RC Heli Safety

[eddiemoth]

Heli Folks,
We all know that safety is very important when flying an RC helicopter. So if you happen to read this thread, don't just pass on. Please add anything that you think an RC pilot should do or should not do to avoid hurting himself/herself and others and your pets based on your experience. Your experience will help our pilot fellows avoid getting hurt.

1. Always check radio range
2. Make sure you have enough space to move when flying
3. Don't fly around people or your pets
4. Follow manufacturer safety guidelines and instructions when working with a Li po battery pack
5. Always disconnect your motor before trying to adjust anything on your heli
6. Don't rush when building your heli
7. Don't fly if you are frustrated
8. Practise on the SIM when attempting new skill for the first time

These are the 8 things I can think of right now. Will add when more come to mind.

[Leion]

And don't forget to make sure that the blades on the helicopter are on tight. I almost had one fly off at me.

[swatson144]

Welcome to HeliTown Leion!

Steve

[cmaxim]

And don't forget to make sure that the blades on the helicopter are on tight. I almost had one fly off at me.
Welcome to our team Leion ! See you later.
Chinda

[ranger306ci]

Another tip, don't adjust the radio while the heli is powered (i.e. reverse the servos)
And, FLY WITHIN YOUR ABILITY!

[xodarap1]

Due to the RPM's and parts flying around from time to time..it's worth a few bucks for some type of eye protection. Can't fly if you can't see. ;)

[basic]

that's especially true if you sometimes fly on a baseball field like me. I know that there is someone else here who has, like me, had dust from the field blown in their face from the rotor wash.

[Fireant]

Pre-flight

I always go over my model and check links, blades, screws etc.

[G-MRM]

Most of us know when the heli is not correct, the way it flys or the sound. Stop and look, don't just try and fly it out !!

Martin

[g0pkh]

No one has mentioned routine maintenance.

As well as the Pre-flight checks mentioned earlier. After every few flights the heli should be checked over thoroughly. There are lots of things to check, but include ....

Condition and tightness of main and tail blades.
Tightness of mounting bolts, ball links, and other fixings etc.

Check thoroughly if fitted the condition of tail drive belts, rotate and
for one full revolution checking for signs of fraying, damaged teeth etc.

Radio installation, servo arms, control binding. Rubbing or chaffing servo leads etc.

Create yourself a checklist of things relating to your particular model.

I sometimes do this at the flying field during the last hour of a flying day.

Pete

[Fireant]

As well as the Pre-flight checks mentioned earlier. After every few flights the heli should be checked over thoroughly. There are lots of things to check, but include ....

Condition and tightness of main and tail blades.
Tightness of mounting bolts, ball links, and other fixings etc.

Check thoroughly if fitted the condition of tail drive belts, rotate and
for one full revolution checking for signs of fraying, damaged teeth etc.

Radio installation, servo arms, control binding. Rubbing or chaffing servo leads etc.

All this is part of my pre-flight. I also tend to remove the main blades after flying .

[Fluffy-ZN]

Another tip, check your clunk line in your fuel tank after a few months of flying. If your heli is new then give it around 10 months if you fly a couple of tanks from month to month then do a check after a few months.

:razz::razz::razz:


HAPPY FLYING !!!

[swatson144]

For me the biggest safety feature I have is good sound habits. It is never too early to develop them and they will stay with you and help keep you safe throughout the years.

Good habits can really help detect a fault before it becomes a problem, and help to ensure you don't fall victim to stupid mistake.

Here are a few of mine, I'll probably omit some but...

Whenever I carry a transmitter I block the throttle down with my thumb. Since my IU switches are on the left this also helps insure they aren't accidentally hit. This is such a habit now I do it even when a heli isn't around.

On startup everything is the same. I turn on the TX and set it in the same relative position to the heli. This puts it in the same comfortable spot so I can grasp it with my left hand and block the throttle when I pick it up. It feels good kinda homey. Before I turn it on I check the switches for <normal> mode position. Once the TX powers up I check the model. Once I set it down in the comfortable, same relative position I again check the switches. I then reach over to plug power to the heli. Again I glance over with the wires in my hand, and check model and switches. This time I actuall take the model from the tx and compare the model whos wires I have in my hand and see if they are the same. A couple times I have been shocked to find they weren't! So if everything is good I power up.

After power up I check the blades again and insure they are straightened. Grasp the TX so my thumb blocks the throttle and get up if applicable, or carry to launch site with it's head in right hand TX in left (guess where the thumb is). With the heli in position I back out of the way a short distance to check the cyclic and rudder function. This is a final check of the correct model and that all the servos work, and the heli is sitting square. If it's a mechanical mix hit TH and check pitch. I then use my right hand to flip the neckstrap from back to front and clip the tx on. Retreat to the proper flightline and fly.

On landing it's set the tx in the comfortable spot, with the thumb blocking the throttle and disarm the heli. I always do that as it only takes a couple seconds and there is no distractions to make me leave an armed heli in the pits. Anyone whines I just say "sorry" and do the same next time eventually they give up.

Wow that sounds like a lot but it doesn't take even a couple seconds and noone knows it is occuring. You spectrum guys could bypass all the model checking but you still need to check the switches and the servo function so it's all the same, if you check the model maybe the thing won't beep at you which amuses the other pilots.

With nitro it's all about the same but all the checks are done just before stuffing the starter.

Steve

[Mysterious]

warning, graphic!

seriously scary thought next time u take safety lightly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIlUYiVmnc

[Skytrek]

These are great tips and we all should have a routine to ensure safety. Being in the hobby for less than a year I'm just now developing good habits. It would seem safety is a learning curve too.

We have one fella who had his heli fly out of the back of his truck a few months ago because he forgot to unplug his heli. He then proceeded to sit on the picnic table and mess with his TX. Although this was funny as crap lol, it shows that good habits need to be from start to finish each and every flight.

Personally, I had a mini crash a few months back, because I did not ensure I was on the right model using my 10c. Futaba, as great as they are will allow you to make that mistake if you don't do a proper preflight check.

Mostly, I just look back at Steve and only fly when I get the thumbs up. :D
It's kinda like being at an airport, I'll bet Steve or Don would deice you heli if needed!lollol