n5iln
03-09-2006, 11:51 AM
A couple of goodies for those new to the helo world, things I wasn't aware of until very recently (one of them came to light just this morning). These come from my ongoing experience with a Blade CP, but probably apply to similar-designed aircraft (Venom NightRanger, etc.).
1. If a main blade becomes too damaged to fly safely, discard both main blades. They're prebalanced at the factory. Trying to mix and match without some serious balancing will result in damage to the aircraft -- maybe a main shaft, maybe a main shaft bearing, maybe worse. If you have the skills and equipment and can bring your "reused" blade into balance with your replacement blade, well and good. But don't try just slapping on one new blade.
2. The CP main blades have wire reinforcements along the leading edge...I discovered that after bouncing a main blade off a very solid object, taking a large hunk off the leading edge. So maintaining a safe distance between the aircraft and spectators, cars, small animals and so forth is quite important; it's very possible that the blade will come through a collision intact, but what it hits won't be as fortunate. Do some math...a moment arm of around 13 inches, at 2000 RPM...it'll take a chunk out of someone, that's for sure.
Just a couple of safety tips from a n00b who's finally starting to be comfortable in a hover.
1. If a main blade becomes too damaged to fly safely, discard both main blades. They're prebalanced at the factory. Trying to mix and match without some serious balancing will result in damage to the aircraft -- maybe a main shaft, maybe a main shaft bearing, maybe worse. If you have the skills and equipment and can bring your "reused" blade into balance with your replacement blade, well and good. But don't try just slapping on one new blade.
2. The CP main blades have wire reinforcements along the leading edge...I discovered that after bouncing a main blade off a very solid object, taking a large hunk off the leading edge. So maintaining a safe distance between the aircraft and spectators, cars, small animals and so forth is quite important; it's very possible that the blade will come through a collision intact, but what it hits won't be as fortunate. Do some math...a moment arm of around 13 inches, at 2000 RPM...it'll take a chunk out of someone, that's for sure.
Just a couple of safety tips from a n00b who's finally starting to be comfortable in a hover.