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How to Fly a Fixed Pitch Helicopter Forward in Flight

Flying an RC helicopter forward that has a fixed pitch system, where the angle of the propeller always stays the same, is no different than with a collective (altitude) pitch system, where the pitch of the propeller changes with the throttle stick's movement. The pitch of the propeller isn't important in moving forward, the pitch controls the amount of air the propeller can force down for lift. Both types of helicopter use a swash-plate to control the angle of the entire dish (area of the spinning blades) for cyclic (directional) movement.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the propellers and how they are connected. The swash-plate is at the bottom of the assembly attached to the propellers. There are two connections to the swash-plate that are controlled by two servos that work together to change the angle of the dish. Moving the right control stick left and right moves the heli by tilting the dish left and right. Moving the right control stick up and down moves the heli by tilting the dish forward and back.
- 2
  Start your RC helicopter and increase the throttle by moving the left stick up until your are just barely off the ground, hovering. Move the left stick left and right to control the left and right spin (rudder). Practice hovering there in an imaginary two foot square around the helicopter for about 5 to 10 minutes or until you are confident of your control.
- 3
  Increase the throttle so that your helicopter is just below eye level and you have a good view. Move the right control stick very slightly forward to start tipping the nose down. As soon as the dish tilts forward the helicopter will start moving forward. Pull the right stick back to level out again and hover.

Aviation