The pitch angle of the higher blade should now be adjusted. The pitch angle is set by the collective pitch pushrod running to
the blade holder via a bellcrank. Locate the screw in the bottom of the collective pitch pushrod of the higher blade, and
screw it further (deeper) into the pushrod. Please do this with great care; one full turn of the screw equates to about 1 cm
discrepancy in tracking.If the tracking difference is greater than 1 cm, we recommend that you raise the lower blade as well
as lowering the higher blade. This is done by loosening the screw in the collective pitch pushrod connected to the lower
blade. Check the tracking again, and continue the adjustments until both rotor blades run in a single plane.The next step is
to check blade tracking with the helicopter hovering. This really requires the help of an assistant who can concentrate on
the rotor blade plane, since you will need to concentrate on controlling the model.
Once you are confident that blade tracking is correct, there is nothing to stop you carrying out your first extended circuit. If
you have built Version 1, please note that you cannot reduce the negative collective pitch travel. For this reason it is
important that you operate the stick smoothly and gradually when you reduce collective pitch with the model in flight. Take
your time to become familiar with the model's flying characteristics. After a while you will find that you can fly more and
more difficult manoeuvres comfortably, and you will discover that you alone set the limits of what is possible with this model
18
Before you fly the model you must check the tracking of the main rotor blades and correct it if necessary. Open the
throttle slowly and increase speed until the Piccolo is on the point of lifting off. Now sight along the rotor plane from the
front or the side, and look at the right-hand side of the rotor plane. If you can see a difference in height between the
two blades (as shown in the drawing), make a note of which blade is higher. In the example shown here the blade with
the inboard film marker is higher. Reduce rotor speed again, allow the rotors to stop and disconnect the battery.
DD
D - Tracking difference
Setting up and test-flying
Reduces pitch angle
Tighten screw
Loosen screw
Increases pitch angle
