3Dheli.com

Welcome to 3dheli.com

Here at 3dheli.com we offer a great range of remote control helicopters, along with RC helicopter parts, tools, upgrades and accessories. We have kits as well as ready-to-fly helicopters, and our stock includes all the latest models. Whether you’re new to remote control helis or an experienced radio controlled helicopter pilot, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your hobby right here. With our extensive product range, ultra-competitive prices and convenient shipping options, why would you go anywhere else?

So you want to fly RC helicopters…

People who pilot radio controlled helis in their spare time tend to be real enthusiasts. Once you get to grips with the basics of building and flying your aircraft, you’ll have endless hours of fun with it, but it does take a lot of practice and commitment to get there. It helps to have decent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, so if you’re good at sports or video games, you’ll do OK with your RC heli.

Bear in mind also that you’ll need to spend money not just on the helicopter itself, but also on fuel, plus all the technical gear and accessories that go with it. And if you crash, you’ll have to buy new parts for it as well. Naturally your costs will vary widely, depending on the model you own and how adept you are at keeping it under control in the air.

Before you decide which radio controlled helicopter to go for, take the time to do some research into the different models on the market, how much they would cost to repair and how easy it is to get the right parts, what extras you need to invest in, and how long it would take to to learn how to fly them.

A great way to try out the flying experience for any model you’re considering is by using a simulator. You can buy simulator programs from 3dheli.com, or download free demos from the web. A good flight simulator will also save you a load of money over the life of your helicopter by allowing you to master the aircraft and practice new maneuvers on dry land, so to speak, without any risk of crashing.

One of the most important considerations when choosing an RC heli is the size. A smaller model will usually be less pricey, but it will be more difficult to control. If you pick a larger aircraft you’ll find it more versatile and simpler to fly, but you’ll probably also spend more on fixing it if you crash.

Many mini and micro helicopters run on rechargeable battery packs, so they’re suitable for indoor use as well. Because of their size, they can be tricky to fly, however – though on the upside they’re relatively cheap to buy and usually come fully assembled. Most larger models use nitro fuel, which is a blend of alcohol and nitro methane, so for safety reasons they can only be flown outside. Some large helis are gasoline powered, but these are the least popular as they’re more expensive than other types.

Depending on the model you buy and how complete the kit is, you may or may not need to add other components. You’ll certainly need a radio system, which includes the receiver, transmitter, servos and battery, in order to control the helicopter. Make sure you have a gyro as well – this is used to keep the tail under control as the heli is battered around by the wind and the torque of the main rotors. Be aware that some models are sold without an engine, and that you’ll also need an exhaust to go with it, unless you have an electric heli.

To get your engine going, you might require a starter motor if it doesn’t have a pull mechanism built in, and if you have a glow engine you’ll need a glow plug device to pass the electrical current through it. Each model requires a slightly different set of tools, but you should definitely get a set of hex drivers, a pitch guage for the rotor blades and some Phillips screwdrivers along with the appropriate pliers and wrenches.

3D – What is That?

Once you’ve been flying your heli around the skies for some time and have mastered a few fancy moves, you might want to try your hand at 3D. This is an advanced aerobatic flying technique that uses the 3D flight mode found on some of the more high-tech transmitters. By altering the function of the throttle in certain positions, 3D mode allows you to fly backwards or upside-down, and basically makes the aircraft more maneuverable but harder to control. With a fair amount of practice, you’ll be able to perform intricate maneuvers such as inverted pirouettes and figure-8s, funnels and backwards rolling circles.

Experienced 3D flyers can compete in a number of regular tournaments around the world. The competition routines are either freestyle or subject to a preset program. The two most important 3D remote control helicopter competitions are the Extreme Flight Championship (XFC) in the US and the 3D Masters in the UK.

Even if you’re not a competition-standard 3D pilot yet, you’ll find all the equipment and spare parts you need to enjoy your favorite sport right here on 3dheli.com.