Make no mistake: Pod and boom model helicopters
are exceedingly difficult to learn to fly. The learning curve is very
steep; setup and rebuilds can be tedious and frustrting at times (especially
for a beginner); the computer programming required to set up the radio
transmitter uses strange and cryptic terms and values, and crash costs
can be expensive—especially with a high frequency of crashes early
on. These factors can cause many to abandon the hobby before they ever
really get started.
Computer
simulators have had no small part in revolutionizing the model helicopter
learning process. But, computer simulation is still just that—a
simulation. For those that just want to go fly, a coaxial model offers
a shortcut past much of the steep learning curve by offering a helicopter
that will literally fly itself, while letting the pilot control forward
flight, backward flight, lateral flight, and spins around the model's
axis.
What's more, since these models are so stable and predictable, they are
perfectly suited for indoor flight. Their low headspeed, small size, and
maneuverability make coaxials not only a good first choice into helicopter
modeling, but a great choice for cold or rainy days when a trip to the
park is out of the question.
Coaxials are not all skittles and beer though. The very characteristics
of the model that make it so great for a beginner, for flying indoors,
and for stable flight also give it serious flight limitations:
Small coaxials such as the eflite blade CX are practically unflyable
in any amount of wind. Even a light 5mph breeze will blow the CX off course
and often make it impossible to return upwind, even if the pilot is able
to keep it upright.
And, because the main rotor blades are stacked atop each other, more
aggressive forward flight (banked turns and/or steep climbs) are not possible
due to blade strikes which will break the blades and cause a crash. Because
of this possibility, the aircraft has been designed to prevent these maneuvers
in the first place.
Negatives notwithstanding, a coaxial model has something to offer a wide
range of pilots. For the complete novice, a coaxial offers a low cost,
low maintenance, ready-to-fly model that will provide a true helicopter
flying experience and valuable orientation training in learning to control
the attitude and altitude of any model helicopter. And, for the experienced
model helicopter pilot, the coaxial offers an inexpensive model that can
be flown indoors when a trip to the field is not possible.
Good luck, and happy flying.
-Bob |
