Author: Mark Fadely
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/02
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
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Radio Control Helicopters

Mark Fadely [[email protected]]

Learning to fly begins with a solid foundation

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 rotary flight than larger models. The self-correcting 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?

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 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 various types of helicopters on a simulator before you purchase a real one.

E-Fest — the world's biggest indoor RC event

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 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 double-check 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 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.

Practice advice

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.

MAF

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.