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How to fly RC helicopters through the cold season
After many years of flying through the UK winters, this is my setup that takes me from autumn when the temperatures start dropping below 15° C (59 °F) down to freezing. It generally starts by adding the thermal base layers first.
As it gets colder, I’ll add the Ski jacket, windproof trousers, and finally the transmitter glove or mitt. Let’s have a look.
Thermal Base layers
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The first thing you want to do, is get is some base layers under your jeans and t-shirt. These are generally the first items I start adding when the weather turns cold. It will add a bit of warmth, and also stop any freezing breezes that make it through gaps in your windproofs from reaching your skin.
You also don’t get too hot, as opening your coat/jacket/hoodie will allow you to regulate your temperature, so these can be used from quite early on through to spring.
You’ll probably get away with one pair if only fly on weekends, but if you are lucky enough to fly midweek as well, you’ll need 2 pairs.
https://amzn.to/4plTCC3 (Worldwide)
Ski Jacket
Ski jackets aren’t expensive, and they’re windproof and designed for the cold. They also have a handy powder skirt that keeps the wind out from under the jacket. They’re designed to work in freezing conditions, so these are really great.
If I’m pairing the windproof trousers with the jacket, the snow skirt buttons up over the trousers to stop the wind completely.
https://amzn.to/3KWD8SJ (Worldwide)
Windproof Over-trousers
Something my wife convinced to try a few years ago, is a pair of windproof over-trousers, and these have really made it possible to stay out all day. I think thermals and jeans will keep you warm enough for a few hours, but then the loss of heat becomes too much. Windproof trousers keep the warmth in and you will be able to stay out all day without difficulty.
There are lots of versions from fleece-lined to simple windproof, and I find the plain windproof ones the best. They’re light and very quick to put on over your jeans, and all they need to do it stop the wind. Perhaps I would try the thicker lined version if it was much colder, but along with the thermals, they do great.
If I’m pairing the windproof trousers with the ski jacket, the snow skirt buttons up over the trousers to stop the wind completely.
https://amzn.to/49oCmWS (Worldwide)
Transmitter Glove/Mitt
I’ve tried various transmitter mitts before settling on the Turnigy Transmitter Glove. They aren’t made anymore, but can still be found in used condition. The top is high enough to not rest/touch your hands during use.
It has holes instead of sleeves for your arms, which I find the ski jacket plugs perfectly. Having holes makes it much easier to get your hands in and out, compared to sleeves, which can fold. Once you’re plugged in, no air moves gets in and your hands stay nice and warm.
I have tried heated pads in the base of the mitt before, but the hassle of having a battery, low warning alarm, 2nd batteries, etc. wasn’t worth it. In fact my hands would create more moisture inside the mitt and obscure the screen. I found just keeping the fresh air from entering the mitt is enough to take you below freezing and fly comfortably.
Summary
When I’m in full winter gear, it honestly feels like summer at the flightline. No cold is getting in anywhere, and the minimal heat loss means I can stay out with no fatigue or recovery period at the end of the day.
Your setup might be different, so it’s a case of finding what works for you.
Let’s have a look at some things that didn’t work for me
Gloves
I’ve tried gloves of various kinds over the years, fingerless, super-thin, marigolds, and a bunch more, but they’ve never worked for me. They all suffer from the same lack of feeling on the sticks. I think you’re far better off going for a transmitter mitt that fits well.
https://amzn.to/49z05Vh (Worldwide)
Hand Warmers
I’ve tried a few types of hand warmers from chemical to USB charged versions. They great to have in your pocket or to walk around with between flights, but I found the warmth was too localised. They didn’t warm up my core or stop me from loosing heat, but they did increase my comfort level.
https://amzn.to/4aD3DHh (Worldwide)
