It won’t take a long look at the cover or the contents page of this issue to see that there’s a theme going on, and that the theme this time is RC helicopters. I’m distinct in this case, because I know that there are Free Flight modelers out there who have experience with automatic-flight helicopters.
     I know! It’s amazing to believe that somewhere out there are stick-and-tissue models with rubber motors impersonating a Bell JetRanger or another cool helicopter. But there are, and they’re really neat.
     This magazine caters to aeromodeling and the people who enjoy the activity. That goes for both rotor- and fixed-wing models.
     The International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) brings the success of the RC helicopter and supportive community together once a year for the annual Jamboree. We are honored to host this event in Muncie, Indiana, at your International Aeromodeling Center.
     The advancement of helicopters is just as amazing as the evolution of the airplane. Still, one thing shocked me recently that I (and maybe you) never believed would happen. Today, when someone comes to me for a recommendation on what his or her first RC model should be, I recommend a helicopter. Gasp!
     I fly both RC airplanes and RC helicopters and, believe me, the preceding didn’t come as an overnight epiphany. Considering the needs and facilities of the modern aeromodeler, the electric-powered coaxial helicopter offers advantages to the person who is completely unfamiliar with RC.
     Remember, an airplane always needs airspeed to fly, and it covers a lot of ground compared to a model aircraft that can lift off vertically. An airplane is always moving, so a pilot must, at some point, make an input to avoid obstacles or fly out of range. That’s a lot to do for some people.
     The modern twin-rotor helicopter almost needs no adjustment (when correctly trimmed) to stay in one spot. With only throttle (collective) control, a beginner can practice taking off and landing the helicopter. The neat part about that fact is that the RC student has the relaxing pleasure of learning just one flight control at a time. And with that, he or she also enjoys the solo flight.
     Isn’t that a great success story? With very little practice, the student can get comfortable working the throttle and eventually holding the helicopter at a steady altitude. This is when the smile starts to come back.
     Next, the rudder (tail rotor) control is introduced. This is where students get used to looking at the helicopter in different positions. Imagine that: using the rudder on the second lesson. All of this learning can be done in the comfort of a climate-controlled room while the winds outside gust 20-30 mph.
     This is the part I like best, but feel free to tell me your experiences. The coaxial helicopter (and the instructor) teaches the student how to use all the features of the transmitter—not just elevator and ailerons. Learning firsthand the significance of power input and the benefit of yaw right from the get-go positively impacts that new RC pilot’s future ability.
     No matter what type of model aircraft that student chooses next, all of the lessons with the coaxial helicopter will directly benefit. Another way to look at it is that if you’re a competent airplane pilot, you can pretty easily be a helicopter pilot too.
     If you were one of the 954 pilots who registered at the IRCHA Jamboree, you’ll appreciate Mark Fadely telling that story through his words and photos. Likewise, his article on Scale helicopters is a supportive overview, whether the person getting into it is moderate or fanatical about details. It’s all good, and there are lots of ways to get involved.
     Companions in the sky, aircraft and helicopters have specific roles. We think Jim Young’s Turner Special is a good example of MA’s dedication to the airplane crowd.
     Like the author writes, the LTR-14 isn’t just a go-fast, turn-left model. Take a look at the round cowl, midwing planform, and decent-sized control surfaces. The full-scale aircraft was ahead of its time, and perhaps, like the other popular round-cowl, midwing popular models out there, you’ll get it to hover around. MA