RC helicopter Safety Tips

An remote control helicopter can be used indoors or outdoors and is a great activity for the family to enjoy together. It can be used in your backyard, carried along for a picnic or at your local Remote Control Club. When buying a toy chopper, decide whether you want it for indoor or outdoor use. Wherever you would like to use it safety measures will always have to be taken as they can be quite dangerous and can cause serious bodily harm.

Always supervise your child when he/she is flying an remote control helicopter. Although indoor helicopters are made of a softer material and are not easily damaged, they are still able to damage walls and windows and even knock over things if not used properly. So practicing outside is good idea before trying to fly indoors. To ensure your child’s safety start them off with a smaller aircraft like a Syma. It is an affordable model and can still perform complicated maneuvers.

Even outdoors, an RC helicopter can still pose a danger to the flier and to those casually observing. It is important to give space between your aircraft and any people, buildings and power cables. Power cables could cause your aircraft to short circuit. If you are using your outdoor model indoors then remember to steer clear of the walls and close the curtains to protect the windows. Outdoor versions are made of hard material so collision with any decorative pieces of furniture could easily break them.

Always check the wind conditions before you start you flight as some models can only be flown under calm weather. Make sure you extend your antenna so you can be able to control your plane easily and don’t lose communication with it. Always be careful when adding fuel to your RC helicopter. Nitro and gasoline are easily combustible fuels.

Just like a real version, always do a preflight check of all your components and repair any damaged parts before you start your flight. Keeping parts well lubricated and electrical parts free from dust will keep your RC helicopter operating at maximum capacity.

Even Litho batteries can be dangerous if not well cared for. Always use the proper charger for lithium batteries. It is vital to keep your charger set at the right cell count and correct voltage. If you don’t know to do it, consult your manual as failing to do it correctly will most definitely lead to a fire. Always make sure your Litho charger is balanced correctly. Never charge at a current higher than 1C and never leave your batteries in the charger.

Always remember to observe safety rules before during and after flying your remote control helicopter. Most accidents are caused by carelessness on the part of the flier. Make sure the helicopter you buy is age appropriate for your child. The bigger the machine, the more power they have and the harder they fall so always make sure you have enough fuel or your battery is fully charged before flying.