Radio Control: Helicopters
SORRY ABOUT THAT. Yes, I'm sorry if you missed all of those terrific Helicopter contests last year; but what about this season? Sure hope you will give at least one contest a whirl this year. Whether you're a beginner or expert, there is an enjoyment and challenge that cannot be met in any other way. I still remember attending my first Helicopter contest just two months after building my first chopper. No doubt the judges at the 1976 NRCHA Nationals remember the new records set in the hanger where we beginners attempted our hover flights. (Records like: the most judges to squeeze behind one chair or through the nearest exit.)
Radio Control: Helicopters
Small helicopters do have advantages. This has been my year to get back to basics, due to another round of business travel. Fortunately, I have been able to get in a bunch (for me) of flying and haven't been home enough to repair it and the servo which brought about its untimely crash. So, the Cricket and the Kalt Baron 20 found themselves doing a bit more flying than usual. As a result, this column will deal with some further impressions on those machines.
Radio Control: Helicopters
I MENTIONED West Virginia's finest in last month's column, but failed to give their names. This month, one of those names gets a face as well. The photo below should forever end the anonymity of Greg Harmon of Nitro, WV. Gregg and friend, Mike Guinn, treated me to a late afternoon flying session just across the river from my office-to think I had been visiting Nitro for several years before looking for any flying activity! On my first visit to the Nitro flying field, I met Larry Hewitt. While Larry was not at the time a Heli-pilot (he now has a Kalt 20), he knew both Gregg and Mike, and so the first flying session was arranged by him. Larry also invited me to visit his home several times just to keep me out of trouble. I really appreciate the hospitality from Larry and Sue Ellen Hewitt and from Gregg Harmon and Mike Guinn. Modelers really are some of the best people you can know.
Radio Control: Helicopters
LAST MONTH, I mentioned that I must have been doing something wrong regarding the setup of the clutch assembly of my Kalt 20. I received several comments about that column, most of which were uncomplimentary, but no suggestions as to how best to remedy the problem! I did talk with Circus Hobbies people at the Toledo Show and found that my situation was not unique-the last 500 or so Baron 20 kits now have modified fan assemblies, which should cure the misaligned-clutch dilemma. My fix has worked out since that column was written, but I'll probably replace the fan if I have the opportunity to do so.
Radio Control: Helicopters
AS PROMISED last month the following is the R/C Helicopter Judges Guide prepared by the chairman of the R/C Helicopter Advisory Committee. Since this guide and the rules on Page 50 of the AMA's Official Model Aircraft Regulations of 1978/79 are provisional, the Advisory Committee is asking for your inputs so that appropriate changes may be made through the AMA Contest Board. Judge's Guide Maneuver Descriptions GROUP ONE NOVICE 1. 15-Second Hover. Helicopter lifts off smoothly from main helipad (#1) and remains over same while climbing in hover attitude to 3- to 6-foot altitude. Helicopter should be in stationary hover for 15 seconds minimum.
