Many people dream of flying an aircraft of their own, but for most people that will remain just a dream. It is very expensive to take flying lessons and rent or buy a plane or helicopter. One way aviation nuts can get closer to living their dream is with radio control models, and the RC helicopter hobby in particular is a very exciting way to have an affordable aviation hobby.
You can buy a ready to fly RC helicopter and be off to the field and flying almost immediately, or you can buy a kit and spend many hours taking your helicopter from a box of parts to a flying machine. Some hobbyists just enjoy building RC helicopters and do not particularly enjoy flying them. They build one, sell it, and move on to the next building project. I even know a couple who build their scale RC helicopter and put them on display, never to be flown.
The point is there is something for everyone in the hobby of RC helicopters, and no one way is the right way. You can mold the hobby around your specific interests and chances are good you will run into people who share those interests. Find enough of them and start your own club, or join an existing one. The world of RC helicopters is a real, growing community.
Once you get into the world of RC helicopters, you will see there are two very different cultures. One is that of the gas or nitro powered RC helicopters, and then there is the group that swears by battery power. Most hobbyists make the choice to go with one or the other, and it is pretty rare to find people who build and or fly both types of RC helicopters.
Both electric and gas power have their advantages. Electric RC helicopters are considered easier to fly and many consider them a beginner’s helicopter. But in general they are less expensive than gas powered versions, and obviously they are much quieter. Gas powered RC helicopters are much more expensive as a rule, but they also have a ton of power and are much closer in their flight characteristics than the electric versions. Just as RC airplanes have airplane parts, RC helicopters will obviously have parts that need to be replaced.
Another option is to go with a mini RC helicopter. These are just what their name implies, miniature versions of full scale models. Some are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. Most of these mini RC helicopters are battery powered. These are very popular as Christmas gifts.
Whichever entry point into this hobby you choose, take your time to do some research before you spend any money. The internet is loaded with sites and information on all aspects of the RC helicopter hobby, and when it comes to buy, the best deals around are often on the internet as well.