Horizon Insider Tech Talk: How to Fly Collective-Pitch RC Helicopters

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Horizon Insider Tech Talk: How to Fly Collective-Pitch RC Helicopters
Interested in learning how to fly RC Helicopters? You are not alone! In this episode of Horizon Insider, Kyle grabs the Blade 230 S V2 and gives a quick guided introduction on how to fly collective-pitch helicopters.
Note that we always recommend a true beginner to start with a fixed-pitch helicopter (or a quad/multi-rotor), but this should help once you are ready to make the jump to a true collective-pitch helicopter capable of flying inverted and performing 3D maneuvers.
Recommended beginner helicopters (fixed-pitch):
70 S RTF: www.horizonhobby.com/blh4200
120 S (RTF and BNF): www.horizonhobby.com/SearchDi...
Recommended intermediate helicopters (collective-pitch):
150 S BNF Basic: www.horizonhobby.com/product/...
230 S V2 (RTF and BNF): www.horizonhobby.com/search?q...
Shop all Blade Helicopters: www.horizonhobby.com/blade/
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[@dsummers9022]

You guys at Horizon are the best. I’ve got a few of your models and they all work well and do what it says on the box, also I love your videos which are very informative. Please make more videos like this. Very helpful. Thanks guys. Dave.

[@horizonhobby]

Glad to hear it!

[@davidcook284]

Thanks. This is the best explanation I have seen yet covering the 3 flight modes and the use of the throttle hold switch.

[@dburton7929]

Yeah, don’t be afraid to crash..... only one thing that is not mentioned, chances are very high that the parts you will need are back ordered and won’t be available for months !! Been there, done that! I have a 230S V2, and really like it, but waiting months for parts is not my idea of a good time.

[@jameslovell8682]

And, those tiny parts will be hideously expensive.......

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Very helpful. Wish I'd seen this a month ago when I bought my 230 S. Really nice to learn about the various flight modes and how they differ. I've already crashed it a couple of times just learning the basics of hovering, and broke those top links every time. But you're right - it's pretty easy to fix.

[@horizonhobby]

We crash too. We just don't show it ;).

[@specoli728]

This is the most informative video I’ve watched yet. Thanks 🤙🏼

[@rless69rc]

Excellent, Thanks! Cheers from Switzerland

[@Hobbes22]

Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@Damon0306]

Great video!

[@kunad2294]

MORE , of these video on how you fly in 3d thanks.

[@MK6062]

I love this Heli but there is no stock availability for main frame! They are on back order and not available until October, so my Heli has been grounded from mid July until then 😭

[@josephromo1059]

I got my 150s ordered today, it's my first collective pitch helicopter. I'm so excited but also nervous to learn 3D flight.

[@ahwayzcool4630]

How you coming along with your 3d flying?

[@Raptor50aus]

So guys when does the brushless nano come out :)?

[@kunad2294]

thanks.

[@RCStuffvideos]

I started a series on how to fly too. Hopefully there's something there to help you if you're starting out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TVlaCZha-Li7s

[@mrbushpilot]

Very good

[@garyvale8347]

I learned to fly on the smaller 200 S models, took me a season of flying a few packs most everyday and using the Real Flight sim too, ...... I have 2 of the older model 230's which I am still flying ......the 230 is more responsive and its difficulty level all depends on what mode you choose to fly in...as both Blade models become much harder to fly in the more advanced modes without the self stabilization ......I strongly recommend getting a good sim to learn on and first perfect all your orientations or you will get frustrated and will be buying a lot of new parts from the guy who says " don't be afraid to crash ".................

[@Skeletor419]

AMEN! hahahaha

[@kevosrcadventures9019]

When I'm in a hover and stability mode and then I'll up one it wants immediately go forward and down to the left have to save it I have to panic save it any thoughts.

[@jonathanrigley981]

I've been struggling to get into the Rc heli hobby simply because its so hard to find good help because of everyone flocking to drones... I have rebuilt some old flybarred blade helis but really have no idea how to set them up to my DX9. None of the Local hobby shops have any heli guys to help me out so it's been trial and error...

[@RCStuffvideos]

I just started a series on learning to fly. Might be something in it to help you hopefully: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TVlaCZha-Li7s

[@stevehiggins4922]

"Don't be Afraid to Crash" Say's the guy who will sell you more parts!

[@funKdatFPV]

I see hes using a DX6. I am just starting and have been told that 8 channels should be the minimum. Will the DX6 suffice?

[@rayivie4880]

Wow I’m the first on here. The first like. Oh I want to learn to fly a helicopter. Which one do you suggest. I really like this one. Thanks for video.

[@horizonhobby]

Ray, we put a few links in the actual video copy (you probably need to scroll further down the page). We recommend the 70S and 120S as a true "first heli." Following that, we recommend jumping to the 150 S or 230 S (used in video).

