What is 3D Helicopter Flight?
Posted on November 11, 2009 by aaronredbaron
What does it mean to “fly 3D”? All aircraft maneuver in three dimensional space, so what separates 3D flying from just flying? Model helicopters are capable of maneuvers other aircraft, including full sized helicopters can only dream of. A modern “3D” model helicopter is capable of aggressive, accurate and axial flips and rolls. Adding the ability to pirouette, fly backwards and upside down, there is practically no limit to the maneuvers that can be flown. Although aggressive, unbelievable flights may seem wildly out of control to the untrained eye, it takes immense skill, and the models can be flown incredibly precisely with enough practice.
One of the beauties of modern aerobatic helicopter flight, which has come to be known as 3D, is how varied the potential is. Every 3D heli pilot exhibits their own character and style in flight. A 3D flight could be flown freestyle with nothing planned ahead of time, or it could be a highly prepared, choreographed flight put to music for competition. While 3D heli flight is, in essence, simply a combination of flips, rolls , and pirouettes, there is no end to the combinations. Once a heli pilot masters the basics, a continuously evolving world of precision aerobatics awaits. Like a dancer or figure skater, a 3D heli pilot can express style by putting simple moves together in complicated sequences for incredible effect.
Like any sport, art, or specialty, practice makes perfect. Some people learn faster than others, but everybody should try to step gingerly into more complicated and aggressive moves, for safeties sake (not to mention your wallet!). Excellent training tools are available; most notably computer simulators and buddy boxes. Unlike most video games which are intended for play, simulators for model aircraft are designed around one goal, helping people learn how to fly model airplanes and helicopters. Simulators are so accurate a budding pilot can master almost all regimes of flight in a simulated environment which instantly replaces a wrecked model! In real life, a crash cost not only confidence, but time and money to fix the model. By the time the pilot gets back to it, the learning experience from the crash is not fresh, and learning tends to progress slower. On a simulator, a fledgling pilot can take as much time exploring the controls as they want, and learn at their own pace without any down time between crashes.
While simulators are a great option, buddy boxes are excellent for a similar reason; they take out the fear of crashing. With an experienced pilot in command, the student can explore the controls with the knowledge the teacher can take control back and save the model at the flick of a switch. Many top pilots learned without simulators, but they are often among the fast learning minority. For most of us, the simulator provides an indispensable tool to be able to master simple or complicated moves before trying them in real life. In addition, people in areas with inclement weather during the winter months are able to stay fresh and continue learning when flying outside is not an option.
Flying 3D helicopters is not for everybody, but certain people feel an intense drive to feel the connection which can be acheived when you get beyond thinking of individual inputs and just let the flight flow. While its still a challenging hobby to tackle, technology is continuing to improve the hobby as time rolls on. Modern electronics and materials make model helicopters not only functional, but repairable, precise flying machines. Modern battery and motor systems make electric helicopters immensely capable, where as they previously were barely capable of basic flight. With the aid of a simulator and/or an experienced pilot who is willing to help you with a buddy box, learning 3D is a much less intimidating proposition. For now, here are a few example videos, mostly of myself. I will be providing training tips, and feature articles with advice on how you can improve your flying skills, so be sure to check back soon!
