Helicopters– C 2010-2011

Matthew Chalker & CeAnn Chalkermatthew@chalker.org and ceann@chalker.org

DisclaimerThis presentation was prepared using draft rules. There may be some changes in the final copy of the rules. The rules which will be in your Coaches Manual and Student Manuals will be the official rules.

Helicopter Basics2 ultra light helicopters built and tested

prior to competitionFlown indoorsTimed for duration aloftNo ImpoundAircraft to be labeled with team’s

identification name & numberMust be helicopter (fly vertically) with up

to 3 rotors

RotorsRotors are defined as surfaces that

contribute lift by rotating around a vertical axis.  When counting rotors, all surfaces for a single rotor (no limit on how many surfaces) must follow a common path, the parts must be rigidly connected to each other, and the rotor must be powered.

Helicopter BasicsAllowable Materials

Wood, paper, plastic film covering, and glueTape, Thread, wire, metal or plastic tubes,

rubber bands or string may be used to attach major components

Any dense material for ballastNo rigid plastic for functional components

Flight log for 10 previous flights before beginning their test flights at competition

Power for Helicopter

Helicopter launched from handPowered by wound rubber band

Building Specifications - Total mass of helicopter must be at least 4.0

grams (without rubber motor)40.0 cm maximum rotor diameter2.0 grams maximum massMultiple allowed per flight, but total mass

must be less than 2.0 grams

Flight Log 6 parameters for 10 previous flights prior to

competition3 required parameters

Motor size before windupWinds on the motor at launchFlight time

3 Additional parameter examplesTurns remaining at landingEstimated peak flight heightTorque at launchAmbient conditions

Competition 8 minutes to launch their 2nd flight after

their 1st declared official flight beginsMotors impounded after check-in, are

available only for official flightsTeams must declare before any launches

during the 8 minutes if it is an official flight or a trim flight. If not declared any launch will be considered official.

Competition During 8 minute Flight Period teams may:

Make adjustments & repairsLaunch trim flightsQualify additional motors

Timing will be to the hundredth of a second

Timing ends when any part of the helicopter touches the ground or comes to rest on any obstructions (even if prop continues to rotate)

Competition – Competitors only allowed in testing/flight areaTest flights allowed throughout competition at

the discretion of the Event Supervisor, ending at least by the last 30 mins. of the tournament

Test flights will yield to official flightsMultiple aircraft may test fly at once

ScoringWinner is team with the longest flight time

for any single flightTies broken by second flight time

Deductions & Violations –Flight Log discrepancies

Incomplete flight logs will have 10% of the flight time deducted from each flight

No flight log will have 30% of the flight time deducted from each flight

Rule Violations without a specific penalty will be ranked after all teams that do not violate the rules

Resources & SuppliesResources

indoornews.comindoorduration.comYahoo Groups

Wright StuffSO website

Supplies on lineF1D.bizFAImodelsupply.com

Additional Resource

Matthew Chalker

matthew@chalker.org