Note: – These points are to be used only as a supplement to the BMFA safety rules and have only been formulated due to mistakes that have already been witnessed within our club.
Regularly check that all servos are not under excess load. This can be done by removing the link from the servo and attempting to move the linkage by hand. This will indicate if there are any stiff spots in the system.
Note: – This should be carried out in the workshop.
Check for worn or damaged linkages within the rotor head assy etc.
Ensure that the blades are securely tightened within the grips.
This can be checked by holding the heli sideways with the blades opened; a gentle shake of the heli should make the blades fall under their own weight. This can help eliminate boom strikes.
Always ensure that the control surfaces are working in the correct direction before starting your heli especially after any work has been carried out or radio adjustments have been made.
E.g.: – Aileron’s, elevator, rudder and throttle.
If using a PCM receiver ensure that the failsafe function is set correctly.
Ensure that the gyro is working in the correct sense and that the Heading Hold function is working correctly.
Ensure that the exhaust bolts in particular are tightened and that the exhaust is secure.
Batteries have sufficient charge before making the flight.
Note: – It is advisable to fit a battery monitor.
Range test the model and look for any servo glitching and if unsure then do not fly.
Always ensure that the throttle is set to idle and any flight mode switches are set to NORMAL mode before applying the starter motor.
When starting the heli always ensure that the rotor head is held firmly. Never release this until you are ready to take off from the appropriate area.
Never spin the blades under power whilst in the pit area.
Never leave a heli running unsupervised under any circumstances.
When starting the heli, if clutch binding feels to be too great then do not continue to fly but re-check that there is nothing seriously at fault with the clutch assy. NB: – hairline cracks are often hard to see.
When taking off/landing always abide by the distances as set out in the current set of regulations.
Think of others when hovering, do not hover directly in front of other pilots and always ensure that they have a clear view of their model.
Never under any circumstances fly the heli between yourselves and spectators/other pilots.