Electric Micro RC Helicopters - Indoor / Outdoor Models

They just keep getting better and better:  electric RC helicopters small enough to fly inside your house or apartment.  When the weather's bad and it's too wet, cold or windy to fly outside,  we can still enjoy flying our miniature remote control helicopters indoors.  I am still in the beginner stage of flying RC helicopters and I'm sticking to the simpler models for now, but there are some very sophisticated high quality models in the micro size, for more experienced intermediate to advanced fliers. Some of the most amazing aerobatic and 3D flights I have seen on YouTube were filmed inside.

Many indoor models can be flown outdoors as well.  Just be sure to read the instruction manual and if it says something like, only fly outdoors when the wind speed is not greater than 5 miles per hour, they are not kidding around and you should take that as gospel - don't risk smashing your baby.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm one of the owners of RC Planes and Copters and I spend a good deal of time reading about RC products for our store.  Last week I "tested"  the new Verticar from Megatech. Tested - ha!  Played with it is more like it! I love my job...  Anyway, the Verticar is fully assembled and comes with everything you need, in the box, except for the 6 AA alkaline batteries needed for the transmitter.

Megatech VertiCar

The VertiCar's electric engine is powered by a LiPo battery inside the vehicle,  and it is charged by connecting the Verticar to the Transmitter.  It has a "running mode" for traveling on the ground like a car and "flying mode" for the rc helicopter mode.  The VertiCar is so small and light-weight and its wheels are so narrow, that it doesn't roll well on bumpy or grooved surfaces.  It needs smooth surfaces when in running mode.  Being the flight bug that I am, I spend most of my time in flying mode.  Initially, my model was spinning out of control but there's a trim adjustment dial on the Transmitter and I played with the dial until I found the right spot -  and then I had a blast hovering from room to room. It smacked into the walls and doors a few times and made some rough landings - no damage so far.  Included in the package is an extra set of replacement blades and a small Phillips head screwdriver (for the battery compartment on the transmitter).  It can be flown outdoors, but only when there's no wind and when you're flying inside - be sure to turn off your ceiling fans!

It's day four of EAA's AirVenture 2010 and I have really enjoyed reading and watching the news.  I didn't get to go this year, but I'm saving up and hope to be there in 2011.  You can watch EAA's videos including daily reports from AirVenture 2010 on their channel: http://www.eaa.org/video/airventure.html

If you are a fan of RC aviation I would love to hear from you. Help me improve my blog with your feedback and suggestions!

Until next time, have fun, stay safe and Keep Flying!

Do you want to fly RC but you're not sure how to get started?

Do you or someone you know want to find out how to get started flying RC aircraft? If yes, that's fantastic! In my humble opinion, it is the greatest hobby ever! Join my blog and and we'll discuss all sorts of things to get you going and help you all along the way. If you are an experienced pilot, we would love to have the benefit of your expertise & knowledge. Please share your thoughts and ideas...

Men and women have always been captivated by the idea of breaking the bonds of earth and gravity. Maybe it’s the promise of freedom that explains the allure of flying, or maybe it’s just human stubbornness, man wanting to do something he wasn’t equipped by nature to accomplish. For most, flying RC airplanes and helicopters is as close as we will come to realizing the dream of flying under our own control. A thrilling and rewarding pastime, radio remote control aviation satisfies a desire that seems almost genetically imprinted.

Learning to fly takes a little time and patience, but is not really difficult and anyone can do it, young or old. With the right RC airplane and proper instruction, you can be flying before you know it. A good initial step is to join a local RC flying club. Most hobbyists are outgoing and enjoy sharing what they know and most clubs have at least one member designated to assist beginners. Learning under the watchful eye of a certified instructor is probably the quickest and safest way to start flying RC airplanes. If you already own a plane, your instructor can help you avoid damaging it; if you don’t, clubs usually have trainer planes and helicopters that new pilots may “borrow.” To find a club near you, and a list of certified RC flight instructors, visit the website of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) at www.modelaircraft.org or call 1-765-287-1256.

If there is more than one club in your area, try to visit them all. Join the club you like the best, or the one that is nearest you or has the best instructional program. And ask about dues (these may vary, so find out what they are and what they cover). The club that we belong to charges $80 per year for an individual or a family. The family plan covers children up to age 18. Many clubs require you to join AMA as a prerequisite to flying your RC airplane on their field regularly. Our club requires AMA membership. Even if yours doesn't, we encourage you to join; AMA works to promote RC modeling and also provides liability insurance coverage--which is a great thing to have. There are a number of great resources on AMA’s site, including an Event Calendar (click on Competition/Events, then use the search box to obtain information about upcoming events in your area), a virtual tour of the National Model Aviation Museum, and the current and past issues of Model Aviation magazine (a subscription to the magazine is one of the member benefits). We love their magazine.

If you are ready to get started in this exciting and rewarding hobby, click the Follow button (over on the left) to follow this blog, check out AMA's website and find the list of clubs in your area and please post any questions or thoughts that you have.

Signing off for now - will be back soon. Until next time, have fun, keep it safe & keep flying!



Electric RC Airplanes RTF           RC Copters

Is it just me or is flying RC aircraft the greatest hobby ever?

I have always enjoyed flying as a passenger - especially in smaller aircraft. I once rode in the co-pilot's seat of an open cockpit plane as the pilot did loops and rolls... was that ever a blast! Several months ago I met some folks who fly RC helicopters and planes and they turned me on to their hobby and past-time. I can't say enough good things about my new hobby and I have had so much fun learning to fly RC airplanes, that my husband, our son and some of our friends have gotten the bug too. My husband and I have formed a new business and you'll never guess what we decided to sell... RC aircraft! Ha! With the economy like it is, it's not the ideal time to start a new business, I know, but we're having a great time with it and it's going pretty well so far.

When you're getting started in this hobby, there's a lot to learn and digest, but that's part of the reward. You learn a whole new jargon or lingo and it keeps your mind sharp! I've noticed that, for kids who fly remote control, it not only improves their hand-to-eye coordination and gets them up-and-about instead of sitting around, but their patience and ability to remain focused gets better too.

Online blogs, forums and articles have helped me tremendously. I am starting this blog to share what I've learned & new stuff I learn down the road and hopefully attract other bloggers who can share their tips and experience with us as well.

Until next time: Have fun, keep it safe, and keep flying!



The Avion IO BiPlane is a great indoor / outdoor electric RC Plane. Read more at Avion IO.