BK-117 Test Flights #3 and #4

[wolfdad]

Finally!!! The temps this afternoon got up to a horrendous 39° and we were able to get two more test flights out.

Mind you the two videos you are about to see are still sans gyro's on the head, but this time around with the CORRECT EXPO set. Started with 50% and adjusted up to 70% at about the mid-way point in the first video. Still learning to fly a multi-blade head, but at least with 70% expo in the right direction vice the 70% in the wrong direction I had set three weekends ago.

I claim no expertise with video editing, so I would recommend that you right click on the links and download the video's first. The links follow:

http://www.navyspecialoperations.com/Helicopters/bk117_hovering_nogyro_022006.wmv

http://www.navyspecialoperations.com/Helicopters/bk117_hovering_nogyro_022006_a.wmv

Things definitely got better during the second flight and I was able to start trimming the aircraft....just before my fingers went numb.

Doc

[Heli_jack]

Looking much better, I did't watch it all, big files. looks stable now.

39 degrees? Too cold for this puppy.
Jack

[wolfdad]

Jack,
Not again at that temp....definitely adds something to the experience and....not good. Actually, the temp topped out at 39° when we first hit the field at about 1400....then went down. Was about 34° when we loaded up to go home.

Still have a lot of tweaking to do, however not bad without the gyros on the head. Second flight, I actually managed a stable hover for a little bit. We also had a 10-15 mph wind from the south, but that's normal for this time of year.
Doc

[Heli_jack]

The wind would have been enough to keep me from even trying. Just not worth it to me to get cold in the wind. I will wait. I shake bad enough without getting cold first.

We went from clear windy (30-60 mph) and very cold back to warm and very wet. Pineapple express is back.

So, I am just working on the little details, waiting for a break. At this rate I am going to have to paint it before I am ready.

[wolfdad]

Jack,
I am fast reaching the same conclusion and doing about the same thing. I still have two weekends to play with, however, after that, painting has to start.

My bet is that your schedule is a bit tighter than mine with Circumgyration coming up in May.
Doc

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey Doc,

You scared the heck out of me on flights 1 and 2, but flights 3 and 4 looked better.

Have fun and stay safe. Tell Mark and Wolfmom hello from Mississippi !

[wolfdad]

Rob,
You betcha I will. Now into the peaking and tweaking stages with the BK.

Hope all is well with you and sure hope we get to see you in Birmingham.

Take care, my friend,
Doc

[Dr.Tim]

Doc, My observations on your flight are:
1. Your a little behind on your pitch (Turbine Lag) Solution ... PRACTICE !! :)
2. Soften up the tail a bit ....
3. Practice!
4. Fly a bit more!
5. Practice!
6. Your looking good brother!! Just need to get comfortable with how she flys! 15mph winds really don't help much!

Dr.Tim

[wolfdad]

Tim,
You pretty much summed up my thoughts....the name of the game is fly, fly, fly, fly, then fly some more. Concur on the tail as well. Greg mentioned that and we agreed that I probably need to bring the dual rate down a bit more.

To answer Peter's question, I went back and checked my notes and I believe the Jaka is performing beautifully....535° EAT (actually, a tad bit low, however the day was cold) and the EMT was 735° and I suspect that was probably on the start. Temps on the first flight were comparable.

Additionally, I made my mind up to do some work sans gyro's on the head for a bit and I need to get that "third" flight in....for me that makes all the difference in the world, but due to wx, and limited light, two have been all I have been able to make happen.

To all, thanks for the inputs, continued interest and help...we'll get there. Oh, and Tim, maybe a "tray" would help a bit :wink:....those are way cool!
Doc

[tapeworm321]

Doc that thing look like a handfull. I cant wait to see it in person..

[wolfdad]

Eric,
DAMN!!! It is super GOOD to hear from you!!!! Hope all is going well with you and can we count on seeing you in Birmingham? Sherry and Mark have both been asking if I had heard anything from you...they say to tell you hello.
Doc

[tapeworm321]

Everythings going good. I hope all fine with you. Tell Sherry and Mark I said hello. You know I have to make BHAM. I'll see you there.