Tips for Setting Up a Falcon 3D RC Helicopter

Visual Inspection

• Look closely over the helicopter to see if any parts are cracked or worn. Check also the various electrical components to see if any appear damaged or loose. Power on the helicopter and controller with the throttle completely off. Tilt the various control levers on your controller and check that a corresponding part on the helicopter also moves. Power off the helicopter again.

Center of Gravity

• Check the center of gravity of the helicopter. Rotate the helicopter's main rotor so it lines up with the tail of the helicopter. Hold the flybar, the shorter bar with the paddles, and examine the skids. The helicopter should be horizontal against the ground. If it is out of alignment, adjust the battery placement forward or backward for balance.

Alignment

• Remove the tail rotor and place it on a pin or skewer. Place that between two wooden blocks and check whether the rotor leans forward or backward. If it leans too far in either direction, add tape to the rotor until it is balanced. Check the alignment of the rotors by turning the throttle on slightly and watching whether or not the helicopter shakes. Adjust the servos or the flybar if your rotor isn't flat.

Trim

• Pull out the antenna, switch all of the throttle controls to the off positions. Then power on the helicopter and controller. Ease the helicopter up to an even hover above the ground by moving the throttle up. The helicopter should stay in place in the air. If it does not, adjust the trim controls until it doesn't spin or lean forward or backward. Your helicopter is now set up and ready to fly.