In last month’s column I discussed the
Pilot Proficiency Program (PPP), sponsored
by the International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association (IRCHA). The
program outlines specific lists of maneuvers
that are completed in a progressively more
sophisticated flying program until the
highest level is attained.
Many elements of this program can be
flown with indoor electric models. Because
small models are inherently less stable, they
actually make very good training aids that
can transfer the pilot’s newfound skills to
larger outdoor helicopters with ease.
It is the hovering orientations that are
most important to make efficient
progress in your flying.
Doing slow
pirouettes
rotary flight than larger models. The selfcorrecting
flight stability of the modern
micro coaxial helicopters has helped
scores of wannabe pilots realize their
dreams of flying RC.
Most of the small indoor models have
flexible rotor blades that do not break
when the helicopters crash. That helps
keep newer pilots’ enthusiasm levels high
while they get over those first few hurdles
of learning to fly.
Pilots who “catch the bug” and want to
improve their skills and move on in the
hobby often ask what the most effective
training program is. What maneuvers
should a pilot work on to
advance his or
her skills?
HELLO AGAIN. Thank you for working
your way back here to the helicopter
hangout.
If you are a regular reader, you know that
this is not my favorite time of year. The
weather is miserable here in the Midwest
during the winter. We turn our passions
toward smaller, lighter indoor models that
are exclusively electric powered, just to get
out of the freezing conditions.
My group of fliers is fortunate in that we
have a large soccer arena in which to fly
during cold weather. If you are looking for a
place to fly, take the initiative to ask the
officials of a local soccer practice facility if
you could rent it from them. They could be
open to the idea, especially if you agree to
use it during off hours.
Our flying sessions begin at 9 p.m. and
run until the wee hours of the morning.
Being in a soccer arena flying RC
helicopters at 1 a.m. on a Saturday night is
not a bad thing. It is a great family event
that my daughter and son often attend.
Small indoor helicopters have
introduced more pilots to the world of
Learning to fly begins with a solid foundation
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Helicopters Mark Fadely
Also included in this column:
• Flying indoors during the
winter
• E-Fest in Champaign, Illinois
• A new threadlocking
compound
James Haley outfitted his Next-D Rave 450 with a fantastic night-light setup. Even old,
beat-up canopies have a purpose. James is a top 3-D pilot who doesn’t take time off from
flying when the weather is bad.
Dave Cameron, a Scale and 3-D flier, hovers his T-Rex 250
inverted, low over the arena’s rubber flooring. In crowded indoor
conditions, a pilot should always be thinking about how to safely
exit a complex orientation such as this.
Jason Fuller prepares to hand-launch his micro Blade mCX with
his son at the controls. The inherent stability of the cross-rotorblade
mechanics makes it easy to get the feel for tough
orientations. They’re durable too!
118 MODEL AVIATION
T
G
R
a , + 02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:15 AM Page 118
Dave Cameron flew his Hughes 500E at the 2010
E-Fest. He has flown RC since he was 8 and
helicopters for the last four years. Dave
repainted the HK body to match his scale
documentation.
This Hughes 500D competed in the prestigious
Scale competition. No matter what kind of flying
you do or what model you have, you will be
warmly welcomed at E-Fest, which will be
February 12-13 in Champaign IL.
ND Industries presents the helicopter community with an alternative threadlock
compound called Vibra-TITE. It will not harden or flake off and looks to be
promising. The author is testing the samples shown.
in both upright and inverted
orientations is one of the most
important building blocks of
advanced RC helicopter flight.
Doing these drills will feel like
trying to balance a ball on your nose
at first. If you are uncomfortable with
inverted flight, fly upright. The main
thing is to feel comfortable before
moving on.
Forcing your way through new
orientations to do some elaborate trick is a
recipe for disaster. As with most things in
life, it is imperative to begin with a solid
foundation.
It is also important to be flying the right
type of model for your skill level. Coaxial
helicopters are great for those beginning
maneuvers, but the less-stable, single-rotor
models will help a pilot make quicker
progress once he or she has become
proficient with the basics. You can try
Try Us Absolutely FREE!
