Helicopters C

[erico.vert]

Packing peanuts work nicely too. Except, you always have to be careful when dumping them out.

Thanks! It's a gonna be a 4 hour-ish flight so it'll be interesting to hold on to it for that long, I'm really hoping that nothing breaks lol

Since you're flying, I'd advise you to store it under the seat in front of you if you can. That way you can be assured it won't be thrown around. The only reason ours got damaged on the way to an invite was because the box flipped over when going through the security conveyor belt, which is easily preventable. And the damage was really minimal anyhow.

I'd watch out for the bubble wrap approach because I've used that before and the body still ended up breaking. I'd say go with the packing peanuts since they can still move and absorb more impact with light objects. The bubble wrap can't really absorb much since the helicopter is just too light.

[alylam]

Thanks! It's a gonna be a 4 hour-ish flight so it'll be interesting to hold on to it for that long, I'm really hoping that nothing breaks lol

Since you're flying, I'd advise you to store it under the seat in front of you if you can. That way you can be assured it won't be thrown around. The only reason ours got damaged on the way to an invite was because the box flipped over when going through the security conveyor belt, which is easily preventable. And the damage was really minimal anyhow.

I'd watch out for the bubble wrap approach because I've used that before and the body still ended up breaking. I'd say go with the packing peanuts since they can still move and absorb more impact with light objects. The bubble wrap can't really absorb much since the helicopter is just too light.

Or you can forgo all of that and just suspend the heli in a box using hooks and binder clips so that nothing touches it. I’ve done this for several 4-5 hour bus rides and one 14 hour bus ride while having only broken helicopters during actual competitions, not in transport lol. Secure it so that it moves with the box rather than inside the box.

[terence.tan]

when do the freedom flight kits usually get released?

[Unome]

when do the freedom flight kits usually get released?

Typically early October, but it depends on how different the rules are that year. For example, a basic Wright Stuff kit may be available earlier if there aren't any novel bonuses thrown in.

[terence.tan]

when do the freedom flight kits usually get released?

Typically early October, but it depends on how different the rules are that year. For example, a basic Wright Stuff kit may be available earlier if there aren't any novel bonuses thrown in.

So you are saying that this year's division B wright stuff kit could possibly be used for division C next year?

[coachchuckaahs]

They'll almost certainly change up some dimensions to ensure new planes are built. If you kit-bash to adjust to the rules, it is likely that you could. However, those are laser-cut ribs, so you probably would have to at least cut some new ribs. Just guessing.

And there is always the possibility that they are still thinking EWS. It was that way in early Summer Institute agendas, but now says "Wright Stuff".

That said, your first plane probably won't be your contest bird, so if you have kits laying around, build to this year's rules. You can learn build techniques, trimming, and prop/rubber matching. Then drop in new plane per rules when they are known. My philosophy in coaching is to get the kids in the gym as early as possible, no matter how good or poor the plane is. the more flying they do and data they take, the more prepared they will be.

Coach Chuck

[daydreamer0023]

So...times to medal at Nationals. I'm predicting upwards of 3 min will get a medal?

[Unome]

So...times to medal at Nationals. I'm predicting upwards of 3 min will get a medal?

Upwards of 3 minutes with Chinook should be a definite medal.

[windu34]

So...times to medal at Nationals. I'm predicting upwards of 3 min will get a medal?

Upwards of 3 minutes with Chinook should be a definite medal.

Agreed

[Blonded]

So...times to medal at Nationals. I'm predicting upwards of 3 min will get a medal?

Upwards of 3 minutes with Chinook should be a definite medal.

Agreed

I'd bet that only top 6 will have a time greater than 3 min.
EDIT: top 6 not 4