Different Sizes of Helicopters

Probably the first choice that most people think of when getting an RC heli is, "how big should I get it?" Although not the most important decision, size is a big choice.

So how do you decide? You can decide to start with a micro heli like the mCP X ora  , which is cheaper initially, allows you to fly inside when learning, cheaper when it breaks, flyable outside when it isn't too windy, and more crash-resistant. Its all up to you.

We classify size in 4 increments, with the rough electric size: Micro, Small, Medium, and Large. Following is a list of their respective pluses and minuses

Micro RC Helicopters have a main rotor diameter of under about 15" (but probably over 7"). Collective pitch micro helis are typically flybarless to save on weight. Most FP and coaxial helis are categorized in this micro section, but a few make it into small. There are also a growing number of CP Micro helis, such as the Blade mCP X or Ninja, that are full function RC Helicopters, very similar to real helicopters in all respects except power, size, and the fact that they're RC, obviously.

Benefits to micro helis are numerous:

• Small: They can be flown reasonably well inside. In fact, it is possible to complete more than half of flight school inside with a Micro CP Heli and most of it inside with a coaxial and FP Heli. Their small size also makes them easier to transport.
• More crash-resistant: Micro RC Helis are more crash resistant simply because they weigh less. Recall from high school physics that the more the mass, the more force (aka when hitting the ground) of an object.
• Cheaper: Micro Helicopters are cheaper due to fact that they use less materials. This is also due to the fact that they often incorporate more plastic than other size helis. In addition, the smaller cost of repairs due to their high crash-resistance means you save on costs this way too. Finally, batteries for micro helis are generally 1 or 2 cells which are generally very cheap (usually under £15 for 2 cell and £10 for 1 cell). Entry level (not better brand / higher quality / lots of aluminum parts / flybarless) Micro CP Helis are generally under £250 without radio, while FP Helis are usually under £160 with radio and coaxials £120 with radio.
  
  Note: This isn't to say that there aren't quality helis much cheaper than this upper limit. For example, the mCP X is now only £120 or so BNF, while the Volitation 9053 is about £50 still.

Disadvantages, however, are significant:

• Small: Because they're so small, you really can't fly them as far away. This especially comes into play when flying outside and later in CP Flight School. Also, they are much more wind sensitive, depending on the model. Some get thrown around while others not as much. Of course if you have a coaxial then you can't fly outside unless its a dead calm day anyways.
• Small: As CP helis of this size are so small, they also tend to be less stable. In addition, they have less "feel," especially when flying acrobatics. This is the other big deficiency: acrobatic flight. When flying acro on a micro CP Heli you have to be more precise. Also, you will tend to fly lower to the ground than with a larger heli so that you can see what the heli is doing, which makes learning acrobatics more dangerous.
• Tiny Parts: Because the helicopter is so tiny, the screws and other parts are tiny as well. This can make it really difficult to repair because screws are easily lost and super glue won't bond well enough to some parts (such as broken skids). This last isn't really a problem: just gob the glue on and the glue will stick to itself.
• Usually made of lower-quality materials: The greater part of micro RC Helis have a higher percentage of their structural parts made of plastic than larger helis. This is generally okay, because they weighs so little that plastic is usually adequate.
• Not as exciting: The larger the RC Heli, the more exciting it is to fly. Of course Micro RC Helis are a blast to fly, especially because you can fly indoors, but larger helicopters are much more exciting to fly outdoors because the flying experience seems more real.

In conclusion:

Micro RC Helis can be a great heli for any type, beginner to advanced, coaxial to fixed pitch to collective pitch. Micro CP Helicopters in shine brightly because they allow you to complete most of flight school conveniently, and once you progress to fast circuits they survive crashes much better than larger RC Helis. However, for general flying and especially when learning they take a beating from wind.

If you are planning on a coaxial, this is the size for you. These helis don't do well outside anyways, especially if they are small. A FP heli should either be micro or small, but I would recommend micro so you can save money for a CP purchase! :)

If you want an outdoor heli, this is not the best choice for you. But if you are fine flying inside or not too far away, this type can be a great heli. My recommendation is if you already have a micro CP heli, move up to a larger size. If you have a low budget a micro heli is the perfect match for you.

I would like to mention here that I consider, from a monetary standpoint, a micro CP Heli the best investment. You don't have to pay for expensive frames, motors, or batteries, but you still can experience just about all of the flight characteristics more prevalent on larger helis. Acrobatic flight on a quality micro CP Heli is quite possible and exciting. Sure, learning to fly on a larger heli is easier, but not necessarily better. Why not explore the world of micro RC Helis!

Small RC Helicopters have a main rotor diameter of 15" to about 24". They are mainly CP, but there are a few that are FP and coaxial. This is about the limit a coaxial or FP Heli can be without being very unresponsive with height control. Small RC Heli advantages are:

• Small: Yes, because they are fairly small they are easier to transport. They can do a little flying in a 2 or more car garage and decent flying in a gym. Like most helicopters, they can do the best flying outside due to greater space. In addition, because they are larger than micro helis their visibility is better when flying farther away outdoors.

