Radio Control: Helicopters
Larry Jolly
15781 Empire Ln. Westminster, CA 92683
WELCOME BACK—to you, and to the Legend and Rebel. They're back in production.
GMP and Tech Specialties Update
Last month I mentioned that I had been in contact with Bill Curtis of Tech Specialties. The company has a large supply of GMP parts on hand, and Bill was toying with the idea of producing some of the GMP machines. Last week Bill called again to let me know he's in production. The GMP Mini-Elite rotor head and the Legend and Rebel will all be available in April. Bill is known as a real straight shooter, so I have no doubt that what he tells me will in fact happen.
Bill also described some modifications he's made on the Legend. Most significantly, he's changed the head gearing to 9.33:1, which allows the use of a 60-inch main rotor. The Legend will also have a new canopy with a more secure mounting system.
If you're wondering how John Gorham feels about this turn of events, I recently had the opportunity to speak with him. He was very pleased that Bill was carrying on and wholly supported his efforts to satisfy the faithful GMP fliers. He also sends his best to his many friends in the hobby.
If you've missed the GMP Mini-Elite rotor head, you'll be glad to know that it will be available from Tech Specialties in April. Intended for use on the Concept or Shuttle, it is being tested here on a Concept 30.
THE OCRCHA
The Orange County Radio Control Helicopter Association (OCRCHA) is the local—and very active—RC heli club in my area. Its field at Jordan Junior High School in Garden Grove is alive with RC helicopters every Saturday and Sunday, often with as many as seven or eight models in the air at once. The club is well organized and is supported by local helicopter merchants. It publishes a monthly newsletter called Blade Flutter and hosts an annual fun fly. I was able to attend last year's edition, held Sunday, October 28, 1990.
Great Pumpkin Fun Fly
When I pulled into the parking lot at Whittier Narrows for the Great Pumpkin Fun Fly that Sunday, I couldn't believe the number of people and machines. With over 64 entries and close to 150 machines, this was the largest RC heli fun fly ever in southern California.
A highlight of the fun fly was Chuck Alessio's demonstration of the neat onboard starter that he and Gary Coler produce. The system uses a small electric motor and onboard battery to start the engine. Chuck demonstrated it in a Concept 30.
In planning the event, Steve Roy and some other club members had kicked around the idea of a long-duration flight for charity, something similar to the full-size Bell 47 flight last year. Robbe got interested and sponsored a perpetual trophy; other sponsors donated money and materials. After 10 hours, 10 minutes, and 23 in-flight refuelings, the team's Schluter Champion touched down. The flight had gone exactly as planned, and OCRCHA successfully raised a significant donation for the Orangewood Children's Foundation for abused and abandoned children.
By prearrangement with Goodyear, the famous blimp made an appearance overhead. Pilot Nick Nicolary was the same gentleman who was at the controls when the blimp was struck by an errant RC fixed-wing and had to make an emergency landing. This was Nick's and Goodyear's way of letting the RC model fraternity know that this was an isolated incident and that they harbor no ill feelings toward modelers in general.
OCRCHA provided frequency control, including the use of a scanner, and required safety inspection for all models. A very impressive fun fly all around.
Thanks to the support of a local radio station, many nonmodeling types showed up to view the activities. They were impressed by both the machines and the people. What more can be said, except that the OCRCHA should be very proud of itself and the positive image it projects to the public.
Onboard Starters
While at the fun fly I had the opportunity to observe a most effective onboard starter in use. Produced by Gary Coler and Chuck Alessio, the system uses a small electric motor and onboard battery to start the engine. It was demonstrated in a Concept 30. I witnessed several consecutive startups and shutdowns without the system having to be recharged. The system worked well, and the helicopter didn't seem to notice the additional weight. If interested, contact Gary or Chuck at 818-999-3952. I'll be trying one in the near future.
Displays and Results
- Robert Gorham displayed his new Long Ranger by Miniature Aircraft Supply at the fun fly.
- The Hell, which has TSK mechanics, took third place at the Tangerine meet.
Events at the Great Pumpkin Fun Fly included:
- Autorotation to a Spot
- Bombs Away
- Drag Race
- OCRCHA Scramble
- Pad Hop
- Timed Hover
- Ring Pickup
- Static Scale
- Scale Flight
A lunchtime manufacturer demo showcased several top pilots. Helicopters were in the air virtually all day. The organization was fantastic.
Newsletter Exchange
I'd like to hear from other clubs out there; maybe I can publish some details of your activities. By the way, the OCRCHA would like to exchange newsletters with other helicopter clubs. Interested? Contact them at The Blade Flutter, P.O. Box 18027, Anaheim, CA 92817-8027.
BCNU
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
