Cold Weather Training

[F1Atom]

Went to Lake Tahoe after Christmas to play in the snow. I decided to bring my blade and fly it in the cold. Upon arrival to the hotel, I charged the stock battery and pre-flight check my heli. 2 hours later post charging, I went outside and gave it a try. I was expecting to get the full 10 mins I usually get but instead I only got 4 mins of some the most difficult flying I have ever done. Why? First of all, it was windy. Second, it was 20 degrees outisde, and third my hands were so numb my inputs were very slow leading to mulitple tail blade strikes (thank god the snow is soft) and a couple of near misses. Later I found out the reason why I only got four mins was because I operating under the recomended temperatures of the battery. Thus, I got low current=low head speed and a possible damaged battery. Oops, It was fun while it lasted but I never flew it again during the entire stay there, fearing I would further damaged the battery and crash my heli.

Instead, I tired doing something I have never done. ICE SKATING. I figured if a I could fly an RC heli I could ice skate. How hard could it be!?! Holy S! because I haven't skated in many years I had my set of nose in mishaps and a couple a arse strikes. OUCH!
Note: I initally wanted to learn how to ski but it was expensive, and I already spent the money on helicopter parts. Next time I will save extra money for some ski lessons and the helicopter parts.

My advise: do not fly an electric heli in extreme cold weather! (then the go ice skating as an alternative)!

Happy New Year! Everybody

[Pinecone]

Fourth thing is, you were at a higher altitude. Less air density.