By way of explanation let's look at a RTD car ( Ready To Drive)
There it is parked on a garage forecourt all sparkly new and gleaming, it is Ready To Drive away, that is after you have adjusted the seat, interior and door mirrors, made sure it is in neutral, handbrake on etc...
Then you can drive it away but what would happen if you have never been behind the wheel of a car before - could you drive it away, safely?
And if you have never driven a car before and you bought it then crashed it would you write a letter of complaint to the car manufacturer or post a Blog etc in a forum condemning the car or the seller because you crashed it?
Think about that then read on:-
RTF means that after initial checkup of all components for tightness, visual checks and that there are no loose wires, it is then Ready To Fly once you have gained the knowledge of what ALL of the controls are for:-
The settings on the transmitter should all be centered and the throttle and vertical trim fully down and the idle up switch (if fitted) is in the off postion.
The flybars should be level and parallel with each other.
The battery should be fully charged and the centre of gravity set.
The Transmitter must be ON before connecting the battery to the helicopter.
This post is useful for both Helicopter and transmitter basic setup guide.
You must have sufficient room to practice, well away from obstacles.
You must learn what every single control on the transmitter does and what effect it will have on the helicopter.
You must NOT expect the helicopter to fly by itself with little or no input from you, you are the one in control.
You must make sure no one is in danger of being hurt should you lose control and panic while trying to figure out what to do.
You should consider connecting your transmitter to your computer via a cable and use a flight simulator to get to learn what the controls of your transmitter actually do.
Consider joining a Flying Club in your area.
Don't ever think RC helicopters are toys.
If you do not understand or ignore any of the above then you are Ready To Fail
All of the items listed above will soon be linked ( coloured blue ) to help you to understand what they are for.
In the meantime take it easy if in doubt don't do it post it!
I am not trying to put you off flying I am trying to avoid you crashing within minutes of buying your helicopter and losing interest in this very enjoyable hobby, and most of all to explain what RTF really means.
Take you time and save yourself the misery of looking at bits of plastic and metal that used to be your helicopter.
Finally never ever think that crashing will only happen to others,it will happen to you as well - but let's try and keep them crashes to the bare minimum
Then you will be Ready To Fly
Crash Picture courtesy of Will (Skeeter)
