Air Hogs Jackal Remote Controlled Helicopter

 

Flight is a subject of fascination for many; even among those who fear it. While many of us take this form of travel for granted, very few will experience it from the controls. So it was with great pleasure, that I found my hands on the controller of an Air Hogs Jackal: a tiny, lightweight helicopter operated by a remote control handset.

For ages 8 years and older · 4 x AA size bartteries required (not included)

 £19.99 from Toys R Us $39.99 from Amazon.com

After removing the Jackal from the box the first thing to do is add 4 AA size batteries into the handset. A small Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver is required to do this and the batteries are not included. A charge time of about 20 minutes is needed before it’s ready to play with. A red light on the handset remains lit when it’s charging the helicopter and automatically switches off once charging is complete.

Then it’s time for take-off. However, if you begin with trying in fly-off at speed in a specific direction, you’ll quickly find yourself making your way to recover it from a crash site.

Fortunately, despite being small, the helicopter very robust and withstood all the crashes it had to endure whilst I was the pilot.

Mastering this toy helicopter is begun by using the vertical control to practice take-off, landing and maintaining height. You’ll probably find, when you first fly the Jackal, that the helicopter turns in one direction. This is fixed by adjusting a trim dial. Once the trim settings have been perfected, manoeuvring around even a small space becomes easy and fun.

Every 20 minutes of charging gives around three minutes of flight. Whilst this does interrupt the fun, playing with this toy is still very enjoyable.

The helicopter is designed to be played with indoors only. I took a test flight in a garden once and after the briefest moment I had to knock on a neighbour’s door to ask for it back.

THE VERDICT

MOST WANTED: This infrared remote control helicopter finds itself in a crowed market, however, I rate the Air Hogs Jackal as the best to get started and experience some remote controlled flying. The Jackal is relatively cheap, easily available on the high street and a joy to fly.

Air Hogs Jackal R/C Helicopter

By Spin Master

For ages 8 years and older · 4 x AA size batteries required (not included)

Features & Contents

• 1 Air Hogs Jackal Helicopter
• 1 infrared contoller/charger
• 2 spare tail rotos
• 1 user instruction guide booklet

Product Details & Specifications

Product name: Air Hog Jackal

Recommended age: for 8 years and older

Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts

Battery requirements: 4 x AA size batteries required (not included)

Safety considerations: Adult supervision advised. Keep away from obstacles and electrical hazards.

Assembly requirements:

Manufacturer/Supplier: Spin Master Toys

Manufacturer/Supplier no.: #20028225

Barcode (UPC/EAN): 778988843697

Product dimensions: Helicopter length 13 cm

Product weight:

Packaging dimensions: 35.6cm x 9.0cm x 12.8cm

Packaged item weight:

Country of origin: Made in China