Monthly Archives: December 2011

Flying Distance Of Radio Control Helicopters

With a new rc helicopter, you will probably be anxious to get home, put it together and try it out. However, there are a few important features to keep in mind when considering the flight distance of a radio control helicopter.

Depending on the type of r c helicopter at hand, flight distances can vary. Miniature models, such as the Syma S107G Mini Gyro, can only reach about forty feet from you and the radio controller, an issue that can be avoided when flying it indoors. With the improvement of transmitters, electric radio control helicopters have an increased flight range so look out for these specifications if you are most interested in longer-distance flying.

Mid- to large-sized, outdoor, radio control helicopters can reach up to 250 or 300 yards in distance. While the transmitters are powerful enough to direct the helicopter from this distance, visually, the helicopter may be difficult to manage. From so far away it is hard to determine if the helicopter is tilting or, which direction it’s facing,which can compromise being able to respond quickly enough with the controller. Also, for radio control helicopters that have such flying distance prefer clear skies and good weather when you take it out for flight.

Gas radio control helicopters fly farther than electric ones mostly because they can fly for a longer amount of time. Most electric radio control helicopters can fly anywhere from five to twenty minutes but larger gas helicopter flights can last much longer in flight so range is more important.

Lastly, the type of controller for a helicopter can greatly impact its flight distance. Controllers with higher GHz send a stronger signal to the helicopter; controllers with a stronger signal are recommended for flight in areas with more disturbance.All in all, consider your flying environment and the features of your radio control helicopter to optimize flying distance.