As a long time RC helicopter pilot myself I really can appreciate seeing the first production RC helicopter restored and flying again. How cool to see this piece of history.

Your an amazing pioneer. My father born in 1933 moved to Costa Mesa California in 1953. He was already an RC pilot at that time. In 1978 my father design the fuel filler for our nitro craft that I am sure you use. As soon as Dubro found out we didn't have a patent they stole it and marketed it. I still have all the original plans and drawings from 1978 and all the proto types. My father also made the incredible 1/2A throttle muffler control that everyone talked about in 1981. My father's company was called Hiscott Components. My father taught me at 8 years old to fly on the bluffs in Costa Mesa. I am 54 years old now. We worked with Novac on the first ESC we put in my associated rc car. We have a lot of history, just no recognition which is sad. My father was an amazing man and engineer. He died at 83 years old, he was broke and heart broken but always had a smile for anyone and would help anyone who was in need. I wish my father was recognized more for what he did for the RC community and the Components he designed and marketed and that Dubro would be exposed for the low life thieving scums they are!

Had you guys never thought it was possible to fly rc helicopters in the 70’s we wouldn’t have the sport we have today. My hats off to you for being a professional rc helicopter pilot.❤️♠️🚁🛩🏁😎

i just found your channel about a year ago, I am younger than most for sure. but I had no idea how huge a role you have played in this entire hobby! You are amazing! I'm so happy you are making these videos about the history, thank you so much

Hello friends, I have always loved science, electronics, and mechanics. I've subscribed since the 60's to Popular science, Popular Mechanics, Air and Space Magazine, and all the RC airplane magazines including writing articles in most of them. I was also flying in contests, founded 3 RC clubs, was surrounded with talent like John Simone Jr, Mike Mas (National Helicopter champions) worked in Aviation Technology in the USMC for 33 years, and even worked at Kraft RC systems. So being on the forefront of technology, I was keenly aware of all the new models and inventions, and usually wound up getting many of them for myself. Pushing close to 70 now, I have seen it all and now am even forging into the FPV world too. That said, when Cliff Rausin began importing the first Production Electric helicopter from Japan to his famous Hobby shop, Condor Hobbies, I had to have one, and in fact began selling them for him. I still had an EH-1 that was not flyable in my shop. My shop got burned down before I could restore it. Many folks donated helicopters and drones to get me back to flying and please know I am thankful and working on them one at a time, since I have a long winter ahead and lots of time. Thank you. This one, however, I gave priority to, since it shaped so much of my hobby and learning curve, as you will see. It was donated to me by a long time friend and flying buddy Dr. J. (Julius Schnell ), who I flew with every Sunday when I lived in California. He originally bought it from me when I was selling them back in the early Eighties. I restored it and fly it for you to see. It made me feel young again, albeit was a lot colder today than when I used to fly them in Southern California. I hope you enjoy this bit of history. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks kindly for watching and please take a moment to subscribe. Dave Herbert AMA Life-8221 CD/LM/Scientific

wow i never knew how primitive it was back then. makes you appreciate what we have nowadays. thank you for sharing this Dave....

Wow you have been a true blessing to the rc world with all your rc smarts.thank you

I entered R.C. helicopters a year before the gyro was introduced to the world. That one year flying with "No" gyro has stayed with me all these years flying sailplanes and now e.d.f. jets. People don't realize how important the left transmitter stick really is. Wonderful memory.

Dave thank you for posting these. I find myself in total nostalgia watching your videos. I bought my first telemaster in 1980. I cut so much grass that summer my feet were green for a month to get it. Then I had to save up for my radio as I was just a kid. My mom would take me to hobby lobby downtown Nashville and I became friends with one of the employees. We started flying together and had many different fixed wing aircraft until one of us decided a helicopter might be fun. So I pulled the lawnmower back out of the shed and went to mowing the whole damn neighborhood. Bought my first kalt enforcer with a webra engine and futaba mechanical gyro. We went to Ernie Hubers place in Florida and flew with the best. I got to know some of them and they lived close enough for us to fly with them every weekend. I learned allot and became one of the best 3D pilots in the southeast at the time with a kalt baron before buying a miniature aircraft excel. That was 35 years ago and I still fly today. Me and my buddy stay in touch and are pilots for different major airlines today. I love flying jets but my heart still belongs with these small flying wonders that make me feel like a kid every time I pick up a controller.

I cannot imagine flying a heli like that. Thank you for all you have done for the sport over the years. You are an awesome pilot and I'm humble. I don't fly 3D I fly sport for fun. I love it.

You have a great attitude sir, your still having fun despite your house catching on fire, more to learn here than just rebuilding model aircraft, well done!

That is so cool seeing the 1st RC copter! Nice work Dave! Happy holidays!

