Is the idler pulley absolutely necessary?

[Slyster]

I took off my idler pulley... is it absolutely necessary?

I remember from my Align days many said to pull it off.

In this instance I HAD to since it was so notchy it doesn't even turn anymore.. a legacy from my last (and awesome) crash. I want to fly tomorrow.. but don't have a spare.. so whats the scoop?

This piece... http://www.helidirect.com/r550361ss-tail-case-idler-pulley-p-9816.hdx

[Foxden]

Sly,

you'll probably be ok until you can get a replacement, Charley added that after we flew the original prototypes to keep some tension on the belt and keep the teeth in the pulley to elliminate slippage

[Slyster]

9 packs today. It flew just fine without it. Tx