RC helicopters are not toys, and can cause serious injury if misused. This article lists the various safety tips that you can use to stay safe when building and flying your RC helicopters.
Prevent Building Errors
When building the RC helicopter, it is imperative that you follow all of the manufacturers’ instructions. Not only will this give you a more enjoyable building experience, but it will also increase the chance of a successful first flight.
- Use a thread locking compound on each bolt that does not have a lock washer. This prevents bolts from vibrating loose during flight.
- Make all bolts and screws tight, but not tight enough to strip screws or round off screwdrivers. Over tightening screws and bolts can cause structural damage to the RC helicopter.
- Keep the different radio wires of your RC helicopter away from moving parts.
- Lubricate all moving parts.
- Route the antenna wire through the RC helicopter in such a way that it does not get tangled or caught in any parts of the RC helicopter. Losing a part of the antenna in flight can cause a crash.
- The power switch should be oriented so that it cannot accidentally be turned off. If the switch is mounted horizontally, make sure that the on position is towards the back. If the switch is mounted vertically, the up position should turn the RC helicopter on.
While at the Flying Field
When you are at the flying field, follow these tips to ensure your and others safety.
- If you are flying at a club, then there should be a frequency board with clips attached. Before you ever turn on your radio system, make sure that your pin is on the board, next to your radio frequency. This prevents conflicts between different RC helicopters, ensuring everyone’s safety.
- Keep a first aid kit in the car, or leave one where everyone can find it.
- Remove the main rotor blades before you start the engine for the first time. This will prevent them from spinning and causing injury if the engine starts at a high throttle setting.
- Perform a full range check of your radio equipment before each flight, according to your radio systems instructions.
Starting the Engine
Starting the engine and carrying the RC helicopter out to the runway is one of the most dangerous parts of any flight. Following these tips will help keep you safe.
- Make sure that both the transmitter and receiver are on before starting the engine.
- Hold on to the rotor head to prevent it from moving, if the engine starts to move the rotors.
- Make sure that the throttle hold and idle up setting on the transmitter are off.
- Keep the transmitter neck strap away from the throttle lever.
While Flying
- Keep the RC helicopter away from other aircraft and people.
- Use sunglasses on a bright day, so that you don’t lose the helicopter in the Sun.
- Stand 15 to 20 feet away from the RC helicopter when flying.
- Fly with a friend, so that he/she can help you if there is an accident.
After flying, clean the RC helicopter thoroughly and pack all of your tools neatly. This will help make sure that you don’t lose anything, and will keep your RC helicopter in good condition and ready for the next flight.
