An Auto Rotation is a very difficult move to perfect, but one that could save your RC helicopter should the engine cut out mid flight, so it’s a move that you should learn to perform. However, practising the move could be difficult as you can only do when your helicopter is in the air. You can do it relatively safely though, with minimum risk to your radio controlled helicopter.

You can practise the move by first learning how to control your descent. Take off with your model and turn it into the wind, then lower the power so that it begins to descend. Gradually descend by about 20 feet, keeping the helicopter level. You should practise a few times until you’re confident with it.

Next you should try the same manoeuvre with low power. Repeat what you tried previously, but engage the throttle hold, dropping the power. When you reach about 20 feet, increase the power to level off your flight.

Although it may seem dangerous, you should let your RC helicopter descend rapidly as you’ll need the rotor speed generated to safely land.

Each time you practise, reduce the throttle more and more. The more you practise, the less throttle you can use, eventually being able to control the landing without any power at all.

There are many different tricks and techniques you can learn when piloting a radio controlled helicopter. Some are more difficult than others, but many are essential for the safe flight of your RC helicopter, especially if you run into any problems when you’re using it.

For example, the manoeuvre known as the Auto Rotation is a very difficult skill to learn, but one that could save you from a nasty crash should you suffer an equipment failure when your bird is in the air.

An Auto Rotation means that your helicopter’s blades spin without the engine being engaged. Instead of the engine powering the rotor blades, the momentum of the blades combined with the upward motion of the air passing over them as the helicopter descends keeps the RC helicopter in the air.

The pilot then has to very skilfully control the descent of the radio controlled helicopter so that the blades have enough momentum to keep the chopper in the air before it lands.

The skill looks very impressive from the ground, but of course should your engine cut-out mid-flight you’ll need to know how to do it in order to successfully save your RC helicopter from a crash.

This is the final part in our guide on keeping your RC helicopter running perfectly. If you hope to avoid any accidents with your radio controlled helicopter and have it perform to the best of its ability, these tips will come in very useful for you.

Take care of your gearbox
You should take your gearbox apart and make sure that every moving part is lubricated. You don’t want anything to wear out while your bird is in the air. Again make sure that every screw has been tightened securely afterwards.

Store your batteries well
When it comes to looking after your rechargeable batteries you should always store them in a warm place. The cold can adversely affect batteries. When you store them, make sure that they have at least 50% of power still in them. You should also replace them as soon as they start to lose performance. You don’t want an expensive crash because you kept your batteries for one flight too many!

Lubricate your Grommet
The Servos are mounted on rubber grommets, and these can dry out. You should keep them lubricated by coating them in Vaseline.

Following on from our guidelines about performing regular checks and maintenance on your RC helicopter, here are some more essential checks that you should be performing in order to ensure that your radio controlled helicopter gives you years of trouble free performance.

Check your landing gear
Landings are the most important part of any flight, so you need to make sure that your landing gear isn’t damaged or suffering from any sign of stress. Make sure that any bolts on the landing gear are tightened.

Check the belt on the tail boom
If your RC helicopter has a belt on the tail boom (as some don’t) you should make sure that it isn’t wearing out. If you don’t plan on using your RC helicopter for a long period it’s best to store the helicopter with the tension released on the drive belt.

Disassemble your fuel tank
You don’t want any problems with fuel when your helicopter is 100ft in the air, so ensure that you drain your tank regularly, take it apart and make sure there are no blockages, and that the fuel lines are clear and secure.

Today’s RC helicopters are fairly sturdy and can withstand the odd unexpected landing, or some overzealous flying. However you should always make sure that your radio controlled helicopter is in tip-top shape if you plan to fly it for some time. Here is the first in a three part guide to keeping your RC helicopter in good shape, with some maintenance tips.

Check your canopy
You should always check the canopy of your RC helicopter to make sure it doesn’t have any cracks. Make sure as well that if the canopy came in two separate halves that it hasn’t started to come apart at the seam.

Check your Servo Tray
This is vitally important because it controls the guidance of the RC helicopter. Ensure that it isn’t cracked at all and that it’s securely attached the fuselage of the helicopter.

Tighten all bolts
Obviously if any bolts and screws have come loose on the frame of your radio controlled helicopter you should ensure that they are tightened properly.

Keep your bearings!
The bearings can wear out, so should be replaced when need be. Ensure that they are well lubricated also.