The instruction manual and accompanying color “get started” insert are thorough. The first section of the manual covers the basics of helicopter flight; a must for the typical customer of this product. The diagrams are clear and allow the pilot to orient himself with helicopter controls and basic dynamics.

The instructions also include a nice diagram of the multi-function control system, which controls the receiver, servos, gyro and ESC. The booklet will surely confuse newbies because, in an effort to save on printing costs, the E-Sky folks included detailed instructions on gyro gain controls and swash adjustments for their more complex series of collective pitch helicopters.

The Co-Co Lama comes with a 72mHz 4-channel transmitter (so pin up if you are flying this at a regulated flying field!). The transmitter has a lighted display which indicates battery consumption. In addition, the transmitter can be converted from Mode 1 flying to Mode 2. Not bad for an inexpensive leisure craft.

The battery charger is a dual-use system. You can plug the charge box into your 12 volt “gel cell” or just plug it into the wall. The 2-cell lithium polymer battery gives the Co-Co Lama plenty of power (we tested at 5,250 feet in Denver) and plenty of duration. Flight times will range from 5-9 minutes.

The Co-Co Lama has two sets of main rotors and a freewheeling tail rotor that does not affect flight. The contra-rotating main rotors eliminate the need for tail rotor compensation because they move in opposite directions, canceling each other’s rotational torque . In addition, the dual blade setup provides more gyroscopic stability. These characteristics make for very stable flight. It’s worthy of note for you heli novices that coaxial mounted blades (blades mounted on the same mast structure) are referred to as “contra” rotating blades and not “counter” rotating blades. Although the distinction is lost on most, you will sound like a heli guru when you get this term right in conversation.

The Co-Co Lama has two motors; one to control the top rotor disc and one to control the lower rotor disc. In a hover, the two motors run at equal speed. To yaw the helicopter (rotate left and right about the vertical axis), one of the main rotors either slows down or speeds up to create an imbalance in torque. This results in the Co-Co Lama turning in the direction opposite to the rotation of the faster moving rotor. Since the Co-Co Lama is fixed pitch, collective (altitude) control is governed exclusively by throttle. The lower rotor system provides cyclic control for the ship.

Indoors, the cyclic control is plenty responsive. In particular, we were impressed with the servo resolution. In plain English, this means that precise movements of the transmitter sticks are translated into equally precise movements of the servos. This is a key element in a successful model of this type. .

Indoor Flight

Indoors and in large enclosed spaces (e.g. recreation room or garage), the Co-Co Lama is a snap to fly. It performs satisfying figure 8’s and hovers like a tethered helium balloon if you want it to. The Co-Co Lama moves into forward flight, but you really need to keep pressure on the forward cyclic to accomplish sustained forward flight. This is really a boon to novices because letting pressure off the stick will stabilize the craft. Keep in mind that the Co-Co Lama is directed to those who are new to heli flight or to those who simply want an indoor diversion that doesn’t require laser focus. Having said that, you do need to keep your mind on throttle management as you perform moderate yaw maneuvers. As you turn, one of the rotors will slow down in order to unbalance the torque of the main blades. Doing this causes you to lose altitude. Your best bet is to nudge the throttle a bit mid turn.

Outdoor Flight

The short answer here is to keep the Co-Co Lama inside unless the winds are virtually dead calm. The little ship is no match for a breeze and will fly away like a kite if you pop it up into a wind as little as 3 mph. But this does not diminish our view of the Co-Co Lama. It was not designed to fly outside in wind. In our view, the best use of the Co-Co Lama for beginners is to practice hovering and limited forward flight. For experienced pilots, the point of the Co-Co Lama is to quench the thirst for heli flight on dreary days or tune your skills at landing dead center on the kitchen table. Whether you are a novice or a skilled veteran, the Co-Co Lama is a fun and easy helicopter to fly.

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