It is great to see you back doing what you love and thanks for sharing with us!

I bought one of these back in the day. Learned to fly it in my garage, powered with a car battery and long power cord! Futura 4 channel no mixers no gyros! Hand full!

Thanks to Dr. J, Joe C, Kyle E, Jordon H, and Dumpmaster David R, for sending you a very Merry Christmas present from sunny southern California..! It is great to see you back doing what you love and remembering you flying that heli behind your shop in San Juan Capistrano. Plus the first time you put a live cam on your heli on the dump road, and a life time of memories that we will never forget. May you forever be young at heart in spite of the cold; RktMan

What a beauty. Thank you for doinggwhat you do. You are a true inspiration and an excellent example of a true gentleman. Mike from Canada

I had one of these while stationed in Germany in the 80’s. Swapped out for some more powerful Graupner motors to help lift all that metal, hardwood blades and several pounds of tether. Flew great as long as you didn’t exceed the tether length (no auto rotation)! Thanks for the flashback!

amazing. Thanks for taking us on the historical journey!

Thanks for sharing this restoration/build and giving us some great RC history! I've been enjoying your videos for a while now and just wanted to wish you a Merry Xmas and Cheers into the new year.

Ah, those good old days. I miss them.😀

I love too see the vintage stuff fly once more. Very awesome.

I can't help but relate your to a friend I met one day in 1990. he was a 50 year career Hobbiest in the amateur radio world. after following him around for a year (I was 11) I began to realise just how much of the industry this guy got to take part in forming. that was 25 years ago and the Hobbie was amatuer radio and wireless control systems. he allowed me to follow him around for a couple years and that lead me to turning my hobby into a career like him. can't imagine the ones that followed you around to learn your hobbies.

Thank you for your inventions brother

The old stuff is always more interesting. All the nicely machined, intricate parts with a structure much like an erector set and held together with countless Allen screws. Very neat. Thanks for another great video and merry Christmas.

Flying on that tether looked so cool. YOu must get great flight times with that setup! I can't imagine trying to control the tail without any gyro, wow!

I build my own now, with ESC and Gyro- it works fantastic! Your video make me want to have my own- thank you!

Thank you very much Sir​!!!! Awesome stuff!!!!!

What a great video of a stunning blast from the past. Not forgetting the enormous amount of skill required in keep her safe. Well done. "Old school rules"

Get out of town. That's awesome. This is what everyone that wants to fly rc choppers should learn on.

Great video. only real pilots know what it means flying without gyro. respect

Wow, and here I am spoiled flying hard 3D with my blades, goblins, oxys, and synergy helis. What a way we have come

incredibly beautiful story. thank you from Germany😀

Wow I thought I was gonna get bored watching this but it brought a smile to my face! Thanks! :)

That was great, and it takes REAL talent to fly that.thank you for sharing that 😎👍

This video reminds me of my Hirobo 707 that I used to fly when I was 30 years old and belonged to a club, but that was a long time ago as I am now 77 years old, so thanks for the video cheers Bob

Another fantastic video. I love to actually learn and see this history of my favorite hobby.

Enjoyed the personal history interlinked with the hobby history, I think a lot of us do :) Can't think of a more deserving new owner for this classic...and no doubt the original owner was very proud to see it in the air again. He did his own appreciated work in keeping it in such good condition for all these years.

wow, thanks that was quite a treat!

Thank you so much for all the years of sharing what you do Dave my man. And this one!!! Well, even though I decided I'm not going to get into helis any time soon, this one is pretty inspirational as it reminds me of that favourite TV show, The Whirlybirds!! OMG, how long ago was that? We watched it on black and white TVs here in the UK!

this was very interesting and im glad to see the community has helped you continue to fly

Outstanding! Once again your video inspires me to continue with the hobby.

That is so cool!!!!!! and true flying.

That sound from the analog servos 😂 Brings back the memories. It's gone too easy now with all the stabilising controllers. I still remember the pain of trying to fly 9-10 years back. Headaches and sleepless nights. No way you could let go of the sticks even for a second... By the way :Good job Dave! Nice to see the first production Heli to fly again. It was like the Rebirth of the great great grandfather of modern Rc helicopter. Liked.

it's been so good to see you busy Dave, I wish you a great Christmas as well to your family! you keep being an inspiration model to me... Cheers, Ed

Great video! Very apparent how battery technology, energy density, has advanced the hobby. In the hands of a skilled pilot, that old bird looked as fun (or more) than a new RC helicopter. Thanks!

Nice work Dave! RESPECT !!!

"The heavy Nicad barely would fly" Exactly this was the issue.

