RE: spring loaded skids
Id get the hi profile Gorilla gear. My neighbor has them and you can literally flatten them to the ground and they spring right back.
[link=http://www.readyheli.com/Gorilla_Gear_Landing_Strut_Skids_by_Heliup_BLACK_p/clp00141.htm]http://www.readyheli.com/Gorilla_Gear_Landing_Strut_Skids_by_Heliup_BLACK_p/clp00141.htm[/link]