Remote-control helicopters have always asked something of the person holding the controls. It’s part of the appeal, but can also be daunting. This one makes the learning curve friendlier with auto-hover and one-key landing, giving new pilots a steadier introduction to getting airborne without taking all the fun out of flying.

Once it’s up, a seven-color LED light bar adds a little spectacle to the flight path, especially as the room or backyard gets darker. The 2.4 GHz remote provides responsive control with reduced interference, while the rechargeable onboard battery keeps the helicopter ready for another round after a USB recharge.

It’s easy enough for a first-time pilot to get the hang of, but flashy enough to make hovering in place feel like an accomplishment.