back garden and no near by neighbors, probably not necessary, but check it out anyway.

http://www.bmfa.org/
British Model Flying Association
The BMFA is the body delegated by the Royal Aero Club to be responsible for all aspects of model flying in Great Britain. The BMFA normally has around 780 clubs affiliated to it, with a combined membership from clubs and individual members of over 36,000. Membership brings many benefits, including 3rd party liability insurance up of up to £3 million. (Tremendous amount of offical information and resources found here)