Most RC RTF helicopters come with a 2.4GHz radio transmitter, which is used to control the helicopter's movements. The transmitter communicates with a receiver that is built into the helicopter itself, allowing the pilot to control the helicopter's throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw.
Some RTF helicopters also come with built-in gyro stabilisation systems, which can help keep the helicopter stable and level during flight. This can be particularly useful for beginners who are still getting used to the controls and may not have the same level of skill or experience as more experienced pilots.
There are many different types of RC RTF helicopters available on the market, ranging from small and simple models that are designed for indoor use or short flights, to larger and more complex models that are capable of longer flights and more advanced manoeuvres. Some popular brands of RC RTF helicopters include Blade, Syma, and WLtoys, among others.
Who Are Ready-to-Fly Helicopters For?
Generally speaking, RTF helicopter models are created for people who are only just getting started with these types of vehicles. As their name suggests, they work right out of the box. All you need to do is unpack your brand new gadget, charge its batteries, and you’re set to take to the skies.
Ready-to-fly helicopter models are the best way to learn the ins and outs of RC flying. They may not be as complex or come with as many features as their more advanced counterparts, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any highly capable RTF kits out there.
Quite the opposite – theAlign T-Rex 450Lp model, for example, is a true powerhouse, especially when compared to other RTF choppers. With no need for any adjustments or assembly, its performance levels are comparable to helicopters that require a lot more work to set up. Should you choose it as your first RC helicopter, you can be certain that it’ll last you for the years to come, even once you become an adept flyer.
How to Choose Your First RTF RC Helicopter Kit
Speaking of choosing your very first RC kit, what are some of the main factors one should consider when shopping around for a beginner-friendly, ready-to-fly helicopter? While there are many aspects that play a role, the following three stand out to us as the most important ones:
- Budget:Whenever you’re shopping for anything, you want to get the best value for money. There’s no going around that. As you look for RTF helicopters that fall within your budget, don’t just settle for the cheapest available option. You may get some flying hours with it, but in the long term, you might end up having to make another purchase sooner than you expected because of the subpar quality of the cheap chopper’s materials.
- Skill level:If you’ve never flown an RC vehicle before, an RTF model is definitely a choice that makes the most sense for someone with your skill level. In this case, you might want to get a lower-shelf model just because as an inexperienced flyer, there’s a chance you’ll accidentally break it as you learn the ropes of the hobby. On the other hand, if you’ve already flown such helicopters quite a few times, you should pick up a mid-range or high-end model so that it can last you for longer.
- Interest in RC vehicles:Since you’re reading this, you’ve probably already picked up an interest in RC helicopters, or are looking for a chopper to give a loved one as a present. Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else, the level of interest in RC vehicles and determination to pursue this hobby should always be an important deciding factor. If you’re not entirely sure that you’ll spend loads of time with the chopper, and are merely getting it as a novelty to try out, there’s no need to buy a heavy-duty helicopter. A simple, lower-end RTF kit should be more than enough.
What’s the Difference Between RTF Helicopters and Other RC Helicopter Types?
Most remote controlled helicopters that don’t fall into the ready-to-fly category need to be assembled and configured before they can take flight. Putting together a helicopter kit may take a few hours, even longer if you don’t have any prior experience with RC vehicles. Advanced kit builds give you the freedom to select the components you want to use in your helicopter, such as radios, batteries, controllers, engines, etc. It’s great for creating a custom-built, reliable machine, but definitely not the most beginner-friendly way to get into the hobby.
RTF helicopters, on the other hand, are pre-built helicopter models that require little to no setting up. Simply make sure that the batteries are charged, go over the manual to learn the controller layout, and head out to take flight!
