Looks Like A Hard Landing! By sizwizz on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Like many other Christmas shoppers I got caught up in the remote control helicopter craze, that was being widely promoted during the holidays. Since my husband is a real helicopter pilot, I thought he'd enjoy flying this light-weight helicopter around the house. I even bought one for each one of my grandchildren.
The enjoyment was short-lived! First of all, the controller base takes 6 AA batteries to operate the thing. A plug from the base fits into a port on the helicopter, so it can be charged for flying-time. All of the helicopters charged-up in a short amount of time. After that was complete, my husband, and the grandkids launched their aircraft. The kids had too much trouble steering it, so basically, it went up--^ and crashed! It was too complicated for them to maneuver. My husband, being the pilot that he is, was able to keep it flying, but had trouble 'trimming' it, to make it fly straight. There was too much spinning; sort of like an airborne spinning top! He ended up putting a small amount of weight at the nose of the helicopter, (a paper clip--not included!), and that stopped the out-of-control spin.
The helicopter flies, but it isn't easy to keep in the air. You have to push levers left-and-right; up-and-down, and then keep it 'trimmed'. It's not a kid's toy at all. Certainly, it's not durable enough for children, and it's way too confusing. Even for an adult, it can be difficult.
Next Christmas season, I'm not going to be sucked-in by the advertisements! We still have the helicopter, but it's been sitting in a drawer since... hmmm... Dec 26th?
About The Author:
Air Hogs Remote Control Helicopter Purchased at: Wal-Mart Price: 25.00
Thanks for the warning, I have seen these and thought of purchasing them for my sons who are in their twenties, but if they are that difficult to fly and control, I guess I will get something else.
Wow good warning. Sounds like if they want people to buy these they should have a demonstration model out so you can test it!
We almost brought one of these for my son last Christmas. I just didn't know if it would live up to what it was suppose to do. After reading your experience I am glad we didn't get him one
What a disappointment that this doesn't stay in the air for long.
We had one of these and never had luck either. Didn't try the paper clip though...perhaps we'll try it again.
I totally agree with you, we got these and didn't work very well..
Too bad it doesn't work better- it looks really cool