4. Ground School And Helicopter Controls 101

Before ever touching a radio control transmitter, it is incredibly important to get an idea of how a helicopter flies, moves and is controlled. The four controls of a fixed-pitch Sikorsky helicopter are throttle, yaw, pitch and bank.

There are a few different ways of setting up which joystick axis on the transmitter is associated with a specific control. My personal favorite is called "Mode 2," where the left joystick controls throttle and yaw, and the right joystick controls cyclic pitch and bank. The Mode 2 method of RC helicopter control is described below:

1. Throttle

Throttle is controlled by the vertical axis of the left control stick. Increasing throttle makes the helicopter lift, and decreasing throttle makes the helicopter fall.

Throttle control

2. Yaw

Yaw is controlled by the horizontal axis of the left control stick. This control will increase or decrease the speed of the tail rotor, which will make the helicopter turn left or right.

Yaw control

The next two controls are called cyclic controls:

3. Cyclic Pitch (AKA Elevator)
Pitch is controlled by the vertical axis of the right control stick. This controls the forward/backward angle of the helicopter's main rotor, which makes the helicopter move forward or backward.

Pitch control

4. Cyclic Bank (AKA Aileron)
Bank is controlled by the horizontal axis of the right control stick. This controls the left/right angle of the helicopter's main rotor, which makes the helicopter move left or right.

Bank control

Now, with a rudimentary understanding of helicopter controls, you're ready to see where your PC comes in to play.