How Master the Autorotation Perfect

      The first step is to learn how to fly a controlled descent under low power. Take off, and then start by turning the RC helicopter so that it faces into the wind. Then reduce your throttle and collective pitch so that the RC helicopter descends gradually. Keep the nose pointed straight ahead, and keep the RC helicopter level. After you have descended to about 20 feet, increase power and level off. Continue these practice runs until you become very confident.

          After you become comfortable with descents at normal throttle settings, you are ready to try them with the throttle reduced. This will allow you learn to autorotate, while allowing you to bail out if the situation becomes dangerous. Practice step one again, but this time do it with the throttle hold engaged. You will want the RC helicopter to be very high when trying this for the first time. Like before, have the RC helicopters nose pointing into the wind. Engage the throttle hold, and use the collective to control the descent rate. Just like in step one, increase the throttle and level out at around 20 feet above the ground. Repeat this until you are comfortable with descents at low power, and then attempt a controlled landing. Landings at low power involve the following steps:

(1)Entry – This occurs when you reduce power, and start to descend. (2)Descent – Descent should be relatively rapid, so that more energy is left in the rotor blades for landing. (3)Flare – As you near the ground, pull the nose of the helicopter up and use the collective to reduce descent speed.(4)Landing – Use the last of the rotors momentum to slow your final descent to a safe amount, and land the RC helicopter.

It is very important that you let the RC helicopter descend relatively rapidly at first – you will need the extra rotor speed to land safely.

After mastering a controlled descent and landing at 30 percent throttle, continue practicing at lower and lower throttle settings. Eventually, you should be able to execute a polished landing with the engine at idle.