My 50 scares me

[OzarkCopterBum]

I've been flying a 30 for a few months now. Built a 50 and now when I go out and spool it up I get scared. Had a little tail rotor issue that caused an instant piro first time I lifted off and nearly soiled myself.

Took it out yesterday and spooled up, lifted off, freaked out, slammed it back on the ground and couldnt bring myself to lift off again. I did reset the pitch curve so theres no negative pitch which should keep me from slamming it on the ground but I still couldnt bring myself to try it in the air.

I guess I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and lift off and see what happens, can't be THAT much different than a 30 can it?

[DebianDog]

I guess that is ONE good thing about starting with a 60!

These things take time. I am still "respectful" to my Rappy. :noteworthy

[flyinfool]

Just make sure that your head speed is close to what you had on the 30.
You can get close enough by ear for starters.
I would get it checked with a tach as soon as possible.
We had one locally that was set by an inexperienced flyer and when we tached it, it was 2140, way to fast for most pilots.
The biggest difference that you will notice from the 30 to the 50 is that the collective will be more responsive.
At first you can offset this by reducing head speed a little.
The throttle curve will need to be lower than what you had on the 30.
For starters try reducing the throttle curve by 10 or 15% at hover, from what worked on the 30.

It’s fun just go for it.

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey Ozark,

If you are worried about crash cost, just get a set of 600mm woodies and put on it, then the crash cost is the same as a 30 size bird.... well almost. Not much different.

Get out there and "git 'er done" ! You can do it, just follow Jeff's advice.

[WayneBrown]

Don't get too intimidated by it. It will fly a lot like your 30 once you get the headspeed and curve issues worked out. If it sounds as if it's screaming, lower the center of your pitch curve by 10% Or so and try it again. Take your time, and go over your radio manual to make it easier to get to the throttle curve menu. Leave the menu on, hover, and adjust as needed after you set it down.
By the 2nd tank, you should have a grip on things.

[OzarkCopterBum]

I already have woodies. And I think you guys nailed it on the headspeed. First time out the throttle curve was default setting and second trip I backed it down to what the 30 was so I need to try it a bit lower yet. Hopefully I can take it to the field sunday and bum some tach time.

Also, something I noticed yesterday was I'm trying this in an area where the ground isnt exactly level. Its been fine for hovering my 30 but that was after I had it setup and knew what was going to happen. Without the throttle curve set properly its going to come down hard and I'm not used to that especially if theres a fear of tipping over.

Thanks for the tips!

[flyinfool]

When you say the ground is not level, do you mean bumpy or a hillside?
If it is a hillside the heli will head in the direction of down hill as soon as it lifts off now you can be ready for it.
If it is bumpy ground, get an old chunk of carpet at least 6 foot by 6 foot to use as a landing pad.

If you are worried about slaming the heli down, set your pitch curve to only have about 3° negative with the stick all the way down.

And if worse comes to worse put the training wheels back on for a flight or two.

[OzarkCopterBum]

Just a bumpy uneven surface and the fact that I don't want to crash it before I fly it... I guess I get that "new" anxiety and am tensing up making the situation worse for myself.

Funny, I didnt even consider the chicken stix! Probably a good idea till I get it dialed in though I'll probably get a ribbing if I show up at the field with them. Probably get MORE of a ribbing if I crash it before it flies though huh? This is worse than just starting because I KNOW I can do it...

[OzarkCopterBum]

Got it to hover sunday, all was well till it started to wobble like crazy. Seems the frame spacers that hold the top head bearing let loose? The screws are tight but the frame will separate if you push the head sideways.

[flyinfool]

The screws are tight and you can still separate the frame?

The only thing thatI can think of is that the screws are to long or the holes are to shallow and the screws are bottoming out in the holes before they are actually tight.

[OzarkCopterBum]

Yeah, I pulled the screws out and they are the same length as shown in the diagram. They match all the other frame screws. I havent pulled it apart but I assumed it was the frame spacer had separated.

[OzarkCopterBum]

the only thing that I can think of is that the screws are to long or the holes are to shallow and the screws are bottoming out in the holes before they are actually tight.

The top 2 short frame spacers were broken in the center. I'm at a loss to explain how as this heli has never been crashed. I did tip it over once but didnt even bend the spindle or shaft, only damage was the blades. And I flew several gallons in it after that. Probably started as a hairline crack and the torque from the 50 finished it off. Anyway, $4 worth of frame spacers and I'm good to go.