Get 2 Feature-Filled Issues of RC SPORT FLYER FREE! See why it is
!"#$%&'()*+$,&+!$-./)#0!"$'1$2-'1'23!$,2425-.#6
!"##$%!&'$()*$+,)$
issues of
RC Sport Flyer
absolutely FREE$-&'$
,.+/)*+$)0#.1-+.)&2$
3*%+$1.4!$.+$-$5!-'$
+)$%!!$,/-+$()*"4!$
0!!&$6.%%.&12
7.%.+$8.)&-%*0%95.0!29)6:;5!!
<)$=.1&$>?2
>%!$@5)6)$A)'!B$-6-;5!!CDEE
02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:16 AM Page 119
120 MODEL AVIATION
1561 River Highlands Dr. , Oconomowoc, WI 53066
262-352-6670 • www.precision-aero.com
• All Maple and Birch
Ply Construction.
T H E O R I G I N A L
ULTIMATE FLIGHT STAND
• Completely
Assembled, Ready
for Your Finish.
• Folds to a Compact
4" x 24" x 36".
• Optional Wheel Kit
Available.
• Cradles Open to 14" .
$ 14995
PLUS $23 S&H
various types of helicopters on a simulator
before you purchase a real one.
The world’s biggest indoor RC event is
held each year in Champaign, Illinois. It is
called “E-Fest” and is a must-see gathering
during the winter. Pilots come from far and
wide to be a part of this two-day RC party.
This year the event will take place
Saturday and Sunday February 12-13. The
gathering is for airplane and helicopter
pilots alike. The helicopter people have a
designated area set aside for them that
includes protective netting around the
perimeter to catch any stray 3-D helicopters.
Even the vast area inside the E-Fest arena
LETTERING AND GRAPHIX
!"#$%$&'()&(*+*')&,-(,$.*(/)#$&'(0(*1"&".$1)+
2&$/3$&'(,"413(5"!(."%*+*!/6
Since 1987 VINYLWRITE has provided
the modeler with EZ to apply graphics and
letters. NOT A DECAL! Our lettering is
custom cut premium vinyl, pre spaced and
aligned. Many type styles & colors to choose
from. Heights from 1/4" to 12". We can
provide 2 color outlining, symbols like stars,
roundels, Cub Lightning bolts and much
more. All at prices you can easily afford.
For example: "AMA + your number"
1" high, your choice of color for only $5.00,
2" high, your choice of color for only $7.50.
Find out what we can do for you. Info-Pack
and free sample. Send SASE to:
VINYLWRITE
3361 Mt Veeder Rd
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 226.3410 Voice Mail
EMAIL [email protected]
P/H $5.00 - CA res. Add tax
Mail Order Only
!"#$% &'
- SECURE SHOPPING WITH OUR ONLINE CATALOG -
www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com
[email protected]
Phone (479) 359-2429 Fax (479) 359-2259
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 to 5 CST
15715 Ashmore Dr., Garfield, Arkansas 72732
LARGEST
COLLECTION OF
EPOXY GLASS
COWLS & WHEEL
PANTS IN THE WORLD!
SINCE
1977!
cures; Vibra-TITE’s product remains
flexible. Also, Loctite needs iron content
within the fastener to fully cure.
The chemicals are designed to be
“activated” by ferrite in the fasteners.
Vibra-TITE needs no ferrite to activate it.
I’ve been testing the Vibra-TITE
threadlocker during the last month or so. It
does a great job of securing the fasteners,
just as Loctite has always done, but I can
see the advantages of Vibra-TITE.
ND Industries manufactures Vibra-
TITE. Here is an excerpt from the
company’s information.
“ND Industries provides cost effective,
highly responsive alternatives to products
and services from companies such as
Loctite®, 3M®, and others. Since 1955,
ND Industries has been providing top
quality fastening and assembly related
products and services to a wide variety of
industries including automotive,
electronics, aerospace, appliance, and many
more.”
You might want to try Vibra-TITE to
see the benefits for yourself. Finding
products that do a better job and cost less is
a rarity.
Why not dedicate some quality practice
time to your indoor models this winter?
Don’t worry about what other pilots are
thinking as you hover in one spot,
practicing your orientations. You will be
surprised by how diligently practicing a
set routine of maneuvers will quickly
advance your flying.
Going out and doing all of the same
moves you are comfortable with is not
advancing your flying. Good things can
happen when you set your mind to it.
Now go fly and I will see you here next
month. MA
Sources:
E-Fest
www.gpe-fest.com
Loctite
(800) 624-7767
http://loctiteproducts.com
Vibra-TITE
(800) 521-2663
www.vibra-tite.com
International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association
www.ircha.org
fills up quickly when a few 3-D helicopters
are in the air.
