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Helicopter Resources
Simon Lockington
Another popular question I get in the daily emails is "What magazine/video/book
do you recommend?". There is a whole lot of reference materials about to
help helicopter pilots with their need for information.
I've used a lot of these resources for both recreational and educational uses.
Publications:
Curtis Youngblood's book of Questions and Answers
This book is a must have for anyone serious about helicopters. Curtis goes into
detail about the technicalities of model helicopters as well as diagnosis of
common problems. I can't count the amount of times this book has helped me fix
problems with my machines.
Model Helicopter World
In my opinion, Model Helicopter World is the best RC Helicopter periodical.
Full of colour, good reviews and very professionally produced. Cover's events
from all over the world.
Videos:
3D Heli Showdown International
This video is available through Traplet productions and was filmed a few years
ago at the Poting Cup in Germany. The video is very well produced, but more
emphasis on the actual flying would have been good. It's great to see how far
flying skill has developed in these last few years! Many of the maneuvers completed
on this video are nearly entry level maneuvers for the current competitions!
3D Masters 2002
Traplet Communications once again produce a very professional quality effort
capturing the action and atmosphere of the UK 3D Masters.
Great coverage of an excellent event. Plenty of interviews, bordering on the
side of too many, but informative nonetheless. Would benefit from having more
coverage of the actual flying, but all in all, a great video.
Curtis Youngblood in New Zealand 2002
Produced by local Kiwi's Wayne Ratcliffe and Neil Parkinson with everyday camera
gear. A great effort at recording one of the greatest funfly's in New Zealand.
See world renowned helicopter pilot Curtis Youngblood and Tournament of Champions
regular, Frazer Briggs in action as well as the more humble of us :).
IRCHA 2002 DVD Set
Far and away the best video coverage of some hard 3D from some of the stars
of 3D in the US as well as some 'everyday' pilots just like the rest of us!
The best part is it's ONLY flying, no interviews, no mucking around, only flying.
Darrell Bell does an excellent job on the commentary and you can easily skip
forward and back to the pilots you want to see.
A must for any collection!
Websites:
www.runryder.com
Currently the king of the hill as far as internet based RC heli forums are concerned.
Very reliable, fast and full of information. Well populated by pilots all over
the globe. It's the only forum I visit nowadays. Look me up here under the user
name 'Secret Squirrel'.
www.rcuniverse.com
RC Universe is another internet forum but contains information on everything
RC from cars to helis, gliders to powered planks. Another useful forum with
an active helicopter section.
www.natew.com/rcheli/
Nate Waddoups has a very entertaining site documenting his experiences in RC
heli's. He has a good amount of information on setups and flying tips.
www.jason.net
I always visit this site to see what's new in Asia as they always get the latest
toys well before us and definately ahead of the US. Jason visits the Asian RC
trade shows and gets to see what's about to be released. He also has great reviews
on some of the MANY helicopters in his fleet.
www.ronlund.com
If nothing else, I always visit Ron's site to see what he's written. Ron's sense
of humour is awesome and very entertaining. For an example of what I'm talking
about, visit here.
Ron also keeps up with the latest trends in bits and pieces such as Perry Pumps
and Hyperheads :). Great to deal with.
I use all of these resources and more in learning new things about the hobby,
diagnosing problems I have with the helis and keeping up with the latest trends.
Without these it'd be much more difficult to progress in the hobby!
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