Very nice piece of history.thanks for sharing. When I was 13 I designed a heli head without knowing that I was doing a cyclic drive.

what a piece of history! thanks for sharing

This is just sooo cool. I know it is epic even before watching it. In fact, I can't even watch it because I think my heart may freeze if I watch it. You don't understand what it is like to be a true scientific engineering guy.

Great flying Dave. We have came a long way since then. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

i am very amaze that you are still continueing after the event that happened 3 month ago, if i were you i would have given up. you are amazing and thx for the videos XD.

Thats sick Thanks dude! I used to have a piccolo and Hyperfly!

this is great , i remember seeing a photo of this in a model mag back in the day,when i could only dream of RC helicopters , now im finaly learning to fly them i have true admiration for the pioneers learning to fly fixed pitch and no gyros or simulators!!

Wow, not envious of the fire and sorry to hear about that. Just goes to show, RC people have huge hearts. It's pretty boss that everyone's sent you some stuff to have a good time with. That chopper sounds great!!!!

Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!!

Wow ! This is so awesome thanks for uploading.

I watched history! Who Knew! ha....awesome...I'm so grateful for our 3 axis gimbals and DJI Lightbridge tech on todays drones etc after seeing the first flights of these manual flyers...

I am glad that someone with the love and patience broke those barriers for the rest of who just enjoy super easy to fly aircraft. You and alot of others helped make the hobby what it is today, When I was 8 or 9 years old I saw a guy flying a green gas powered helicopter I remember the time and year it was 1987 at 6 pm right after dinner I heard a buzzing across the street I ran over to see this amazing thing fly but all he could do was barely hover I wanted to fly it so bad! I begged for him to let me and I though I could do it better lol. Since that day I had a burning in my heart to learn how to fly. I finally got my wings in Calgary 2004 or 05 when I came across the Hobby Guys on Center ave Calgary, Alberta and bought my first blade cx coaxial heli. If I didn't see that helicopter that day I would not be as interested. That one moment in time opened this door for me. In lots of ways indirectly you may have had a hand in it Dave and then My Dad and I found your channel couple years ago, I find it cool that the time you put into this hobby has had this positive effect in my life, time spent with my dad doing something so cool as flying these machines around the sky. I have even flown real aircraft all beacuse of that day I saw a mini helicopter barely lift off the ground a few times. My son Can fly now with the tips you have shown me with your videos I have been teaching him. Time well spent with my loved ones because you loved this hobby and shared so much with us! I can't thank you enough for all the good things you have done with your 70 years and I wish you many more my friend. Happy flying buddy! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

you are a true pioneer thank you for your videos

You fellers had your hands full back in the day! We have it easy today, I guess we're pretty spoiled. Great to see a video from you Mr. Herbert! Your subscribers a very lucky that damned fire didn't take enthusiasm and your love of the hobby. Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the Mrs.

What a great product .. and great time

Beautiful.

That's absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing. My first month on a CP helicopter ESKY Belt CP V2.. I didn't know what I was doing and ahd the gyro gain set to zero. So I practiced for weeks with effectively no tail gyro. I learned to actively fly the tail. We don't need no stinkin gyros! Or flybars. That's another story. But I'm sure you can fly a CP as can I with no electronic or mechanical stabilization helpers.

Dave, many thanks for the Cox 0.49 airplane video. I was introduced at age 12 to a beautiful baby blue Dauntless Dive Bomber. I then learner that the engine got very hot by picking it up by the nose with my bare hand. I can still clearly see the blisters on my hand that were copies of the cooling fins of the engine head!! I purchased other Cox models into my late teens and early twenties. I will have my 64th bday this year and wish these starter type model aircraft were available here in Australia just for nostalgia sake. Again many thanks for the video.

Another piece of Lovely work Sir...

Love it glad to see you are doing good keep flying.

