Rich

Since everyone else has gotten their 2 ecnts worth in I might as well bore you as well.

I also noticed that everyone seems to be giving you advice regarding small rotor models. Bigger is better but you cant build a large rotor model using small rotor technology. They just do not act the same in practice.

I noticed from your pic viewed from the side that before the fateful flight that you had precious little tail clearnce,,,,,This is not a good thing......and that your blades were drooping alot....
How thick is your rotor hub...??? Mine is 1/8 thick fiberglass and also have some 9 inches worth of tail clearance that your model does not have....

You have been advised to hold the model and attempt to get the rotor in auto rotation....If you do this it will pull you backwards during the process...This works for small models but apperently I am the only one who has large rotor experience aside from Tillson that dares to speak up.....

Set the tilt at zero degree's.

Give the rotor a good flip and let it accelerate.

Increase the power gradually as rotor rpm increases to hold the model from drifting backwards.

Hold in fulldown elevator, this will garantee you will not flip over backwards.

Continue to increase power and gain some forward motion.

There will come a time during this process that the rotor rpm will increase to the point that the model will cease all forward motion. Compensate with increased power while releasing some down elevator.

The rotor will increase its rpm to the point of going into full auto. At this point the tail of the model will rise all by its self.

This is your signal that the model is ready to fly. Increase power a little more and the model will rise all by itself.....

Have a nice flight....Thats all there is too it....


Rick