RC helicopter buyer's guide

Buying an RC helicopter is easier than it was when I started selling them in 2007, and harder in one way: there's far more choice. Modern gyros mean almost anyone can learn, but the wrong helicopter still ends in frustration, a drawer full of broken parts, or a model you can't get spares for.

This guide takes you through every decision in order. If you just want names, our best RC helicopters for beginners gives specific picks. Everything for helicopters is on the RC helicopters hub.

Step 1: where will you fly?

This decides more than anything else.

• Indoors, in a living room: a small coaxial or micro fixed pitch helicopter under about 100g. See best indoor RC helicopters.
• Indoors, in a sports hall: micro collective pitch helicopters come into their own.
• Outdoors, in a garden or park: a larger fixed pitch or scale helicopter, or a 200 to 300-size collective pitch model, flown only in light winds.
• At a club field: anything, including 450 to 700 size.

Anything you fly outdoors also needs to follow the CAA's Drone and Model Aircraft Code, and models of 100g or more need a Flyer ID. The UK rules for RC models explains it all.

Step 2: what do you want to end up doing?

The three types are compared in detail in coaxial vs fixed pitch vs collective pitch. The short version: coaxials are easiest but can't go outdoors; fixed pitch models teach real skills; collective pitch models do everything but punish mistakes.

Step 3: choose a size

Bigger helicopters are smoother and handle wind better, but cost more and hit harder. For most people:

• Under 200mm rotor: indoors only.
• 250 to 450mm rotor: indoors in a hall, outdoors on calm days.
• 450 to 600mm rotor (200 to 300 class): a first outdoor collective pitch helicopter.
• 470 to 500 class and up: second or third helicopter, club flying.

RC helicopter sizes explained has the full table.

Step 4: channels and stabilisation

Ignore the big channel number on the box. A 3-channel toy can't fly sideways; 4 channels is the minimum for proper control; 6 channels means collective pitch. More useful questions are:

• Does it self-level? Essential for learning.
• Does it hold altitude? Makes the first hover much easier.
• Is there a panic or rescue switch? Saves crashes on collective pitch models.

See 4 channel vs 6 channel RC helicopters for the details.

Step 5: RTF, BNF or kit?

• RTF (ready to fly): everything in the box, including a transmitter. Best for a first helicopter.
• BNF (bind-n-fly): no transmitter; you use your own compatible radio.
• Kit: you build it and add electronics. Not for a first helicopter.

RTF vs BNF vs kit explains what else each needs.

Step 6: check spares before you buy

This is the step people skip, and the one I'd underline. Every helicopter crashes while you're learning, and the parts that break are predictable: main blades, tail blades, main gears, landing skids, sometimes a shaft or a servo. If you can't get those in the UK within a few days, the helicopter will sit broken.

Brands with strong UK parts support include Blade, Goosky, OMPHobby, RC ERA and Align.

Step 7: budget for the whole thing

The helicopter is only part of the cost. Add:

• Extra batteries: at least two more. Flights last 5 to 10 minutes.
• A better charger once you have several packs: see best LiPo chargers.
• Spares: blades, a main gear and tail parts, about 20% of the helicopter's price.
• A transmitter if you buy BNF.
• A simulator if you're going collective pitch.

Real UK figures for each type are in how much does an RC helicopter cost.

Step 8: practise before you fly

For collective pitch especially, a simulator is the cheapest training you'll ever buy. Every crash in a simulator is free. See RC flight simulators. Then follow how to fly an RC helicopter for the first real flights.

Buying second-hand

A used helicopter can be a bargain or a box of problems. Our checklist for buying a used RC helicopter explains what to inspect. If you've found an old helicopter in the loft, read converting a 35MHz model to 2.4GHz first.

What to avoid

• Very cheap no-name helicopters with no spares.
• Infrared-controlled toys if you want to fly anywhere bright, as they don't work in sunlight.
• A big collective pitch helicopter as a first model without simulator practice or an instructor.
• Models that need a radio you don't have, unless you're budgeting for one.

Where to buy in the UK

A specialist model shop that stocks parts for your helicopter is the best choice. They'll also tell you honestly what suits a beginner. Online marketplaces can be cheaper but often sell grey imports with no spares support. Wherever you buy, check the battery safety basics in LiPo battery safety before the first charge.