Once all assemblies have been completed, please review the following
suggestions before attempting initial flights.
• Review the instruction book and confirm that all assembly steps have
been completed thoroughly.
• Verify that the tail rotor assembly rotates in the correct direction
(see the diagram below).
• Verify that the gyro is operational and compensating in the correct
direction (detailed in Step 8, page 49).
• Insure that all servos are operating smoothly and in the correct
direction. Also verify that there is no binding in the control rods and
that each servo horn is secured with a servo horn mounting screw.
• Make sure that both the transmitter and receiver have been fully
charged (refer to your radio system instructions for proper charging
procedures).
• Insure that the throttle is working properly and in the correct direction.
FINAL PREFLIGHT CHECK
Correct Main/Tail Rotor Rotation Direction
BLADE TRACKING IDENTIFICATION
A: Use two different blade tracking tape colors (e.g., black and red) at
the tip of each main rotor blade.
B: Use the same color blade tracking tape located at different
positions on each rotor blade.
Note: Adding additional blade tracking tape to the rotor blades at this
stage will make it necessary to re-static balance the main rotor blades.
BLADE TRACKING ADJUSTMENT
Blade tracking is an adjustment to the main rotor blade pitch that
must be accomplished during the initial test flights. Although the blade
pitch angle in each blade may appear equal, it is still possible for a set
of main rotor blades to run “out of track,” making adjustment necessary.
Main rotor blades that are out of track with one another can cause
vibration, instability, and a loss of power due to additional drag.
On the initial flight, it will be necessary to increase the blade speed
to just before lift-off rpm and view the rotor disc at eye level from a
safe distance (approximately 15 to 20 feet).
Note which blade is running low (by colored tracking tape) and
increase the pitch of the low blade one turn of the ball link at a time
until each blade runs in track (on the same plane).
Please refer to the diagrams below to identify the different tracking
situations, as well as several methods to mark each rotor blade for
tracking identification.
Incorrect
Out of Track
Correct
In Track
Adjustment is not necessary
A
Red
Black
B
Red
Black
Rotate the main rotor counterclockwise (backward)
and note the rotation of the tail rotor.
50
Caution: Be sure to maintain a safe distance
from the helicopter (15 to 20 feet) when
tracking main rotor blades.
Blade Labeling for Tracking Purposes