Converting A Radio For Helicopter Use

There are three main differences between airplane and helicopter radios: the software, the location of a few switches, and whether or not the throttle is smooth or ratcheted. Most modern radios contain software for both, and the switches can usually be reprogrammed.

That leaves the feel of the throttle stick. Most airplane pilots only need coarse control of throttle speed, so a ratchet is used to keep the stick where you put it. This comes in handy if you use the rudder a lot. By comparison, helicopter pilots need fine control of the throttle stick in order to make exact changes in altitude and rate of climb. Therefore a smooth stick with high resolution is the norm.

The good news is it's easy to convert an airplane radio for helicopter use. Here's how to remove the ratchet from the throttle of a Futaba 7C:

	1. Remove the transmitter crystal. You can optionally remove the battery as well.
	2. Remove the four philips-head screws on the back, and carefully pull the front and back apart.
	3. Remove the metal ratchet from the throttle.
	4. Turn the ratchet upside down and reinstall it. Adjust the screw so the throttle stick is not completely loose.
	5. While you have the case open, you can also adjust the spring tension on the other three axes (the aileron screw is shown here).

The procedure for other radios is very similar. Here's how to do it for the radio which came bundled with the Esky Lama V4 Helicopter:

	1. Remove the four screws on the back.
	2. Carefully pull the halves apart - they are attached by the battery wires. You may need to pry the carrying handle apart.
	3. Remove the metal ratchet.
	4. Try the throttle stick without it - it probably flops around.
	5. Reinstall the ratchet upside down.

That's all there is to it, and you can keep flying your planes with a smooth throttle too. If your radio offers a throttle cut function, make sure to program it for one of your toggle switches. The throttle stick will be much easier to bump by mistake now, so this extra precaution is important. Happy hovering!