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Advanced Article on INTERNAL COMBUSTION Powered Helicopters |
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ADVANCED ARTICLE
ELECTRIC POWERED HELICOPTERS
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The Helicopter section is still inder construction. |
Types of Helicopter
:The range is large - and you are well advised to see these at the field and check out the magazines. I will not detail these but will concentrate on the beginner's needs.
Type of Helicopter for the beginner
:When you are learning to fly, you will need to be WELL off the ground so that you reduce the likelihood of crashing into it(!!). So, you will need something which is large enough to be well seen when it is flown at a fair height, but not so big that it is beyond you.
All this leads to a Helicopter which has a span of about xxx metres.
Flight Times
This will depend on your propulsion unit, quantity of fuel carried, weight, size and setup of the Helicopter.
Flights over 10 minutes are not necessarily a good thing for beginners as the brain begins to curdle and the Helicopter then becomes more likely to crash.
Helicopter pilots will always try to time their flights so that they have fuel to spare when landing
Motor Size
:If the Helicopter is underpowered its climb rate will be insufficient, and one false move on takeoff and it will hit the deck.
If the Helicopter is overpowered, it will be too fast for you and you'll quickly lose control and crash.
The best size motor for a xxx metre span trainer is xxx.
Construction
:Plastic and Metal.
Mentoring required to assist with building, installation of radio, balancing and trimming..
Buying ARF (Almost Ready to Fly)
:Many trainers available - various prices.
Buying Second Hand
:There are some bargains, but also some duds. Consult your mentor, KNOW what you need nad, like buying second-hand cars - KNOW what to watch for.
Radio Gear
:Multi-channel computer radio with sufficient mixes and functionality to cope with the complex demands of controlling a helicopter.
Special Fuel-proofing Requirements:
Internal Combustions Engines emit a LOT of oily residue. The receiver and servos must be protected from fuel.
To achieve this ........
Protecting gear from Vibration:
xxx
Mufflers:
The way in which Mufflers work is ........
Your Helicopter's muffler has to be sufficiently effective in reducing noise to meet the restrictions of the field and the general requirement that it not be excessive. Some clubs will "ground" excessively noisy Helicopters, so have your menor assist you with this.
Fuel:
XXX
Fuel Pump:
XXX
Glow-plug thingo:
XXX
Electric Starters:
XXX
Battery for Starter:
XXX
Flight Box:
XXX
Location requirements
:This MUST be done at a club field, unless you are fortunate enough to have access to a suitable property in the country.
Weather
:Calm days are essential for training.
Degree of difficulty
:Will provide plenty of challenges.
Moving on to other Helicopters
:Hang on - you haven't even got you r first one yet!!
Items required and approximate cost (Australian Dollars):
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Approx Cost A$ |
Your Cost $ |
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Kit - rudder/elevator trainer span of xxx metres recommended for beginner |
150-250 |
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Engine - xxx recommended for beginner |
xxx |
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Fuel tubes, control rods etc |
xxx |
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Fuel pump |
xxx |
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Glow Plug thingo |
xxx |
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Electric Starter |
xxx |
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Battery for Electric Starter |
xxx |
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Multi channel FM computer radio to suit Helicopters, basic A$xxx, to A$800 plus |
xxx |
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Certification of radio |
25 |
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Extra Crystals FM - per pair (optional) |
40 |
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Frequency key |
3 |
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Club fee (including insurance) |
75-200 |
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Extra Receiver Battery packs each |
20-25 |
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TOTAL |
$ |
$ |
Further investigation
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Advanced Article on INTERNAL COMBUSTION Powered Helicopters |
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