About Indoor Remote Control Helicopters

History

• Toy helicopters in the 1980s and 1990s were typically disappointments for children and parents alike, as they tended to be very bulky and heavy and never flew quite as well as advertised. They also used up batteries at an alarming rate. In the early 2000s, though, the popularity of miniature remote-control helicopters increased. The ease of control and the light weight of these toys made them popular gifts.

Function

• Controlling the indoor remote-control helicopters is very easy and accomplished with two levers. One of the levers controls the lift of the helicopter. The other lever controls the thrust, which is the movement of the helicopter, forward and backward, once it is in the air. There is a learning curve in maneuvering each type of indoor remote-control helicopter, but after about a half an hour, most devices are ready to fly, even in tight spaces.

Types

• Indoor remote-control helicopters have come a long way. The early versions only had one propeller and could run for about 3 to 5 minutes on a single charge. There are now indoor remote-control helicopters that come with multiple propellers; some serve as replacement parts, and others allow the helicopter to do tricks in the air. They also come in a variety of colors. The remote controls have improved, too, as they no longer all share the same radio channel. Most allow you to select from three different frequencies so you can fly three such helicopters in the same area without interference.

Size

• Indoor remote-control helicopters are small, which allows them to be great indoor toys and easier to fly around the house. Some of the newer models are only 3 inches in length, with a 6-inch radius for the propeller. This makes it easier to fly several indoor helicopters at once, meaning children don't have to wait their turn.

Warning

• Indoor remote-control helicopters are now charged using a power cord instead of batteries to make them lighter to fly. Unfortunately, these charges still do not last very long. Some of the higher-priced helicopters can fly for up to 15 minutes on a single charge, but most only fly for 3 to 5 minutes. A full recharging can take up to 15 minutes as well.