How high do you fly?
03-25-2004 | 12:30 PM
#1
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From: Wakefield, MA
How high do you fly?
Was reading about doing loops in a previos post and started wondering - how high should I be flying? I'm doing my figure 8's around the field at @10-20 feet. Yesterday I was trying to fly higher (30-40') but I would eventually end up back @15'. Seems I'm not as comfortable with anything much higher. I'd also like to start looping but should I be forcing myself to get used to the 50+ foot flying first? My reluctance to fly higher could be related to the size of the field I fly at = 1 soccer field + 1 baseball field large (or small).
Just curious...
Just curious...
03-25-2004 | 01:25 PM
#2
RE: How high do you fly?
Are you 'flying' your figure 8s or hovering?
Hovering is easier at lower heights. Anything up to 15 ft or so is pretty straightforward. Hovering at 30 ft upwards gets more and more difficult. Normal forward flight at 15 ft is VERY low. 30 ft would be OK I guess. This is obviously dependant on speed (the beauty of helicopters).
Obviously the first loop attempts are from fast forward flight (i.e not hovering flips). You therefore need to be comfortable at flying at height. I can not be sure of exact heights but I am guessing that my first loop attempt was at about 200 ft. This may be a long way out but what I am trying to say is that it was high. It is just at the point where I could just make out the orientation. From 50 ft you will not have much time if it all goes wrong.
It does get harder to fly the higher you go but it is worth perservering with. It sounds like your field is big enough.
Hovering is easier at lower heights. Anything up to 15 ft or so is pretty straightforward. Hovering at 30 ft upwards gets more and more difficult. Normal forward flight at 15 ft is VERY low. 30 ft would be OK I guess. This is obviously dependant on speed (the beauty of helicopters).
Obviously the first loop attempts are from fast forward flight (i.e not hovering flips). You therefore need to be comfortable at flying at height. I can not be sure of exact heights but I am guessing that my first loop attempt was at about 200 ft. This may be a long way out but what I am trying to say is that it was high. It is just at the point where I could just make out the orientation. From 50 ft you will not have much time if it all goes wrong.
It does get harder to fly the higher you go but it is worth perservering with. It sounds like your field is big enough.
03-25-2004 | 04:39 PM
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RE: How high do you fly?
When doing your first loop... higher is better. The last thing you want to find out is that you needed 3 more feet above the ground.
(I've seen that trick. Not much was left of the heli.)
The experienced guys are starting thier loops (with .30 size models) about 50 ft up, getting the helis to about 120 ft at the top and ending at the 50 ft starting point. The inexperienced guys are starting at about 150 ft, getting to about 220 ft, and sometimes barely missing the ground.
The local "3D master" can do a "stationary loop" 5 ft off the deck, not gaining or losing more than one heli length in altitude, not noticably moving forward, back or sideways. But then he's the guy that can turn the heli inverted and mow a few weeds... and get away with it.
(I've seen that trick. Not much was left of the heli.)The experienced guys are starting thier loops (with .30 size models) about 50 ft up, getting the helis to about 120 ft at the top and ending at the 50 ft starting point. The inexperienced guys are starting at about 150 ft, getting to about 220 ft, and sometimes barely missing the ground.
The local "3D master" can do a "stationary loop" 5 ft off the deck, not gaining or losing more than one heli length in altitude, not noticably moving forward, back or sideways. But then he's the guy that can turn the heli inverted and mow a few weeds... and get away with it.
03-25-2004 | 06:18 PM
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From: Wakefield, MA
RE: How high do you fly?
Alright - I guess I'd better change my flying. Time to practice above the trees
Oh and yes, I am into forward flight - fast sometimes and sometimes too fast...
Guess I just like it to be close to the ground when the heli zips by in front of me
(no it's not close to me - a good 100' away)
Oh and yes, I am into forward flight - fast sometimes and sometimes too fast...
Guess I just like it to be close to the ground when the heli zips by in front of me
(no it's not close to me - a good 100' away)
