I recently had the pleasure of getting my own Dyna Hawk GX: Blackguard. It came in a kit, ready to fly. Included in the kit was the helicopter, remote control, AC adapter, rechargeable battery pack (Li-Po), 4 extra blades (2 for each rotor), a small screwdriver (used for tightening the blades and other repairs), manual instructions and a parts list. The first thing I did when I opened the kit was take out the Dyna Hawk GX. After taking that out, checking it, and straightening the blades properly, I continued to scoop out the rest of the contents to make sure everything was there. Once I was done reviewing, I grabbed the manual and read it. Since it was manufactured in China, the manual has both English and Chinese translations. Some of the instructions were a bit confusing, but overall, they walked me through the process of preparing to fly.

After reading the manual, the next step is to charge the Li-Po battery and get 8 AA batteries (not included) for the remote control. The remote control itself has 2 thumb levers. One of the joysticks controls the throttle or “lift”, and the helicopter turns or controls the “steering”. There are also 2 buttons below the throttle stick that you use to “tune in” your helicopter in flight. These buttons are used to decrease “spin” and help the helicopter fly straight. (For further instructions, see the manual.)

Once the battery is fully charged, follow the instructions to install it on the bottom of the Dyna Hawk GX. The trick is to get the cables that the battery connects to “tucked” into the “cabin” and out of the way. This is the only way to make the battery “snap” into place and discharge, without dangling wires. Once the battery is connected, the helicopter cockpit has a steady flashing light that indicates the Dyna Hawk is ready. You are now “almost” ready to fly.

Install 8 AA batteries in your remote control, screw in the antenna and extend it, then turn on your remote control. Always keep the antenna fully extended when in use. Failure to do so could cause a “loss of reception”, causing you to lose control and lead to an accident. With the battery installed and the remote on, gently move the throttle lever forward (up), causing both blades to rotate creating a “lift.” If the blades of your helicopter turn, it is ready to fly after a few simple adjustments. (see manual for these settings).

Once the adjustments are made, it’s time to have fun. The Dyna Hawk GX is an “indoor” electric RC helicopter. It is not made for outdoor flights. My recommendation (as do the manufacturers) is to find a “wide open” indoor area in which to fly. A large flying area would be an indoor basketball court, free of obstacles. Impatient and also due to bad weather, I decided to try mine in my living room. (I don’t recommend this and will explain why later.)

At first, it took me a while to get used to the throttle. The manual suggests doing some training to get used to the flight controls and has several different exercises to master. I recommend doing this if this is your first time flying. Once I got used to the throttle, I was quickly able to make the Dyna Hawk GX float around my living room. The twist reacts very quickly, sometimes turning too much, so it is crucial to move the “right” lever with your thumb. Also, make sure there are no drafts, open windows, or vents in your flying area. The slightest breeze can cause your Dyna Hawk GX to not fly properly and lose control. With some practice, mastering flight control with the Dyna Hawk GX is quick and you’ll soon be flying to fully charge your battery.

Now the reason I recommend not flying around obstacles: While the Dyna Hawk GX is a pretty well-built RC helicopter, especially for the price, it’s not indestructible. Normally, if you lose your throttle, you will drop down and bounce off the ground without much of a problem. But, if it hits an object (say a sofa, for example), it can cause damage. When I hit a sofa, the blades hit it and broke the plastic part of the inner shaft. This part is what makes the lower blades rotate at the same speed as the upper blades and helps prevent the entire helicopter from rotating (it acts as a tail rotor). If I hadn’t crashed into the sofa, I wouldn’t have done any harm. My mistake. Fortunately, many “hobby stores” have spare parts for parts and this part can be replaced with a small investment. I personally chose an aluminum inner shaft piece so this problem is less likely to happen again. Now I will also only fly in “obstacle free” areas with plenty of space.

Simply put, the Dyna Hawk GX is a great helicopter for beginners and intermediates, ages 12 and up. The battery, fully charged, will last 10-15 minutes of solid flight and will also charge relatively quickly. This makes the wait between flights shorter and gives you more continuous fun. It is one of the most attractive apache models and I have already received several compliments. With proper care and increased flying skills, I’m sure this particular electric RC helicopter will bring you a lot of fun over time. To last longer, always recharge the battery immediately after the flight is depleted and then wait 5 minutes before taking the flight again for the engine to cool down. This will help prevent “burnout” of the engine. Also, never leave the battery discharged for a long period of time. Storing a discharged Li-Po battery could cause it to be unable to hold a charge and result in having to replace the battery sooner rather than later. Batteries are not cheap. Every now and then, blow the Dyna Hawk GX down to remove any dust that may have stuck to it. And always, always fly in an area completely clear of obstacles to reduce the possibility of damage when you crash. Do these things and the Dyna Hawk GX: Blackguard will continue to be another great addition to your electric RC vehicle arsenal!