START HERE |
|
Register | FAQ | PM | Events | Groups | Blogs | Calendar | Mark Forums Read |
Unregistered
|
Main Forum - Helicopter Talk R/C Helicopters and the people who fly them. VENDOR TOPICS DO NOT GO HERE. Full Scale Heli threads go in OT please |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-06-2010, 02:00 PM | #1 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Aug 2007
|
Jotto's helicopter winter flying guide
You may not have noticed, but winter is here. Actually it has been here for a while.
From time to time there are questions here about flying helicopters in the winter. I have published a little web page with some tips and tricks for winter flying at Jotto's helicopter winter flying guide: http://www.jotto.no/heliwinter/ Feel free to comment, ask, and contribute with your favourite winter flying tips in this thread! |
Sponsored Links | |||
Advertisement |
|
12-06-2010, 02:13 PM | #2 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Nov 2009
|
very nice write up ! it will help alot of people out! so your in norway, so you do know what you are talking about. well happy flying
__________________
I SEE YOU |
12-06-2010, 08:25 PM | #3 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Feb 2010
|
Another thing that helps is fire
I know, your calling me a pyromaniac, but honest I still have to learn how to do piroflips. When I fly in the city I use a propane radiant heater, the kind that sits on top of a propane tank. Just set it in front of me and it keeps me quite warm. When we go out to the farm on the weekends I start a small fire in the middle of the field and stand near that when the need to warm up occurs. Just my .02 |
12-06-2010, 08:46 PM | #4 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Oct 2008
|
This is great as I am getting back into flying and the temp is dropping. Any other recommendations on the tx mitts- they seem to vary a lot in cost.
__________________
Ed Always Something New! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ T-Rex 500ESP, GY401/9257, 6s 3000mAh 100% Flat TC X9303; Nano CPS |
12-06-2010, 08:48 PM | #5 (permalink) |
Registered Users
|
I think I'll stick to putting up with the insects.
__________________
Bergen Tazer 800, Bergen 44 Magnum, Trex 600E, Trex 600ESP, Trex 450SE AMA 727477 Turbine Waiver RW2070 |
12-06-2010, 09:52 PM | #6 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Aug 2010
|
Cool write up and tips. Thanks for sharing
|
12-07-2010, 12:57 AM | #7 (permalink) |
Registered Users
|
I'll tell you what I do.
I leave the boom clamp bolts loose until ready to go to the field. When I get to the field I set the helicopter outside and let it acclimate. I adjust the belt tension and pull the rx pack out of my pocket and install it. I grab my handy Bernzomatic butane mini torch and preheat the head. Fire up the helicopter and let it idle in t-hold while installing the canopy. Fly my brains out. I use my trusty Mittmaster 3000 (do a search). DISCLAIMER: Be VERY careful if you use a mini torch. You can't see the flame in daylight, it is very hot and very easy to heat the wrong things. Don't use your helicopter as the first thing you try a mini torch out on. It isn't rocket science, just use care and sense. Wind is the enemy, it saps the heat out of you even when bundled up. I avoid anything over a few mph, not worth it. Be careful of sunburn. It happens even on the coldest days. Wear really good sunglasses with good uv protection, that reflected sunlight will get you. See above. Try to not fly alone. The only thing worse than a serious injury is a serious injury in cold temps. You won't win extra points for Most Awesomest Knucklehead by flying alone. Besides, it's more fun to complain about the cold when you have other people to complain with. If you must fly alone, let someone know where you are and about how long you'll be. That way they can find the frozen corpse more quickly.
__________________
700 size scale Bell Jet Ranger 206BIII, 450 size scale UH-1N, 180 size fpv race/freestyle quad w/Fatshark Dominator V3 goggles, mCPX BL, some edf jets and a plank or two, DX8, AMA# 923167, Clubs: Silver Hills RC, Coeur D Alene Modelers Association |
12-07-2010, 02:33 AM | #8 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
|
The HobbyCity one is far cheaper, but it also seems to me like it's not insulated. Moreover, it doesn't have the nice sleeves. I haven't tried it myself, but a friend of mine has one. He says it's fine for chilly autumn days as it protects your hands from cold wind. It doesn't warm as much during cold winter days, however.
|
12-07-2010, 02:51 AM | #9 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Dec 2010
|
Hello Jotto,
I 'm Rob from holland and i fly (try) a Vario Benzin trainer with a 23cc gas 2 stroke motor. It's beautiful that people all around the world fly rc heli's. I started with this hobby only 3 months ago and wish i discovered it earlier. I 'm a beginner and when i read your story about the temperatures there in Norway i feel al little bit ashamed to say that i got cold hands when it was plus 2 degrees celcius. But i think youre used to it. Thanks for the tips and keep flying..... Gr. Rob Tweak.
