Radio Control: Helicopters
Dave Chesney
"TO BRING HELICOPTER fliers together for companionship, exchange of ideas, and to participate in fun competition. To help those who need help with their machines, and to encourage them to progress with their flying skills by observing others."
These were the stated objectives of a contest I attended in Statesville, NC in October 1981. For those of us attending the Schluter Cup Meet, I would say the objectives were certainly met. I had a wonderful time and look forward to another Schluter Cup Meet at Statesville in 1982, and perhaps to other Schluter Cup Meets (SCMs) which will take place at various locations around the country during the coming years. Thanks to the Statesville Model Flyers RC Club, Walt Schoonard of Schluter U.S.A., and to the contestants and spectators for the great time.
Statesville Schluter Cup Meet
Weather and site
The weather in North Carolina during early October usually has been pleasant, but I began having doubts just before the weekend of the contest since high winds and cool temperatures were prevalent that week. The Statesville Club, consistent with past sponsorships, seemed to pull off another "Sun Dance." I've been to Statesville several times in the past when weather in North Carolina was lousy everywhere — except in Statesville. Of course they had their hands full this time, since the winds the day before had been gusting to 35 knots. I was pleased to face only 20-knot gusts that Saturday, even though one gust on the Heliboy's tail (combined with a smidgen of pilot error) produced one of the few mishaps at the contest.
Another curious thing to me is that particular flying site's hunger for my Heliboy's tail tubes and rotor blades. I've broken three sets at that site—next year I'll fly a Cricket or the SX81 and break the spell. I completed the contest with the new SX81.
Events and judging
The events of the Schluter Cup Meets consist of various tasks, so judging is very objective. Max scores are given for simply completing the task at hand. Since none of the contestants had prior knowledge of the task to be flown at Statesville, we were all pretty much even with regard to chances of success without specific practice. Of course, the general piloting skills of some of the contestants soon showed with the good scores.
Results
Novice class
The Novice class showed tight competition, with a fly-off for first necessary by the end of the rounds. The three tasks for Novices were:
- Step One: Fly the helicopter from one point to another, then to a third point by flying over a pylon, and then return to the starting point.
- Step Two: Fly through three gates, each with decreasing rotor clearances.
- Step Three: Knock over several bottles.
Top Novice results:
- Robert Harris — 270 (Heliboy) — winner of the fly-off
- John Crosby — 270
- Harold Bostic — 255
Other Novice fliers:
- Allen Dye — 255
- Jim Duckworth — 250
- Bill Toothman — 240
- Julian Garrett — 235
- Willis Parker — 220
- Glenn Sullivan — 205
- Jerry Collins — 190
There were 10 Novice fliers in all, and the point spreads were not wide.
Expert class
Top Expert results:
- Greg Howard — 590
- Tim Schoonard — 565
- Mike Cochran — 545
- Dave Chesney (author) — 335
Greg Howard flew exceptionally well and is truly a fine helicopter flier. Tim Schoonard and Mike Cochran also did some fine flying.
Beginner class
The Beginner class required many fly-off flights; scores were close. Final placings after fly-offs:
- Joe Stimson — 1st
- Harold Charles — 2nd
- Harold Snook — 3rd
Other Beginner competitors included Lawrence Simpson, Joe Lawrence, Tom Ryan, John Burleson, and Tom Gibbons. Several of those finished the final round with 60 points, leading to the fly-offs.
No sandbagging in the contest — all 23 contestants chose the class that best suited them and flew with gusto.
Models and equipment
Heliboy and modifications
The Heliboy was the dominant machine at Statesville. Several Heliboys sported the new swept-up tail modification from the SX-81, available as a kit from Schluter U.S.A. One particularly impressive Heliboy used some Hirobo components along with home-brew mods. John Burleson uses the Hirobo part FB1549A to improve tail rotor control on his Heliboy; he reports more positive and accurate control than with the stock Heliboy tail rotor linkage. You'll also note the home-brew pitch plate in addition to the Hirobo blade holders and associated bearings. I tried John's tail control compared to my stock version, and the forces required were much smoother and more positive.
Crickets
Most other choppers on the scene were Crickets, with the exception of my SX81, one SX81 of Walt Schoonard's, and the new Miniboy. The Crickets were flown in competition and impressed me — they fly their mission very well and appear fairly rugged.
One incident involved Dave Willis' Cricket. A throttle linkage broke loose from the set screw and the engine went to max power. Dave asked John Crosby to take the little machine. Several suggestions were offered to get the Cricket down before the tank ran dry, but after a few minutes John was having so much fun (his first flight with a Cricket) that he elected a dead-stick approach. As the tank emptied, John brought the machine lower until it flopped in from about 30 feet while in fast forward flight. Result: one bent landing gear and one broken plastic canopy — the Cricket was repaired and ready to fly the next day after replacing the canopy.
Since the contest, my friend Bailey Harris in Charlotte, NC, has been telling me to hurry and finish my Cricket. Bailey says the Cricket puts fun back into flying helicopters — and I'm all for fun.
Miniboy and SX81
The Miniboy was available at the time of writing. Walt Schoonard flew the Miniboy at Statesville and offered stick time to the crowd; Jim Duckworth took a turn before I could. John Burleson has built and flown his Miniboy and had this to say:
- "What a machine. It has unbelievable stability. It is a very stout and sturdy machine. The .40 has plenty of power for it. I have enjoyed flying it much more than anything I have flown to date."
It looks like Crickets and Miniboys may be the way to go for a lot of beginners this year — though I know one beginner who will start with a Heliboy!
Prizes and closing
Schluter U.S.A. provided many fine prizes to participants at the Schluter Cup Meet. One of the most coveted prizes was a Heliboy. Mike Niggel of Columbia, SC won the Heliboy in the drawing — much to my relief and the crowd's amusement.
Tom Ryan, who drove to Statesville from Aurora, CO for some help, wrote a thank-you note that sums up our appreciation for the contest:
"Just a note to thank you and all concerned for the courtesy that was extended to me at the Schluter Cup Helicopter Meet at Statesville. I came home crammed full of ideas and advice, and set out immediately to incorporate them in my Heliboy. The results are great. I can hover at 12 to 15 feet and bring it down without cracking it up.
My advice to anyone (especially old guys) is to attend a contest. They will certainly learn. I honestly do not think I would be as far up on the learning curve had I not been at the contest. Walt sure deserves a big thanks for his patience with beginners and also for the fine prizes.
Looking forward to some more of your fine columns and hoping to see you again one of these days.
P.S. Have your friend John Gorham send you a Hirobo part #FB1549A. Install it on your SX81 or Heliboy, or both. Man, it is neat, and it sure improves tail control."
To all, and especially beginners, do try to make a contest this year. See you next month.
Dave Chesney Rt. 9 Box 621A Greensboro, NC 27409
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