[@JohnMark61355]

I enjoyed the video. I fly quads and planes now. I am thinking about getting a helicopter. The 230sV2 appeared to be the best choice. The 150 offers another choice. What are your thoughts about which one to purchase? BTW, I have a few 800s but a zillion 400-500s batteries😊.

[@horizonhobby]

Get the 230 S V2 if you have space. It's going to handle wind better and have a more forgiving feel than the 150 will. That being said, the 150 feels "punchier" and is "newer technology," so it will actually fly a bit better than the 230 assuming all other variables remain the same.

[@JohnMark61355]

Thank you.

[@michaelnievelstein5952]

Great Video! You always say don't be afraid to crash, I wasn't and now I am waiting for you to get the main frame back in stock again since July, and its expected to be back in End October. Any new of getting it earlier? Thanks

[@BeHeaven616]

Hello! I just bought this heli rtf and a dx6e. With the stock remote that comes with the heli it works just fine, but when i bind it to the dx6e the rear rotor doesnt run smooth, when turning it stutters in the direction that i want and doesnt turn smooth! Iam a noob so i got no clue of the remote is in the wrong settings?

[@horizonhobby]

Shoot our Product Support team an email using [e-mail]. They will get you helped out!

[@src2920]

I was wondering if it is advisable to start with 270S BnF as my first collective pitch heli since i have many 3S 1300mah batteries laying around.I have flown fixed pitch heli (3 channel) and warbirds (6 channel). Thank you for sharing such educational videos, it actually got me started in rcplanes 2yrs ago with a 3 channel Super cub😊

[@horizonhobby]

Are you talking about the 270 CFX? It's not "ideal" per say. The other issue is parts availability for when you do crash. It's always nice to learn with a heli that has plenty of parts available at an affordable price.

[@src2920]

@@horizonhobby Thanks for getting back. I was actually asking about the 270 Bng(BLH5350). Can i use a 3S 1300mah with the 230S instead, then i could use those batteries?

[@horizonhobby]

@@src2920 The entire Fusion line-up will be difficult for a beginner to master. They are very powerful, nimble, and aren't designed to "crash" the same way our "S" models are. A 3S 1300 will be to big for the 230 S unfortunately. That being said, if you check out the 330 S, it uses 3S 2200 packs, and is another great way to get comfortable flying collective-pitch!

[@ahwayzcool4630]

The Fusion line of helis are for ADVANCED pilots. I wouldn't NOT get that for a beginner heli.

[@gregoryduvall4758]

I myself do not fly 3d, so I would set up idle 1 with hover pitch at mid stick

[@Realitygetreal]

You are awesome!!! RIGHT ON!! take this advice from this man!! FLY FOR YOURSELF!!! and setup your model for YOU... not everyone loves 3D... I personally cringe when I see and HEAR heli's shredding... SAME goes for airplanes... if you want to hover fly a helicopter not a plane..

[@kendonnelly3248]

Odd you said throttle cut. I tried to set throttle cut up to No avail. It is throttle Hold mode . In flight mode setting that has to be activated.

[@myyotube8497]

You guys should bring out a proper acrobatic 3D Quadrocopter. Propably a 5 inch prop.

[@Damon0306]

Wow I’m afraid of mode 1 and 2, I will be stuck with mode 0 for a LONG LONG time.

[@How-To-RC]

Your telling me lol. I have had my belt cp v2 for years now, and have got no further than a basic hover. I can't even bring myself to turn yet lol. I'm terrified of flying with the heli side on to me. Plus my heli is basically an antique now lol. They don't make them anymore

[@talladega9918]

I was flying in 0 today and flicked it into 1 by accident and instantly went upside down and crashed 😂😂 now need a new boom lol

[@Realitygetreal]

@@talladega9918 It happens, but what most people forget is there is more to heli's than bind the receiver and fly, I cannot stress enough on continuing to learn about what makes a Heli fly, and HOW IT FLYS!! I teach people to learn how to dial back mode 1 and mode 2 so that when you transition to the next stage you dont have a wild horse bucking up and down on you, learn about throttle curves, pitch curves, dual rates, expo.. and learn to use them to tune the HELI TO THE WAY YOU FLY...

[@chrisquidlt1113]

Why would you use a negative pitch ? Isn’t that going to slam the heli to the group as you throttle Bach their

[@MrGhostVortex]

Sadly, i got my 180 trio last year, and its spent more time on the repair bench than in the air. I cannot for the life of me get my head around flying. This is my first collective pitch heli, but I ahve experience in flying fixed pitch helis, quads and planes. Plus, I'm a semi enthusiast flight simulator pilot....so aircraft aren't new to me. But, for some reason I cant get the hang of this collective pitch heli. Granted, I am using an OpenTX controller with a Spektrum receiver,so I think there are some communications errors....but this thing is a bugger to simply hold in a hover. Very upsetting :(

[@horizonhobby]

The Trio 180 CFX is literally one of the hardest helis to fly as well.

