Your First Heli

Heli-X Professional Flight Simulator

Now that I have your attention...

No doubt you’ve read the New to the Hobby page and ready to take the next step.  Before we go any further you need to fully understand that these machines are very capable of causing serious bodily harm and death!  The image at the top of this page has a humerous side but it is a very real situation you could find yourself in if you don’t spend the time to get a full apreciation of fundamental flight control and a healthy respect of those rapidly spinning blades. These are serious pieces of kit and definitely do not fit the typical definintion of a toy.  But don’t despair as I have great news! Your first heli and flight trainer is completely harmless.

Introducing the Virtual Helicopter

Simulators have come a very long way.  Advanced software algoritims that employ cutting edge coding paired with modern comptuer processing power delivers a realistic experience that is suitable for the professional and beginnner with some of the best out there and completely free!  Most are well supported for both Windows and MAC with most modern laptops able to run them with ease if you want to take your learning away from home.  All you require is a controller (radio) and some basic to intermediate computer skills and you’re ready to take your first ‘digital’ hover. This site will cover the Heli-X Professional Flight Simulator as it is completely free to use in a limited capacity but for the beginner it has all the functionality you will ever need.

The Transmitter

Without a transmitter, also known as a ‘radio’ it is impossible to command the helicopter to do anything, same goes for a simulator as well.  I’m going to dedicate a page espcially for this essential piece of equipment in the near future but let’s focus on getting you moving in the right direction. Your first radio will depend on what approach you want to take and that is either what I call ‘taste and see’ or like me you’re all in, no turning back!

If you’re all in then start doing some research for radio gear that supports at least channels and run on the 2.4gHz bandwidth.  Most if not all radios with this many channels will suffice.  Also search for YouTube videos that demonstrate how to set them up and make adjustments as some have a more dedicated following than others with brands like Spektrum, Futaba and Radiomaster to name a few of the more budget friendly examples.  If you’re on a budget start keeping an eye on Facebook Marketplace and RCTrader.com and buy something used. My first radio was used and was in immacualte condition as majority of aeromodellers are very particular with their equipment. The best advice I can give is get a radio brand that someone you fly with has so they can help you crawl then walk.  By the time you’re ready to run you might be thinking about an upgrade. Either way whatever you choose make sure it can be used on your computer with a simulator. If it’s 5 years old or newer the possiblity to do so is almost certain.

If you’re the taste and see new comer then the next section is for you!

The Real Deal!

OK so you’re chomping at the bit to know what I recommend for your first heli you can take to the sky. There are so many choices out there these days suiting all budgets and ambitions I guarantee there is something for you.  For the taste and see crowd you want to know what all the hype is about and to give this a good go before you decide you want to layout too much of you hard earned cash.  For you a Ready To Fly (RTF) heli is your budget friendly yet fully capable entry into the world of flying RC Heli’s.  There are a few on the market these days and the two I’m about to recommend I personally own and fly regularly which I’ve also reviewed on YouTube with links here if you haven’t watched them yet. Please don’t assume these are something you start off with and leave behind as you get better.  Some of the worlds professional pilots also fly these with the same precision and skill as they do their larger and heavier counterparts.  Click the image below for a detailed instructions how to setup the included radio with a simulator.

Even if you’re all in I still recommend you start with a RTF heli, but if you want to go straight to building your first model being aware of the following points will ensure you know what to look for and avoid finding yourself in a place of regret.

  • Model sizes are almost always determined by the length of the main blades in millimeters. 700+ is considered large, 400-600 is consdered medium and anything under that is classed as Small or Micro which the RTF models typically are.
  • A larger heli (typically) is more stable and easier to fly, however the bigger and heavier they are the more damage they will sustain in a crash making repairs all the more costly. 
  • The part of the helicopter you see in the air is called the Airframe.  Always choose a model that is well supported for spare parts, as having a brand that is ‘stranded’ may leave you with a heli after a crash that will never see the sky again. The components that complete the airframe into a flying model (like a motor and servos) you choose should be renowned for quality and support.  Any of the products offered by the businesses listed on this site only stock items that fit this description, but you should always do you own due diligence especially when buying used.  
  • The flybarless (FBL) controller is the one component that requires the most finesse and attention to detail. Get the installation or setup of this wrong and you’re almost guaranteed to cause significant damage without leaving the ground, add to the fact it becomes very dangerous as it will not respond correctly to the commands you give it. Choose a FBL that someone at your local club uses who is also willing to help and coach you.  I personally started with one brand using this approach and then moved to another brand I preferred later once I had a firm understanding.

Getting Started

Choosing a Transmitter

Choosing a Transmitter

How to choose and setup a radio that suits your needs

Essential Equipment

Essential Equipment


A guide to tools, batteries, and accessories.

Basic Flight Training

Basic Flight Training

Learn the basics of controlling your RC Helicopter.

Step-by-Step Guides

Building Your Helicopter

Detailed instructions for assembly.
(Coming Soon)

Maintenance Tips

How to keep your helicopter in top condition.
(Coming Soon)

Programming and Customization

Explore the tech side of the hobby.
(Coming Soon)