Helicopters C

[retired1]

OK, let me try again. A single blade rotor for the 25% bonus can only have 1 blade.
If you rigidly connect 2 single blade rotors, you no longer have any single blade rotors for the bonus.

Thar brought up a question. What is the meaning of rigid in this case? 2 or 3 single blade rotors that are glued, bolted screwed or what together.

[bernard]

Thar brought up a question. What is the meaning of rigid in this case? 2 or 3 single blade rotors that are glued, bolted screwed or what together.

Blades that cannot move (a significant amount) relative to one another are considered rigidly connected.

[retired1]

OK, what amount is a significant amount? In what direction-- vertically or rotationally or both?

[HandsFreeCookieDunk]

Does anyone know if Freedom Flight is still a thing? It seems as though they didn't release any new models last year.

[dcrxcode]

Does anyone know if Freedom Flight is still a thing? It seems as though they didn't release any new models last year.

Freedom Flight is definitely still a thing, though their website may not be updated frequently.

[daydreamer0023]

Does anyone know if Freedom Flight is still a thing? It seems as though they didn't release any new models last year.

Freedom Flight is definitely still a thing, though their website may not be updated frequently.

Yup, Freedom Flight is definitely going to be a thing for Helicopters. Dave Zeigler is already hard at work with the new rules, last I heard.

[retired1]

Dave is working on several changes over past choppers. He is not talking much until it is kitted, but look for an interesting model when it come out in 4 - 6 weeks.

[bernard]

Thar brought up a question. What is the meaning of rigid in this case? 2 or 3 single blade rotors that are glued, bolted screwed or what together.

Blades that cannot move (a significant amount) relative to one another are considered rigidly connected.

OK, what amount is a significant amount? In what direction-- vertically or rotationally or both?

An excusable amount of blade movement relative to one another is an amount not designed into the Helicopter (i.e. unintended).

[jander14indoor]

Since this is a new year I'll spell out an important caveat to discussions on this forum.
NOTHING ANYONE says is official about interpretations of rules. That is true whether you are an Event Supervisor (like me) Chair of the rule committee (Like Chalker) or whatever. The only official interpretations of rules will be posted on the National SO website.

OK, with that warning.

Rigidly connected. We've used this single blade bonus in the past. Last time it was in the rules, the FAQs stated something to the effect that in ready to fly condition, the ES should be able to rotate the single bladed rotor completely independently of any other blades without breaking or moving any other rotor. Vertical motion was not relevant.
In addition, the single bladed rotor had to be powered to rotate by the rubber band. It couldn't be free rotating in the airstream. It had to provide lift.

I don't know that it will be interpreted the same as previously, but all the people involved are the same.

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

[retired1]

This interpretation makes it impossible to have 3 single blade rotors since if you had 2 connected to the same prop shaft , they could not rotate independently. If you put 1 on top and 1 on the bottom there is also no place to to have a rubber powered 3rd one.