You do not have to fly 3-D at E-Fest,
though. There are pilots who bring their
training helicopters with beginner gear
attached.
Everyone is there to have fun and
provide help to one another, so there is no
reason to be intimidated by the professional
pilots you might encounter. Last year a
helicopter even flew in the Scale
competition.
Threadlocking Compounds: When
helicopters are under power there are
inherent vibrations within the system.
Newer pilots find out in a hurry that parts
will come loose if the nuts and bolts are not
secured with a threadlocker.
Screws that terminate in plastic are
usually okay without threadlock, because
the plastic is a flexible vibration-absorption
material; however, metal bolts with metal
nuts are susceptible to loosening under
vibration.
Be careful when you purchase an
ARF/RTF helicopter. In the assembly
process, the mechanics often have areas
where threadlock is missing or too little is
applied. Sometimes the threadlock that is
used is on the wrong area of the part.
The factory workers who assemble
helicopters are typically not helicopter
pilots. Do yourself a favor and doublecheck
all of the hardware after you
purchase a prebuilt helicopter.
I have used Loctite for years, and it has
been the industry standard for as long as I
can remember. I received some information
about an alternative company that makes
threadlock compounds.
Vibra-TITE is a threadlock company
that makes a compound that differs from
Loctite. Loctite is hard and dry when it
02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:16 AM Page 120
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/02
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/02
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
In last month’s column I discussed the
Pilot Proficiency Program (PPP), sponsored
by the International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association (IRCHA). The
program outlines specific lists of maneuvers
that are completed in a progressively more
sophisticated flying program until the
highest level is attained.
Many elements of this program can be
flown with indoor electric models. Because
small models are inherently less stable, they
actually make very good training aids that
can transfer the pilot’s newfound skills to
larger outdoor helicopters with ease.
It is the hovering orientations that are
most important to make efficient
progress in your flying.
Doing slow
pirouettes
rotary flight than larger models. The selfcorrecting
flight stability of the modern
micro coaxial helicopters has helped
scores of wannabe pilots realize their
dreams of flying RC.
Most of the small indoor models have
flexible rotor blades that do not break
when the helicopters crash. That helps
keep newer pilots’ enthusiasm levels high
while they get over those first few hurdles
of learning to fly.
Pilots who “catch the bug” and want to
improve their skills and move on in the
hobby often ask what the most effective
training program is. What maneuvers
should a pilot work on to
advance his or
her skills?
HELLO AGAIN. Thank you for working
your way back here to the helicopter
hangout.
If you are a regular reader, you know that
this is not my favorite time of year. The
weather is miserable here in the Midwest
during the winter. We turn our passions
toward smaller, lighter indoor models that
are exclusively electric powered, just to get
out of the freezing conditions.
My group of fliers is fortunate in that we
have a large soccer arena in which to fly
during cold weather. If you are looking for a
place to fly, take the initiative to ask the
officials of a local soccer practice facility if
you could rent it from them. They could be
open to the idea, especially if you agree to
use it during off hours.
Our flying sessions begin at 9 p.m. and
run until the wee hours of the morning.
Being in a soccer arena flying RC
helicopters at 1 a.m. on a Saturday night is
not a bad thing. It is a great family event
that my daughter and son often attend.
Small indoor helicopters have
introduced more pilots to the world of
Learning to fly begins with a solid foundation
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Helicopters Mark Fadely
Also included in this column:
• Flying indoors during the
winter
• E-Fest in Champaign, Illinois
• A new threadlocking
compound
James Haley outfitted his Next-D Rave 450 with a fantastic night-light setup. Even old,
beat-up canopies have a purpose. James is a top 3-D pilot who doesn’t take time off from
flying when the weather is bad.
Dave Cameron, a Scale and 3-D flier, hovers his T-Rex 250
inverted, low over the arena’s rubber flooring. In crowded indoor
conditions, a pilot should always be thinking about how to safely
exit a complex orientation such as this.
Jason Fuller prepares to hand-launch his micro Blade mCX with
his son at the controls. The inherent stability of the cross-rotorblade
mechanics makes it easy to get the feel for tough
orientations. They’re durable too!
