Newbie questions about helis

[dtaylor]

Wanting to invest in AP heli, still trying to decide type. My question is....

Why do most choose electric over nitro? Maybe I'm incorrect, just seem that most guys rather fly electric. Is it the vibration, oily reidue, etc.

Just curious, trying to make the right decission.

[staplegun]

I have gone electric for noise reasons.

[askman]

it is not just noise. it is also the oil/mess (bad on camera) as well as vibration. it is just much easier to deal with electric.

[MicroMan]

I dont have an AP heli but I do have an electric heli. The reason I decided to do electric vs nitro is because of the mess of nitro and the noise. I have a bit of a background in r/c nitro/electric trucks and I reallly didnt want to subject myself to tuning a heli engine. Its all plug and play with electric.

[Tonystott]

I don't think the noise issue can be understated. Using a heli in urban areas for AP work, the absolute last thing you want is for some local to complain about the noise... it would be bad enough if they complain to you, but way worse if they complain to the police or city hall. With an electric, people are more likely to be intrigued rather than incensed :)

[dtaylor]

Given all of the negatives concerning nitro, how do electric guys overcome short flight times.

[Tonystott]

Given all of the negatives concerning nitro, how do electric guys overcome short flight times.
AP flights are not necessarily long in duration, and most work gets done in 5 minutes or so. Secondly, it is looking like A123 cells will tip the balance even more, as thy are cheaper, and can be recharged at high rates, making almost continuous flying a possibility. But again, there wouldn't be many AP flyers who need to spend 30 minutes or more an hour in the air (although the money would probably be pretty serious for that much work!)

[bat1]

What kind of flight times do the nitro guys get anyway?

For those making huge bucks in the movie industry, who may have a legitimate need for longer airtime, there is the turbine option. I have seen a couple turbine rigs :shock:

Stills require well placed seconds thats it. Video requires lots of preflight planning.

[dtaylor]

Thanks for all of the responses. Elec. seems to be the way to go.

Ordered T-Rex 600CF, should be here next week. Probably overkill, but I liked it :D .

[staplegun]

You will be happy with the 600

[MicroMan]

Lucky bum I wish I had a T-Rex 600, good choice.