__________________
Raptor 50 SE nitro, Redline / Radical G30/ Trex 700 pro OS Gt15HZ, zyx s / Blade nano / FF T10CG |
12-07-2010, 04:20 AM | #10 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Jun 2006
|
or....you could follow my guide to winter, load a few cold ones into the esky, shorts' t-shirt, beach (sandals, sunnies and cream)......err, I think that's it!
__________________
May the forest be with you |
12-07-2010, 06:01 AM | #11 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Jul 2010
|
Warm gloves are for pussies
__________________
HBFP v2 custom tail mod. T-REX 450 sport. Compass 6HV FB. JS TZ-v.2 Frenzy 50 with Align 55HZ. |
12-07-2010, 06:07 AM | #12 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Jun 2006
|
actually I think warm underwear is but you make your point well! lol
__________________
May the forest be with you |
12-07-2010, 08:53 AM | #13 (permalink) |
Registered Users
|
Does anyone fly using regular gloves instead of a TX "glove"? I went flying the other day at about 0 Celsius and I did get cold fingers without gloves . I don't feel like getting a TX glove and would rather fly using some high quality flexible gloves.. so I'm wondering if anyone else is doing the same and what the experiences are.
|
12-07-2010, 09:44 AM | #14 (permalink) | |
Registered Users
|
Very nice and informative writeup Jotto. Thank you for sharing.
Quote:
I have used these gloves (Under Armour Cold gear Gloves) for quite a while now while at the shooting range. I have not yet used them for flying, but I don't see it being an issue. "REI" has an awesome selection of cold weather gear, as well as other things. http://www.rei.com/
__________________
Brian T-Rex 700F3C / T-Rex 450 Pro / Blade mCPX / Blade mSR / Blade mCX / Walkera 53Q3 JR X9503 / Spektrum DX7 Phoenix Sim |
|
12-07-2010, 10:10 AM | #15 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
|
I tried gloves some time ago, but it didn't work for me. Try it with a simulator first -- that's how I got used to the Raydiowarm!
|
12-07-2010, 04:39 PM | #16 (permalink) |
Registered Users
|
Thanks for the tips, Jotto!
Keeping your feet warm should be a priority as well. It really helps with staying comfortable so you can focus on flying. I've found the wool socks over cotton socks inside leather boots works great until the temperature gets down to 0F or so. Below 0F insulated footwear is a must.
__________________
T-Rex 450 S, T-Rex 500, Pantera 50, Turbulence D3 (one can dream) |
12-07-2010, 05:43 PM | #17 (permalink) |
Registered Users
Join Date: Jul 2007
|
About the only thing I can add is if you are using gloves.
If you take your gloves off, put them somewhere warm. Then you don't have to reheat them. If you always get cold hands, consider using two pairs of gloves. Keep the second set in a warm place until you need them. Then swap them out. Wear layers so you don't get too warm and avoid cotton.
__________________
To me, this forum is about the love of flying R/C helicopters. It is about the sharing of information and, on a good day, some humor. It is not about post count, brand of heli, or any other superfluous labels that lend themselves to a false sense of superiority. Respect one another, Try to pass on accurate information. Fly safe. |
12-08-2010, 04:11 AM | #19 (permalink) | ||
Registered Users
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
|
Quote:
Quote:
|
||
12-08-2010, 06:00 AM | #20 (permalink) |
Registered Users
|
I thought I was about as hard-core as they come, but I'm a baby compared to you. I just cannot bring myself to go out in the bitter cold to fly. I hate the cold. I hate when my cheeks get cold. I hate how cold finds every gap in your clothing and sneaks in. I hate cold fingers. I hate never being comfortable, either cold when you set still or sweating when you start to move. I HATE COLD. Too many cold winters in the Army, stationed in Germany, I guess.
With that said, I just got my new snow pants from Cabela's, so I think I will give a whirl this weekend.
__________________
"There's nothing wrong with fast. You can always throttle back" -Flying field buddy |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|