118 MODEL AVIATION
T
G
R
a , + 02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:15 AM Page 118
Dave Cameron flew his Hughes 500E at the 2010
E-Fest. He has flown RC since he was 8 and
helicopters for the last four years. Dave
repainted the HK body to match his scale
documentation.
This Hughes 500D competed in the prestigious
Scale competition. No matter what kind of flying
you do or what model you have, you will be
warmly welcomed at E-Fest, which will be
February 12-13 in Champaign IL.
ND Industries presents the helicopter community with an alternative threadlock
compound called Vibra-TITE. It will not harden or flake off and looks to be
promising. The author is testing the samples shown.
in both upright and inverted
orientations is one of the most
important building blocks of
advanced RC helicopter flight.
Doing these drills will feel like
trying to balance a ball on your nose
at first. If you are uncomfortable with
inverted flight, fly upright. The main
thing is to feel comfortable before
moving on.
Forcing your way through new
orientations to do some elaborate trick is a
recipe for disaster. As with most things in
life, it is imperative to begin with a solid
foundation.
It is also important to be flying the right
type of model for your skill level. Coaxial
helicopters are great for those beginning
maneuvers, but the less-stable, single-rotor
models will help a pilot make quicker
progress once he or she has become
proficient with the basics. You can try
Try Us Absolutely FREE!
Get 2 Feature-Filled Issues of RC SPORT FLYER FREE! See why it is
!"#$%&'()*+$,&+!$-./)#0!"$'1$2-'1'23!$,2425-.#6
!"##$%!&'$()*$+,)$
issues of
RC Sport Flyer
absolutely FREE$-&'$
,.+/)*+$)0#.1-+.)&2$
3*%+$1.4!$.+$-$5!-'$
+)$%!!$,/-+$()*"4!$
0!!&$6.%%.&12
7.%.+$8.)&-%*0%95.0!29)6:;5!!
<)$=.1&$>?2
>%!$@5)6)$A)'!B$-6-;5!!CDEE
02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:16 AM Page 119
120 MODEL AVIATION
1561 River Highlands Dr. , Oconomowoc, WI 53066
262-352-6670 • www.precision-aero.com
• All Maple and Birch
Ply Construction.
T H E O R I G I N A L
ULTIMATE FLIGHT STAND
• Completely
Assembled, Ready
for Your Finish.
• Folds to a Compact
4" x 24" x 36".
• Optional Wheel Kit
Available.
• Cradles Open to 14" .
$ 14995
PLUS $23 S&H
various types of helicopters on a simulator
before you purchase a real one.
The world’s biggest indoor RC event is
held each year in Champaign, Illinois. It is
called “E-Fest” and is a must-see gathering
during the winter. Pilots come from far and
wide to be a part of this two-day RC party.
This year the event will take place
Saturday and Sunday February 12-13. The
gathering is for airplane and helicopter
pilots alike. The helicopter people have a
designated area set aside for them that
includes protective netting around the
perimeter to catch any stray 3-D helicopters.
Even the vast area inside the E-Fest arena
LETTERING AND GRAPHIX
!"#$%$&'()&(*+*')&,-(,$.*(/)#$&'(0(*1"&".$1)+
2&$/3$&'(,"413(5"!(."%*+*!/6
Since 1987 VINYLWRITE has provided
the modeler with EZ to apply graphics and
letters. NOT A DECAL! Our lettering is
custom cut premium vinyl, pre spaced and
aligned. Many type styles & colors to choose
from. Heights from 1/4" to 12". We can
provide 2 color outlining, symbols like stars,
roundels, Cub Lightning bolts and much
more. All at prices you can easily afford.
For example: "AMA + your number"
1" high, your choice of color for only $5.00,
2" high, your choice of color for only $7.50.
Find out what we can do for you. Info-Pack
and free sample. Send SASE to:
VINYLWRITE
3361 Mt Veeder Rd
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 226.3410 Voice Mail
EMAIL [email protected]
P/H $5.00 - CA res. Add tax
Mail Order Only
!"#$% &'
- SECURE SHOPPING WITH OUR ONLINE CATALOG -
www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com
[email protected]
Phone (479) 359-2429 Fax (479) 359-2259
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 to 5 CST
15715 Ashmore Dr., Garfield, Arkansas 72732
LARGEST
COLLECTION OF
EPOXY GLASS
COWLS & WHEEL
PANTS IN THE WORLD!