• Lighter: Because they are small, they don't weigh too much. This is because of less material, skinnier material, and lighter batteries. This improves their crash-resistance, but not as good as micro helis. All the same, avoid crashing.

• Cheaper: Their small size also makes them cost less, with entry level CP Helis generally under £300 without radio. FP Helis of this size are probably under £200 with radio and coaxials under £140 with radio. Repair costs are also less than larger helis due to less material per part. Finally, batteries are generally fairly cheap (under £30).
• Exciting: Because they are about twice as large as Micro RC Helis, Small Helis are much more exciting to fly. Even a small coaxial can be more exciting than a micro CP Heli. Notice that I did not say more FUN than a CP Heli, because that is certainly not true, but the adrenaline flow is higher on a larger heli.

The disadvantages of Small RC Helis are:

• Small: Yes, like micro helis, small helis are susceptible to wind, with under 8mph desirable when flying a CP or FP Heli. When learning on a CP or FP Heli, you'll want under about 3mph. I have flown a small coaxial outside, but all you ever do is fight the wind and when it is more than about 5mph you can't even move in any other direction (click here to learn how to get more outside flight potential from your 3 channel coaxial - check out the butter tail mod partially down the page).
• Large: This may seem contradictory, but this means that in general they are too big to fly in a house, but can do a little flying in a 2 or more car garage and decent flying in a gym. Unfortunately, coaxials of this size should usually stay inside, which makes it somewhat difficult to fly them often.
• Cost: Because they are larger they cost more. Batteries and replacement parts, as well as initial purchase, cost significantly more than micro helis.
• Exciting: Not quite as exciting as larger RC Helis. Still a blast to fly.

In Conclusion: Small RC Helicopters are great for those who want an outdoor helicopter but can't quite afford a medium. Yes, they don't fly hardly worth mentioning on windy days, but moderate wind still allows enjoyable flight (at least on CP Helis). I would recommend this size to those who want an outdoor heli (and have an outdoor area suitable for flying this size heli, such as a park or field or larger) and don't have the resources to get a larger heli. For those with more resources or who already have a small and want another heli, try a medium rc heli.

Medium RC Helicopters have a main rotor diameter of 24" to 30". Most people consider them the best size CP helicopter, and this is justifiably so. They can take moderate wind, don't cost all too much, and are great for beginning to extreme 3D flight. Notice I said CP helicopter, any FP or coaxial this size is probably a piece of junk. Don't throw your money away on it.

Advantages are:

• Mid Sized: Not prohibitively big to transport, but large enough to fly far away and still maintain good visibility. All RC Helis have a point where they are still in range, but their silhouette is so small that it is difficult to determine their orientation (aka in which direction they are facing). Medium RC Helis are quite good at flying in slightly windy conditions (see Wind below).
• Not too Heavy: No, crash survivability is nowhere near that of micro or even small RC Helis, but it isn't too bad. However, their added weight makes learning to do loops and rolls somewhat easier because of their much greater momentum (aka mass). This is kind of subjective, but most agree with me.
• Cost: Saying something £350 and up (without radio) is fairly cheap seems like an oxymoron, but compared to Large RC Helis Medium Helis are generally half as expensive. Batteries aren't generally above £40.
• Exciting: Yeah, Medium Helis are much more exciting to fly than Small or Micro due to the possibility of doing some real damage when crashing.

Disadvantages are:

• Size: Nope, only large gym or preferably outdoor flight.
• Cost: From about £300 for moderate quality and £600 for high quality Medium RC Helis. 

Conclusion: Many people consider this the best type of helicopter because it is best for learning and still superb for advanced 3D flight. It isn't too expensive, batteries aren't too expensive, and repairs aren't too expensive, yet it handles average wind admirably. I recommend this size or a micro heli as your fist CP Heli. If you have the resources, this heli will always be a favorite anytime, anywhere. In short, you don't outgrow a heli like this (though I don't think you'll outgrow any quality CP Heli . . .)

30" and up rotor diameter makes a large RC Heli in my book. Only CP Helis this size are even worth more than a glance.

Advantages:

• Size: Very large makes these size helis gobble up your average wind. In addition you can fly very far away without losing your orientation. Aerobatics on this size heli look sweet! Even just FFF looks awesome!
• Exciting: These helicopters are very exciting to fly. You'll feel like you really are a pilot when you fly something this big.

Disadvantages are obvious:

• Expensive: Expensive purchase (at the least £500, up to thousands!), expensive batteries (£100 or more!), expensive repairs, expensive charging equipment.
• Maintainance: Repairs on this size heli take lots of time. Lots more than on a small or micro.
• Size: You'll need a large field to fly something this size. No, a neighborhood is not a good place - its probably illegal too. This size heli can be very dangerous falling out of the sky, especially on houses, cars, and hopefully not people!