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How to Set the Trim on an RC Transmitter for a 450 Helicopter

Flying radio controlled helicopters is a less expensive way to learn about the aerodynamics and controls of rotor aircraft. Like their full-sized counterparts, RC helicopters use a trim control designed to counteract the torque from the main rotor and the tail rotor. Trim allows the helicopter to take off without the main body spinning wildly. Trim keeps the body in one place while the rotors spin. Adjusting and setting the trim with an RC helicopter is an ongoing process during the flight as different conditions require the trim to be adjusted.

Things You'll Need

RC control box

Instructions

- 1
  Set the RC 450 helicopter on your launching pad or area. Turn the copter and control box on. Slowly push the left control up to engage the main rotors and begin the takeoff procedure.
- 2
  Push the right control slightly to the right as the skids -- the landing gear -- on the RC 450 helicopter begin to lift off the ground. Watch for the helicopter to begin to turn to the right as it lifts off the ground. This is the P-factor, the phenomenon of the helicopter to want to spin in the same direction as the main rotors. As the main body begins to turn right, push the trim control (right side stick) further to the right to calibrate the P-factor.
- 3
  Push the left control up as the RC 450 helicopter lifts off the ground. This propels the helicopter up and forward. As it reaches the desired height, draw the left stick further to the center of the control setting and push the right stick closer to center. Keep the balance between the two to keep the RC helicopter in trim.
- 4
  Push the right stick to the right or left in the opposite direction of the crosswinds to trim the blades and allow the 450 RC helicopter to slice through the wind. Adjust as needed until the RC craft flies straight during crosswinds. When it is on a straight and true course, bring the trim control (the right stick) closer to center.
- 5
  Make the micro-adjustments throughout the flight, remembering that the right control is there to counterbalance the main rotors on the left control.

Aviation