SINCE
1977!
cures; Vibra-TITE’s product remains
flexible. Also, Loctite needs iron content
within the fastener to fully cure.
The chemicals are designed to be
“activated” by ferrite in the fasteners.
Vibra-TITE needs no ferrite to activate it.
I’ve been testing the Vibra-TITE
threadlocker during the last month or so. It
does a great job of securing the fasteners,
just as Loctite has always done, but I can
see the advantages of Vibra-TITE.
ND Industries manufactures Vibra-
TITE. Here is an excerpt from the
company’s information.
“ND Industries provides cost effective,
highly responsive alternatives to products
and services from companies such as
Loctite®, 3M®, and others. Since 1955,
ND Industries has been providing top
quality fastening and assembly related
products and services to a wide variety of
industries including automotive,
electronics, aerospace, appliance, and many
more.”
You might want to try Vibra-TITE to
see the benefits for yourself. Finding
products that do a better job and cost less is
a rarity.
Why not dedicate some quality practice
time to your indoor models this winter?
Don’t worry about what other pilots are
thinking as you hover in one spot,
practicing your orientations. You will be
surprised by how diligently practicing a
set routine of maneuvers will quickly
advance your flying.
Going out and doing all of the same
moves you are comfortable with is not
advancing your flying. Good things can
happen when you set your mind to it.
Now go fly and I will see you here next
month. MA
Sources:
E-Fest
www.gpe-fest.com
Loctite
(800) 624-7767
http://loctiteproducts.com
Vibra-TITE
(800) 521-2663
www.vibra-tite.com
International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association
www.ircha.org
fills up quickly when a few 3-D helicopters
are in the air.
You do not have to fly 3-D at E-Fest,
though. There are pilots who bring their
training helicopters with beginner gear
attached.
Everyone is there to have fun and
provide help to one another, so there is no
reason to be intimidated by the professional
pilots you might encounter. Last year a
helicopter even flew in the Scale
competition.
Threadlocking Compounds: When
helicopters are under power there are
inherent vibrations within the system.
Newer pilots find out in a hurry that parts
will come loose if the nuts and bolts are not
secured with a threadlocker.
Screws that terminate in plastic are
usually okay without threadlock, because
the plastic is a flexible vibration-absorption
material; however, metal bolts with metal
nuts are susceptible to loosening under
vibration.
Be careful when you purchase an
ARF/RTF helicopter. In the assembly
process, the mechanics often have areas
where threadlock is missing or too little is
applied. Sometimes the threadlock that is
used is on the wrong area of the part.
The factory workers who assemble
helicopters are typically not helicopter
pilots. Do yourself a favor and doublecheck
all of the hardware after you
purchase a prebuilt helicopter.
I have used Loctite for years, and it has
been the industry standard for as long as I
can remember. I received some information
about an alternative company that makes
threadlock compounds.
Vibra-TITE is a threadlock company
that makes a compound that differs from
Loctite. Loctite is hard and dry when it
02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:16 AM Page 120
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/02
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
In last month’s column I discussed the
Pilot Proficiency Program (PPP), sponsored
by the International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association (IRCHA). The
program outlines specific lists of maneuvers
that are completed in a progressively more
sophisticated flying program until the
highest level is attained.
Many elements of this program can be
flown with indoor electric models. Because
small models are inherently less stable, they
actually make very good training aids that
can transfer the pilot’s newfound skills to
larger outdoor helicopters with ease.
It is the hovering orientations that are
most important to make efficient
progress in your flying.
Doing slow
pirouettes
rotary flight than larger models. The selfcorrecting
flight stability of the modern
micro coaxial helicopters has helped
scores of wannabe pilots realize their
dreams of flying RC.
Most of the small indoor models have
flexible rotor blades that do not break
when the helicopters crash. That helps
keep newer pilots’ enthusiasm levels high
while they get over those first few hurdles
of learning to fly.
Pilots who “catch the bug” and want to
improve their skills and move on in the
hobby often ask what the most effective
training program is. What maneuvers
should a pilot work on to
advance his or
her skills?
HELLO AGAIN. Thank you for working
your way back here to the helicopter
hangout.
If you are a regular reader, you know that
this is not my favorite time of year. The
weather is miserable here in the Midwest
during the winter. We turn our passions
toward smaller, lighter indoor models that
are exclusively electric powered, just to get
out of the freezing conditions.
