Flying
the helicopter by grounding it less and less. Remain, however,
only about 6-24 inches off the ground, as this is the best
position while training. Pay close attention during these short
hops to your tail rotor trim. Also to the cyclic trims on the
transmitter. If the helicopter continuously wants to drift in the
same direction, then trim it until this tendency is overcome.
Keep in mind, though, that a helicopter always exhibits some
drift. This is the nature of helicopters and you will always have
to make small flight corrections with your transmitter.
Try to manage the flight with as little correction as possible.
The sooner you notice a drift and correct it, the smaller the
control input you will need. If you always make sure that the tail
rotor is pointing at you, you will learn to fly faster. When the
nose is pointing towards you, left and right become reversed
relative to your position. You may later learn to fly this way, but
for now, stay behind the helicopter!
By the way, nose in hover is a situation that you can prepare
for by using a flight simulator program.
As you become more confident you will be able to float the
helicopter through the air in relative stability.
What next?
If you have the space, you can 'walk' the Piccolo around. This
is the introduction to forward flight. Periodically, stop the
machine and hold it in a hover. Start to attempt to yaw the tail to
one side, then to the other(still remaining behind the
helicopter, with the tail at a 45° angle to yourself). Start
experimenting with altitude. You will notice that the helicopter
becomes more stable the higher it climbs. This is because the
helicopter comes out of its own down wash vortices (which
circulate near the ground) and flies in calmer air.
You will also notice this effect when flying in small spaces:
after a few minutes, the helicopter will have gotten the air
circulating and the flight will be bumpy. Just land for a little
while and let the air calm down.
At this point you have flown the Piccolo in a variety of
conditions using a variety of training techniques. You should
now be able to slowly fly the helicopter, achieve a stable hover,
stop and go again, and vary the altitude. Now you are ready to
combine all of this into an entire flight. As you may have
noticed, takeoffs are a little easier than landings. This is due to
ground-effect turbulence. However, spot landings at a modest
rate of descent are not as difficult as they might seem. Try it
once, but gently. The Piccolo is not always upset by a hard
landing. In fact, it is very strong (though not indestructible).
Next you might want to go outside and fly in an open space. If
you have a big yard and a calm evening, it's the right
environment. Start slowly, and make sure you keep the nose
facing away from you.
At first, go through the motions as before. Make sure the hover
is stable. Make sure the cyclic is stable when sudden throttle is
applied (that the helicopter does not come at you or away from
you), that the tail rotor is stable and that height control is
smooth and controllable.
Now, if your skills have developed satisfactorily; try
developing a feel for tail rotor control by carefully yawing the
helicopter through different angles. Patience and practice are
your best tools here also.
If you practice diligently, you will soon master the nose-in
hover. This is the situation where the helicopter faces towards
you.
If you have the confidence to practice this advanced
maneuver, make sure that you do not get into the habit of
turning the machine around in only one direction and that you
practice rotating the tail in both directions. At this point, you
have practically learned the first maneuver, the Pirouette. That
is, a slow rotation around the yaw axis. You should start to
consider at this point in your learning curve that altitude
instead of the ground is your refuge in case of trouble.
The Piccolo is now a fully functional flying machine in
your hands. We recommend that you master the difficult
maneuvers outdoors and only do them indoors once you
are comfortable with them.
In a short time, you should be flying and landing wherever you
want to. With some practice, you will be flying through open
doors and impressing your friends.
However, as a pilot it is your primary duty to be careful and fly
safely and responsibly at all times.
You should never endanger yourself, other people, property or
your helicopter.
Remember; there are old pilots, and there are bold pilots. But
there are no old, bold pilots!
We will continue to update and upgrade the Piccolo for you.
Simply request our latest information or catalog.
We wish you lots of fun and many flights with your FUN
Piccolo, the worlds' finest indoor R/C model helicopter.
33
Warranty:
This quality product has been thoroughly checked before
delivery. Nevertheless, in case of complaints your warranty
claims will be handled in accordance with our current General
Sales Conditions. If equipment returned for warranty repair
shows full functionality during the entry inspection, handling
charge will be 21.- €. According to our experience the product
works well with all current R/C systems. On the other hand we
cannot grant functionality with a specific R/C system due to
the fact that control pulse conditions of receivers are not liable
to standardization. We must as well reject any responsibility
for consequential damage arisen from the use of our products
since we are not able to supervise their appropriate
application.
Safety directions:
The CE-label is no allowance for negligent handling of the
equipment. Avoid dangerous areas of motors, propellers,
gears and rotor blades. Always consider electric systems as
potentially dangerous. Always remove the battery if you intend
to work on the system. Avoid direct and condensed humidity.
The product is not protected against reversal of polarity.
Reversing polarity or cables can entail irreparable damages.
Plugs and sockets must always fit perfectly. Improvisations
can give rise to damages. Care about the power consumption
of the power supply, especially with regard to the gyro. A
higher power consumption than assigned for can damage the
power supply and other equipment connected to it. Never
disconnect an electrical appliance from the battery as long as
it is operating.
Operating directions:
The transmitter must always be switched on first and
subsequently the receiver. Make sre that the throttle stick is in
the low throttle position. In any case verify that you are
exclusive user of the selected frequency and nobody else is
using it. Pay attention to the CE-labels of other components.
Provide motors with at least 2 noise suppressing ceramic
capacitors 10 - 100 nF/63 - 100 V and optional with further
noise suppressing means (filters, chokes). Route the
antenna at least 1" away of motor, battery, speed controller
and their cables. Install the receiver as far away as possible of
motor, battery and speed controller. Keep cables as short as
possible. Motor and battery cables should be twisted. For the
purpose of storing your model remove the batteries and store
it at a dry place with normal air humidity. Should the system act
erratically, disconnect the flight battery from the system and
reconnect it again after a waiting period of 5 - 10 s.
