Helicopters C

[andrew lorino]

Here's my thoughts on the FFM 2017 kit:

The FFM 2017 kit is a radical departure from previous FFM kits, with innovations such as carbon fiber, a new blade design, a rotating ceiling bumper, and a laser cut motor stick. The carbon fiber blades were an excellent addition, being extremely strong, surviving multiple flights of being whacked repeatedly against a concrete beam with no damage, a feat impossible with balsa blades. I have no idea if the new blade design worked, but assembly was just as easy as previous kits, facilitated massively by the inclusion of spar supports. The rotating ceiling bumper worked, although its mount was extremely hard to assemble without breaking it. I was initially concerned by the new motor stick design, but it performed well, although the supports for the Kevlar thread had a habit of breaking in transit, which was to be expected. As usual, the instructions were excellent, although the locations of some components were different to what was stated in the instructions. In addition, the inclusion of more 2 blade rotor bosses and glass thrust bearings would have been much appreciated. Overall, the kit was excellent, with the combination of quality parts and instructions that I have come to expect from FFM.

[calgoddard]

World record holder Stan Buddenbohm sells an excellent kit for this event.

Details are given at:

https://www.amaglider.com/?p=view&a=sta ... opter-2016

The well written and nicely illustrated instructions for constructing and flying Stan's MINI-PEARL helicopter are geared toward students with no prior building and flying experience.

Stan's instructions are far more concise than those included in the 2017 FFM kit. Stan's MINI-PEARL can be built in a fraction of the time that it takes to build a 2017 FFM helicopter.

The MINI-PEARL helicopter flies on standard 1/8 inch rubber so there is no need to buy custom stripped rubber or a rubber stripper.

Stan's helicopter design also exhibits an excellent self-righting capability.

The 2017 FFM kit and design are very well done. The MINI-PEARL helicopter kit offers a lower cost, easier to assemble, alternative.

[AznPr0d1gy]

The Mini Pearl is definitely nice, but the kit has some questionable aspects, one of them is his 1/8 rubber choice and his really high pitch angle.

[Fanglin]

I've been having trouble with the FFM kit during flight. It always seems extremely overpowered and rockets out of my hands, but it's extremely unstable on the roof, and in the air. I've had some instances where the helicopter even flipped because of the high RMP. I've been trying to possibly reduce RPM to maximize flight performance. Way back in devision B helicopters in 2012, I saw tons of helicopters with either a fixed lower blade, or a "cape" like blade as shown below:

I'm already working on a larger fixed lower blade for my helicopter, but I'm open to any suggestions or ideas.

Cheers!

[Bluejet1179]

I've been having trouble with the FFM kit during flight. It always seems extremely overpowered and rockets out of my hands, but it's extremely unstable on the roof, and in the air. I've had some instances where the helicopter even flipped because of the high RMP. I've been trying to possibly reduce RPM to maximize flight performance. Way back in devision B helicopters in 2012, I saw tons of helicopters with either a fixed lower blade, or a "cape" like blade as shown below:

I'm already working on a larger fixed lower blade for my helicopter, but I'm open to any suggestions or ideas.

Cheers!

Change band thickness?

[0ddrenaline]

The Mini Pearl is definitely nice, but the kit has some questionable aspects, one of them is his 1/8 rubber choice and his really high pitch angle.

I thought of this too. I've been scratch-building every helicopter, but I'm running out of our 5-year old stash of ribs, so I might as well get a kit. Of course an experienced builder could alter the helicopter. But, honestly, is the Mini Pearl supposed to be a "beginner" or "simple" alternative to the FFM kit? In other words, could the Mini-Pearl reach the same potential in its condition as-is? I personally doubt it with 1/8 rubber. I could easily alter the pitch of the helicopter, since I have a good collection of rubber sizes to match.

Edit: I'm still interested in it though because it's relatively cheap $$$$

[HandsFreeCookieDunk]

I guess I'll bring this up since we're talking about the kits. Did anyone else experience crazy turnaround times for the FF kit? We ordered ours before the new year and it still hasn't arrived. I'm starting to panic because the competition is only a month away.

[maxxxxx]

I guess I'll bring this up since we're talking about the kits. Did anyone else experience crazy turnaround times for the FF kit? We ordered ours before the new year and it still hasn't arrived. I'm starting to panic because the competition is only a month away.

IIRC they had to hand make all of kits this year individually so they're really backed up with orders

[JasperKota]

I guess I'll bring this up since we're talking about the kits. Did anyone else experience crazy turnaround times for the FF kit? We ordered ours before the new year and it still hasn't arrived. I'm starting to panic because the competition is only a month away.

Did you get a confirmation for the order? It took around four weeks for my kit to arrive. I would suggest buying a different kit for now or try making your own helicopter just in case the FF one doesn't arrive quickly enough.

[RyanH1999]

My helicopter always turns over and flies at the ground. I don't think it is generating enough thrust to get up into the air because the rotors are only alllowed to be 20 cm. Does anyone have any tips?