My group of fliers is fortunate in that we
have a large soccer arena in which to fly
during cold weather. If you are looking for a
place to fly, take the initiative to ask the
officials of a local soccer practice facility if
you could rent it from them. They could be
open to the idea, especially if you agree to
use it during off hours.
Our flying sessions begin at 9 p.m. and
run until the wee hours of the morning.
Being in a soccer arena flying RC
helicopters at 1 a.m. on a Saturday night is
not a bad thing. It is a great family event
that my daughter and son often attend.
Small indoor helicopters have
introduced more pilots to the world of
Learning to fly begins with a solid foundation
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Helicopters Mark Fadely
Also included in this column:
• Flying indoors during the
winter
• E-Fest in Champaign, Illinois
• A new threadlocking
compound
James Haley outfitted his Next-D Rave 450 with a fantastic night-light setup. Even old,
beat-up canopies have a purpose. James is a top 3-D pilot who doesn’t take time off from
flying when the weather is bad.
Dave Cameron, a Scale and 3-D flier, hovers his T-Rex 250
inverted, low over the arena’s rubber flooring. In crowded indoor
conditions, a pilot should always be thinking about how to safely
exit a complex orientation such as this.
Jason Fuller prepares to hand-launch his micro Blade mCX with
his son at the controls. The inherent stability of the cross-rotorblade
mechanics makes it easy to get the feel for tough
orientations. They’re durable too!
118 MODEL AVIATION
T
G
R
a , + 02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:15 AM Page 118
Dave Cameron flew his Hughes 500E at the 2010
E-Fest. He has flown RC since he was 8 and
helicopters for the last four years. Dave
repainted the HK body to match his scale
documentation.
This Hughes 500D competed in the prestigious
Scale competition. No matter what kind of flying
you do or what model you have, you will be
warmly welcomed at E-Fest, which will be
February 12-13 in Champaign IL.
ND Industries presents the helicopter community with an alternative threadlock
compound called Vibra-TITE. It will not harden or flake off and looks to be
promising. The author is testing the samples shown.
in both upright and inverted
orientations is one of the most
important building blocks of
advanced RC helicopter flight.
Doing these drills will feel like
trying to balance a ball on your nose
at first. If you are uncomfortable with
inverted flight, fly upright. The main
thing is to feel comfortable before
moving on.
Forcing your way through new
orientations to do some elaborate trick is a
recipe for disaster. As with most things in
life, it is imperative to begin with a solid
foundation.
It is also important to be flying the right
type of model for your skill level. Coaxial
helicopters are great for those beginning
maneuvers, but the less-stable, single-rotor
models will help a pilot make quicker
progress once he or she has become
proficient with the basics. You can try
Try Us Absolutely FREE!
Get 2 Feature-Filled Issues of RC SPORT FLYER FREE! See why it is
!"#$%&'()*+$,&+!$-./)#0!"$'1$2-'1'23!$,2425-.#6
!"##$%!&'$()*$+,)$
issues of
RC Sport Flyer
absolutely FREE$-&'$
,.+/)*+$)0#.1-+.)&2$
3*%+$1.4!$.+$-$5!-'$
+)$%!!$,/-+$()*"4!$
0!!&$6.%%.&12
7.%.+$8.)&-%*0%95.0!29)6:;5!!
<)$=.1&$>?2
>%!$@5)6)$A)'!B$-6-;5!!CDEE
02sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 12/20/10 8:16 AM Page 119
120 MODEL AVIATION
1561 River Highlands Dr. , Oconomowoc, WI 53066
262-352-6670 • www.precision-aero.com
• All Maple and Birch
Ply Construction.
T H E O R I G I N A L
ULTIMATE FLIGHT STAND
• Completely
Assembled, Ready
for Your Finish.
• Folds to a Compact
4" x 24" x 36".
• Optional Wheel Kit
Available.
• Cradles Open to 14" .
$ 14995
PLUS $23 S&H
various types of helicopters on a simulator
before you purchase a real one.
The world’s biggest indoor RC event is
held each year in Champaign, Illinois. It is
called “E-Fest” and is a must-see gathering
during the winter. Pilots come from far and
wide to be a part of this two-day RC party.
This year the event will take place
Saturday and Sunday February 12-13. The
gathering is for airplane and helicopter
pilots alike. The helicopter people have a
designated area set aside for them that
includes protective netting around the
perimeter to catch any stray 3-D helicopters.
