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How to Adjust the Cycle Control on an RC Helicopter

Cyclic control refers to the aircraft's ability to fly forward, backward or sideways. In helicopter terms, cyclic roll is often called the aileron, while cyclic pitch is referred to as the elevator. However, terms like aileron and elevator refer to specific parts of an airplane. Nevertheless, these mechanical functions are essential to your aircraft's control. Adjust your helicopter's cyclic control to ensure optimum performance.

Things You'll Need

Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Use the needle-nose pliers to turn the linkage rods leading from the servos to the swash plate. The swash plate is located at the base of the main rotor blade. It is a diamond-shaped plate with rounded edges.
- 2
  Rotate the middle section of the linkage rod clockwise to elongate the rod; turn the middle section of the rod counterclockwise to shorten it. A longer rod will offer a wider range of control, while a shortened rod will restrict the variability of the cyclic pitch and roll.
- 3
  Use the right joystick by moving it up and down to control the movement of the cyclic pitch; use the left joystick by moving it left and right to control the movement of the cyclic roll. Moving the right joystick up will fly the helicopter forward, while sliding the left joystick to the left will tilt the helicopter in that direction.

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