Incredible work, and few will be able to truly appreciate the piloting skills you demonstrate. I've been working at learning to fly the modern machines for a few years now, and even with luxuries like self contained power, a real throttle (CP even!) and controllable tail rotor (never mind the gyro helping do the work) it's very challenging to do well, which you do. Amazing story, amazing designs and great stick bending! Sorry the hear of the fire and the loss of the "pieces of the past" Seems as though you've got your work cut out for you now, there's a lot of restoring material there. Thanks for creating and thanks for sharing, I enjoyed every second. I was dabbling with racing electric cars in 1980 and still have my Bo-link (Porsche 917 body) with batteries still in it, albeit in rough shape. Nicads sub-c's and the radio power dry cells are the red Eveready ones with the cat jumping thru the 9. (back then a BEC would drop out at full throttle - when the batteries were pulled down, freezing the throttle servo at WOT, so I opted to carry 4 AA cells for RX/servo power) Same speed control system as your incredible copter. I even have the Futaba 2 channel 72mhz radio. I remember how amazed we were back then at how well it all worked. We used to sweep the parking lot in front of the hobby shop (Walts in Fairmount NY - then, Now run by Walt's son and moved several times) on Friday nights and lay out a track with 2x4s. All the cars would have the hoods up charging the Ni-Cads as hard as we dared. The local police officers would watch us and even clock our cars on radar. The custom Bo-link 917 managed a best of 66mph with brushed motor and 6 1500mah Ni-Cads. On pipe insulation tires! Suspension back them amounted to pen springs on the front spindles with a rigid rear axle on brass bushings (ball bearings weren't permitted in my class). The weight was lowered as much as possible, steering ratios optimized and all play removed (motor advanced a tad but that was grey area) I thought the cars from that era were amazing until I watched your video. Your amazing copter shows just how much can be done with basic gear. Even back then, I really wanted to learn how to fly, but had to settle for what was in my means. Now I have the opportunity to learning to fly fixed wing planes (which I enjoy building somewhat to excess) and Helicopters. I just got my 1st real CP machine, and found and indoor club. Hope to be ready for wind by spring. I've been meaning to restore the old Bo-link 917 sometime soon as well. I think now I'll have to put it nearer the top of the list. (missing rear wheels, waiting for some to show up on ebay) It seems as though we have similar makeups/history, I was WB2UQJ when I was 13 (1975) and already working at a TV repair shop by 14 (back in the days when that sort of thing wasn't all that unusual) but I went the industrial route, building production machinery and controls. My path was blocked in '98 I with health issues that shut my business down and I still fight that issue. I now dabble with electrronics and model aircraft to keep going. Like you, I'm not happy unless I'm fixing or building. I can't sit and watch TV. PS sorry to run on, your history lesson brought me back to another time. (and, truth be told, it's my nature) There's something irresistible about machinery from our past.... Scott I'll be watching for the next 'restoree' (brave of you to fly them, that takes guts) Wish we were neighbors.

Always great videos. Have a Merry Christmas.

A awesome machine and i like this video thumps up !!!

Excellent. Thank you for your dedication.

Awesome , thanks for sharing

wow, that LiPo battery alone is Leaps and Bounds improvement from the seventies! loved watching the old chopper flying again,merry Christmas

Beautiful machine

That's a great history lesson, do more like this, okay keep it going on my friend, Happy Holidays

Amazing work!

Enjoyed every second of this video !! its amazing to see where these things was .. and where they are those days with drones and quadcopters all over the place .. Thank you.. keep them coming :)) Subd

Wow Dave !! I must say you always Amaze me ! lol .. Fantastic Job on the heli .. good to see your flying again! ..

Dave I am very sorry to hear of your fire and am very happy that you all survived. Love seeing you back and flying agai, Thank you for sharing this video with us. God bless and happy flying.

Very cool. Huge upgrade with the Lipo!

Thumbs up, Sir - flying helis without a gyro is so difficult. I tried once and crashed instantly.

Amazing piece of history my first electric Heli was a kyosho ep 3 minutes but worked really well

I loved your video. I have flown in the late 70's-early 80's with no gyro and your obviously very talented. I tried for about a week back then before or right as the Kraft Gyro had just come out. I tried for some time (two weeks) before breaking down, spending the $50 for the "new" gyro. Within minutes of installing that thing I could provide a steady hover. Heliboy 60 1979-spring 1980 :) I especially liked the difference in performance between the batteries of today and yesterday.

Crazy to see the old school stuff. I had a CP in 2006. Now I have the M2. Consumer Tech has came a long way in a shot time

Thank you for sharing this. I did note how you detailed that this is the first PRODUCTION E-Heli imported to the US. Since the VERY FIRST E-Heli was made by some guy in the UK. TRIMMING THE THING BY BENDING THE ROTORS LOL!!!

Amazing blast from the past ! Im so glad i found your youtube page again after 5 years searching around youtube, I just couldnt remember the name NightFlyer doh ! subscribed and liked

That took some skill!

ps...This 1st Heli into the States is absolutely amazing. I just bought a FlyWing FW450 V2 and the comparisons between the two makes my head hurt!!

wonderful!

Great history lesson!! Nice to see you flying in the snow!! Front Range snow in CO is almost gone!!

Awesome video!

Great Video Dave keep up the good work..

Pretty cool .

I have watched this video so many times.

Did you say, You invented the Hyper fly, the Keyoso Hyper Fly!!! Wow.. That's so awesome, way back I had two of them!! How cool!!!!!

Nice flight' you did great, I hope you and your family have a bless Xmas and a happy new years

Fantastic skills.

so we have to thank you for the speed controllers ore we would not have fpv quads now great to see you have same old helis again have a nice holiday

awesome.. ....tail rotor motor chuckle good job thanks

pure rc art