DIY Network

Radio-Control Helicopters: A "Green Giant" Whirlybird From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-404

Adam Tadhjian, RC helicopter pilot.

Chris Chianelli, host of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, attends the International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA) annual Jamboree in Muncie, Indiana.

In this segment Chris gets a demo of the largest model helicopter at the event -- the Forestale Sky-Crane piloted by Adam Tadhjian.

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Sky-Crane Helicopter

When it comes to RC helicopters, Adam Tadhjian of East Coast Scale Helicopters® believes that bigger is better. His Sky-Crane has a rotor diameter of 82 inches and is the largest helicopter in the prestigious IRCHA competition.

The model weighs 27 pounds, which is heavy in comparison to other scale models. However, for this sized model a weight of at least 25 pounds is required for stability given the large rotors. The Sky Crane is powered by a Zenoa® Z230 gas engine which runs on a 100-to-1 gas/oil mixture and produces more than 4-1/2 horsepower.

Because of its advanced avionics, the Sky Crane is relatively stable and easy to fly despite its size. The challenge is to maintain proper pitch when winds kick up. Adam is the right man for the job since. He's been flying advanced RC helicopters for about 10 years.

Helicopter Fever

Helicopters represent one of the fastest growing segments of the RC hobby and have become one of the most popular gateways into the world of radio-control models. If you'd like to get started in this exciting branch of the hobby, there's a broad range of models you can try -- from miniatures that can even be flown indoors to advanced aerobatic models. It's a great facet of RC hobbies that's worth looking into.

Important: This demonstration shows provides basic information for assembly and operation of these particular radio-control model helicopters. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours -- whether it is one of the models featured here or another. Thorough information about assembly, running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model, as well as important safety precautions, can typically be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Radio Control Hobbies, episode 404

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Muncie, Indiana
Website: www.modelaircraft.org

International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
Website: www.ircha.org

Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC)
Edison, NJ
Website: www.modelrectifier.com

Megatech International
North Bergen, NJ
Website: www.megatech.com