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How to Align a Radio Control Helicopter

A radio-controlled (RC) helicopter is a scale model of the full-sized vehicle that the operator controls from the ground using a radio transmitter. RC helicopters can perform most any aerobatic maneuver that a full-sized helicopter is capable of, as the operator has access to throttle, pitch, roll and tail rotor controls. It's very important that this combination of controls is accurate to ensure the RC helicopter can be properly maneuvered within three-dimensional space. Adjusting the transmitter controls is known as "aligning," and is essential before flying the RC helicopter.

Instructions

- 1
  Place the RC helicopter on a flat surface in a room with no air movement. Ensure there is plenty of free space around the helicopter before starting the motor.
- 2
  Run the blades up to speed, and press the "up" control on the transmitter to hover the helicopter about 12 inches off the ground.
- 3
  Hold the joysticks still and adjust each of their trim controls in turn. The location and style of the trim controls will vary from controller to controller, but they are usually located directly beneath or to the side of the joystick they are assigned to. Carefully adjust the trim controls until the helicopter remains stationary in the air when the joysticks are in their central position.

Aviation