Video - Maiden Flight - E-Sky HBK2

[racin06]

Well, yestereday was the big day. I had been flying fixed pitch helis (HBFP) for 14 months and now I was maidening my first CP heli, the HBK2. I was so excited!

The flight was going well, but things didn't end so well. My flight lasted a very short 2 minutes. I had never flown a heli while snow was on the ground. What caught me by surprise was that I lost orientation against the white background of the snow-covered ground (this ever happen to you guys?) and down she went and hard! I guess I should have not paid so much attention to that white rotor disk. The damage:

- Partial tearing of covering on both main blades (repaired)
- Broken flybar center holder
- Broken flybar
- Broken paddle control arms (2)
- Bent feathering shaft
- Crushed canopy (repaired)

The repairs took me about 2 hours to complete...not bad for my first time disassembling the entire head.

Though I did end of dumping the HBK2 into the ground, I'm very excited because flying the HBK2 felt great and I had things really set up well (thank you, Finless Bob!). The HBK2 is MUCH more stable than any of my HBFPs. Of course, the HBK2 is also much more powerful and quicker, which will take a little time to get accustomed to.

HBK2 Setup:

- E-Sky 3900KV Motor w/11T pinion
- Dynam 30A ESC
- ParkBEC
- Spektrum AR6100 receiver
- Hitec HS-55 servos on cyclic
- Hitec HS-50 servo on tail
- Telebee HH gyro
- Stock main and tail blades.

Enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjRzPLEsy7k

High Quality - http://blip.tv/file/692331?filename...enFlight790.wmv

[JustPlaneChris]

Oooh, ouch! But to be fair, the sky and lighting conditions were really challenging. I really don't like flying on overcast days, it makes orientation very difficult. (And now you know why I love the dayglo paint on my helis. ;))

Still, you did great man! Your flying was very smooth and controlled, right up to the abrupt arrival. :thumbup:

[LockMD]

Wow! hey racin from HBFP I hope to do that soon. Pretty good, I only tinker in the back yard (small) now imagine the damage on your HBFP, prob none.

Well like you, I am trying to re-train my eyes. I love seeing the rotor disc, pretty easy to fly but when I cant see it...........................CRASH!!!! I am now trying to teach myself how the body/skids look.

Kinda like driving, if the line is fading (rain or ???) look at the other side. Well I'm trying, 2 crashes, 2 helis, damage to both....didnt want to look at the details just yet. 1 is the tail boom and the other is the blades are just swinging, guessing its a rotor head, ball links and ball link connectors. I'll check tomorrow. I cant fix at night, 'cause if I fix I have to test (fly) and I will never get to bed- LOL

[racin06]

Oooh, ouch! But to be fair, the sky and lighting conditions were really challenging. I really don't like flying on overcast days, it makes orientation very difficult. (And now you know why I love the dayglo paint on my helis. ;))

Still, you did great man! Your flying was very smooth and controlled, right up to the abrupt arrival. :thumbup:

Thanks, Chris. I've been viewing your Swift videos...awesome heli and you fly it very well! I'm going to throw my HBK2 around for awhile and then build my Mini-Titan E325 and fly it until the end of the year. Next year, I plan on buying something like the Swift 16, Trex 500 or Hurricane 550. I definately need some more stick time before I move up to those larger helis.

[JustPlaneChris]

The funny thing is, the bigger ones are actually easier to fly! They are just more expensive and more intimidating. :)