[@kunad2294]

all i need is the stick movements for 3d .

[@andygatenby9762]

Nice video. I noticed you landed in UI1 and didn't flip back to normal mode to land. I tend to switch to normal mode so I can ease it down slower with more control and it kills the throttle that way. Anything wrong with that?

[@Cerus98]

No but landing in idle up allows for a quicker bailout.

[@Realitygetreal]

Fly for YOU, does not matter what anyone else thinks if you are enjoying YOUR HOBBY!!

[@spaaarky21]

"Don't be afraid to crash," said Horizon Hobbies. 😉

[@Realitygetreal]

exactly what they SAY!!! and one day they will say "Dont be afraid to buy the new version!!!" as we discontinued yours and no parts available anymore

[@kunad2294]

if your in 3d mode and you didn't do a flip what would happened too the heli.

[@Realitygetreal]

too vague if you roll the bird and your not in STUNT MODE (where the rotor reverses) It will turn into toothpicks as it flys straight into the ground upsided down at full speed

[@aratidwell1064]

Don't forget to unlock the cyclic rates (degrees/sec) in "forward programming" available in AirWare 2.0

[@jridge16]

??? How about more description on what this means for us CP newbies.

[@Realitygetreal]

@@jridge16 first it means BUY AN EXPENSIVE TRANSMITTER, then upgrade the firmware!! then after you have learned all the other things about how a heli configures TRY THIS!!

[@jridge16]

@@Realitygetreal the question was, (a) what is AirWare 2.0? (b) what do you mean when you say "forward programming"? I'm still a CP newbie.

[@jameslovell8682]

Sounded like a good video. Then it immediately went to the guy flying it upside down because he wanted to show off! Yes we know you are a great pilot ! Now, is it possible to just pass on the information touted in the headline? I for one am not at all interested in flying a heli upside down.

[@Realitygetreal]

Ah the art of scale flying :), I fly all my birds with fuselage's and YES you can go inverted with a fuse... but why the hell would I want too... same kind of thing on the planes I can fly my B-25 gasser inverted BUT WHY THE HELL WOULD I??

[@rreichar1]

Nice video. I am probably going to get one of these. I started flying about 12 years ago but quit when my son easily surpassed me in a couple of weeks. My son became a fairly accomplished 3D pilot and I built and maintained his stuff. He’s gone to college and I am interested in flying again. I am thinking of a Blade 230S. I have plenty of large helis but not really much that I would consider a trainer. I like the size. Big enough to see but small enough to be relatively cheap to crash. I would suggest that people not use the normal mode. I assume stability is still available with full pitch. People who learn in normal mode tend to develop the bad habit of slamming the throttle down when they have an issue. Ask me how I know this. Once in idle up this is a terrible habit as chopping the throttle slams you into the ground. I think a softer idle up pitch curve with lower head speed makes more sense so that pilots immediately get used to using throttle hold. Plus this gives you an extra idle up flight mode. Just my two cents.

[@natertater1978]

and also you said.. but you should use idle up to try to go inverted.. not to try it with low head speed...as that is what lets u go inverted...thats is sooo not true..and you can't even go inverted if you're not in idle up.. because you only have positive pitch..and you hit isle up it's obviously increases your head speed and that helps but it's only because you have negative and positive pitch that can go inverted..

[@petewatts30]

I put it idle up once and went too much one way then too much the other it was like ..ahh..ahhh...ahhh then I landed it. With safe you get used to jamming the sticks around.

[@Damon0306]

Ohh BTW I am horrified to crash.

[@bigpops74]

Nobody flies helicopters with the ratchet on the throttle stick. Get rid of that asap.

[@Cerus98]

Says nobody while watching a video with someone using it. While many go smooth, many don’t.

[@Realitygetreal]

@@Cerus98 I agree with you MANY Do not!!!, Ratchet throttles are old school back when AM radio was around and PWM was king and the Digital to analog converters were more accurate that servo's and speed controllers, now the resolution is so high in the converters that ratchet sticks put a SOLID number of points on a stick that is almost infinite.

[@Skeletor419]

all good except for the lies about being easy to fix lol. every helicopter ive owned was totally finished once i crashed them. not once has a fix been possible for me even when it looked like it wasnt that bad. if youre talking about this particular helicopter, then i apologize because i have no clue, but if you meant all or most CP helicopters, then id say that mustve been a joke you were telling there.

[@natertater1978]

friend..not ttryinbta be a smartass..but u sed while u were hovering ur heli..pretty much that u was controlling ur movements with head speed....that is only for fixed pitch.the swash is what controls your collective .. on a collective pitch helicopter..i have the trex 550 pro..ive been flying several years..

[@Realitygetreal]

:) you make good points, my bigger birds I tend to level off my throttle curve after hover speed is achieved and all control is collective!!