Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / November 2009

Hi

I received 2 packages a few days ago, both arriving within 5 minutes
of each other:- A large flatpack garden store and a much smaller
parcel containing a Blade CP pro 2.

The first thing I did was to unpack the heli, put the battery on
charge and then got to grips assembling the garden store.

After half an hour or so I spotted the heli battery was now fully
charged and I was getting bored screwing the garden store together; it
was a beautiful day but bad weather was forecast so I thought I may as
well have a quick test flight - "Nah, haven't time to read the
instructions, I'll do that tomorrow.  I have had decades of experience
successfully test flying new models and instructions are the last
resort of the incompetent."

In my rush to get the heli airborne - but still distracted thinking
about the garden store - I think what I did was to arm the heli on
full rates and stunt mode, throttle hold off and failed to notice that
the horizontal stabiliser was turned through 90 degrees (i.e.
vertical).

A cursory check that the controls worked then moving the left stick
forward I thought, "Why is the throttle not working? - Ah, I know why
not" then flicked the throttle hold switch, with the throttle
absentmindedly still half open.

Result, instant full throttle with the heli up, down, then thrashing
about on its side and me staring stupidly at the trannie wondering why
instantly knocking the throttle down hadn't stopped the motor -
"Bugger, should have knocked off the throttle hold switch!!!!".

Am I eligible for "Complete Dickhead of the year" award??

The new main blades (splintered), new servo (stripped gears), centre
hub, rotor spindle, "main shaft & gear drive" (stripped  teeth) etc.
arrived a couple of days ago.  I fitted the replacement parts
yesterday and having now read the instructions (and also adding more
flybar weights), I have just had another go.  I am impressed; despite
the aerobatic claims, adding more flybar weights has made it quite a
docile model and - even with my very limited heli flying experience -
I soon had it hovering over the lawn and doing gentle circuits over my
wife's favourite flower bed when she wasn't looking (a "dickhead of
the year" award in itself and a big incentive not to crash!!!!!!)

I am normally very careful about testing new models, but this time
rushed it whilst my mind was on too many other things at the same
time; also, with the knowledge that it was ready to fly and that
E-Flite claim it flies superbly straight from the box I thought I
would take a chance.  A lesson learnt the hard way!!!

Regards (shamefacedly)

KGB