Even the vast area inside the E-Fest arena
LETTERING AND GRAPHIX
!"#$%$&'()&(*+*')&,-(,$.*(/)#$&'(0(*1"&".$1)+
2&$/3$&'(,"413(5"!(."%*+*!/6
Since 1987 VINYLWRITE has provided
the modeler with EZ to apply graphics and
letters. NOT A DECAL! Our lettering is
custom cut premium vinyl, pre spaced and
aligned. Many type styles & colors to choose
from. Heights from 1/4" to 12". We can
provide 2 color outlining, symbols like stars,
roundels, Cub Lightning bolts and much
more. All at prices you can easily afford.
For example: "AMA + your number"
1" high, your choice of color for only $5.00,
2" high, your choice of color for only $7.50.
Find out what we can do for you. Info-Pack
and free sample. Send SASE to:
VINYLWRITE
3361 Mt Veeder Rd
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 226.3410 Voice Mail
EMAIL [email protected]
P/H $5.00 - CA res. Add tax
Mail Order Only
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- SECURE SHOPPING WITH OUR ONLINE CATALOG -
www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com
[email protected]
Phone (479) 359-2429 Fax (479) 359-2259
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 to 5 CST
15715 Ashmore Dr., Garfield, Arkansas 72732
LARGEST
COLLECTION OF
EPOXY GLASS
COWLS & WHEEL
PANTS IN THE WORLD!
SINCE
1977!
cures; Vibra-TITE’s product remains
flexible. Also, Loctite needs iron content
within the fastener to fully cure.
The chemicals are designed to be
“activated” by ferrite in the fasteners.
Vibra-TITE needs no ferrite to activate it.
I’ve been testing the Vibra-TITE
threadlocker during the last month or so. It
does a great job of securing the fasteners,
just as Loctite has always done, but I can
see the advantages of Vibra-TITE.
ND Industries manufactures Vibra-
TITE. Here is an excerpt from the
company’s information.
“ND Industries provides cost effective,
highly responsive alternatives to products
and services from companies such as
Loctite®, 3M®, and others. Since 1955,
ND Industries has been providing top
quality fastening and assembly related
products and services to a wide variety of
industries including automotive,
electronics, aerospace, appliance, and many
more.”
You might want to try Vibra-TITE to
see the benefits for yourself. Finding
products that do a better job and cost less is
a rarity.
Why not dedicate some quality practice
time to your indoor models this winter?
Don’t worry about what other pilots are
thinking as you hover in one spot,
practicing your orientations. You will be
surprised by how diligently practicing a
set routine of maneuvers will quickly
advance your flying.
Going out and doing all of the same
moves you are comfortable with is not
advancing your flying. Good things can
happen when you set your mind to it.
Now go fly and I will see you here next
month. MA
Sources:
E-Fest
www.gpe-fest.com
Loctite
(800) 624-7767
http://loctiteproducts.com
Vibra-TITE
(800) 521-2663
www.vibra-tite.com
International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association
www.ircha.org
fills up quickly when a few 3-D helicopters
are in the air.
You do not have to fly 3-D at E-Fest,
though. There are pilots who bring their
training helicopters with beginner gear
attached.
Everyone is there to have fun and
provide help to one another, so there is no
reason to be intimidated by the professional
pilots you might encounter. Last year a
helicopter even flew in the Scale
competition.
Threadlocking Compounds: When
helicopters are under power there are
inherent vibrations within the system.
Newer pilots find out in a hurry that parts
will come loose if the nuts and bolts are not
secured with a threadlocker.
Screws that terminate in plastic are
usually okay without threadlock, because
the plastic is a flexible vibration-absorption
material; however, metal bolts with metal
nuts are susceptible to loosening under
vibration.
Be careful when you purchase an
ARF/RTF helicopter. In the assembly
process, the mechanics often have areas
where threadlock is missing or too little is
applied. Sometimes the threadlock that is
used is on the wrong area of the part.
The factory workers who assemble
helicopters are typically not helicopter
pilots. Do yourself a favor and doublecheck
all of the hardware after you
purchase a prebuilt helicopter.
I have used Loctite for years, and it has
been the industry standard for as long as I
can remember. I received some information
about an alternative company that makes
threadlock compounds.
Vibra-TITE is a threadlock company
that makes a compound that differs from
Loctite. Loctite is hard and dry when it
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