Observers.
Als' dayglo fleet.
Pits.
7 August 2010 We're thinking of doing Park & Ride to take you to the pits! This is taken from the entrance to the field. Simon's on the mower right of centre!
That's our 'groundsman' on the mower. This pic is taken from the Pits area. My stitching software has given the field a slight dip, in reality it's perfectly flat.
Sorry guys! No further details regarding the new field will be posted on the website, as requested by the CMAC Chairman. Look at this! Just a taster, more details later.
GUESS WHAT!
We've got a new field and its enormous! It's only minutes by car from the old one! It's isolated so no restrictions! At least 40 acres, it's a dream and everything we've got will be flyable there. We've got to work for it though.......The ground is clay and has been used for cattle so it's knobbly. Some preparatory work is needed to make a usable runway so we'll be looking for volunteers.....let you know when. Alan and I will be going to the bank on Friday to draw the first payment so we could be looking at next week in the evenings! More details will follow once we've made payment. 16 July 2010 15 July 2010 There's another Bishops Canning Indoor Flying session this friday, see Chris's e-mail below...... Hi Mike there is another electric fly in at bishops cannings thes friday the 16th. Arranged by Ian at the model shop. If you can let everyone know. I dont think Keith will be buying the drinks this time though. Regards Chris Heritage 7 July 2010 CMAC Flying Field - Calne The Folk Festival have cleared the field and Allan has not received notice to quit from Calne Town Council therefore, the field is still available to CMAC members. 2 July 2010 Scale events for those interested...... Following the success of the event last year the Midland Helicopter Club are pleased to host the event again which will be run over 2 days on the 17th & 18th July at our club field in Warton, Warwickshire. All usual facilities will be available to include camping (by prior arrangement), catering and toilets and there will be a generous raffle on the Sunday. All pilots must have the customary BMFA insurance if they wish to fly. Further details and directions will be posted on our website in due course at http://www.midlandhelicopterclub.org.uk and we very much look forward to welcoming all visitors if you are able to join us. For more information please e.mail or ring 01942 273888 Regards John. 28 June 2010 Please note: The flying field off the A3102 Lyneham Road is no longer available to CMAC members! Check back regularly for news on the new Flying Field. 22 June 2010 27 April 2010 Just a note! An additional pits area has been mown to the North end of the North/East facing runway. That would be flying with your back to the trees at the rear of the field. Please do not use it! After advice from the Safety Officer (Andy) There's insufficient flying space, less than 90 metres - flight line to the NO FLY boundary, between runways and the A3102, (indicated by the gap in hedge on the Lyneham side) Better safe than sorry, we've decided NOT to implement it. INDOOR FLYING Last chance this evening until winter! Some belated pics from last Tuesday's Indoor........
17 April 20 ***Warminster Club are inviting CMAC members to a Fly-in on Sunday 16th May*** Warminster & District Radio Control Flying Club Based at Keevil Airfield We are holding an "open Day" on Sunday 16th May at our flying field at Keevil. All BMFA members are welcome to come and fly with us and enjoy a chat and fly "off the peg" during the day. There won't be any competition, just casual flying from our grass patch on the airfield. So if you fancy flying from a different site for a change, come and visit us. If you want to check out our site look on Google Earth, you will see our "patch" in front of the control tower. Also visit our web site at www.wdrcfc.org.uk. I would appreciate a reply from this email, as we fly from MOD property and access is controlled to the airfield. Tony Box Club Vice President As we can't specify who will go we suggest that those that do want to go, reply personally Reply here. 14 April 2010 The Indoor is quietening down now with only 4 heli pilots and five fixed wing last night. I didn't take my camera, typical! John brought along a Hovercraft! Great fun but the hall is probably too small to show off it's full potential. ***Something special*** A cousin of the helicopter and under development to replace the Harrier. This clip isn't available anywhere else!!! A first for CMAC.
It does fly!
Guy's tri wing.
Doing well!
Next generation pilotless?
Nah, don't tell me, let me guess.
The Indoor is fun but can we have some fine dry weather, please? There's a lot of pilots desperate to get airborne in the blue. 22 March 2010 CMAC In Perspective Our Chairman has just attended a BMFA seminar on club Chairmanship. Yeah! no kidding. Anyway, he's been enlightened as to how CMAC compares with other clubs. Alan reckons there were about 130 other attendees there and he chatted to some of them) CMAC membership was among the lowest costwise. Most of them had restrictions on flying, some very restrictive! Some were paying over fifteen hundred pounds a year for their field! We are very fortunate! One other thing that came out of this was, we were reminded that anybody flying at the Indoor Sessions, should be covered by an insurance! CMAC members will already have insurance but, if you know a 'guest flyer' who attends, please mention that we will be asking for proof of insurance in future. The aircraft may be ultra light or very small but the props and blades can do serious damage to our eyes! New Supplier link added!
Empty hall? Not on yer life! Keith is now dividing the hour into heli/fixed wing 10 min slots, so that everybody gets to fly.
Sweet Pea
Fastest thing on wings, in the hall anyway. Simon, naturally.
Ok Mike, we're not watching. Who's that with him? Not Vince Goddard, thought he'd joined the RAF as a parachute tester!
Young talent!
Been shot to pieces, look at the tail! 3 March 2010 Two things! A) It's been suggested that we run the Indoor sessions through the summer. If you'd be interested and would support them, please let us know by e-mail or a phonecall. B) Ex CMAC member, Nick Brodie, sent us this e-mail.... Hi Mike, We (ie Warminster and District Radio Control Flying Club) are holding our annual Bring and Buy evening at the Cricket Club in Trowbridge at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th March and we would like to invite all CMAC members along for the evening. I realise it may be a bit of a hike for some of you, but it may be an opportunity to pick up a bargain, or to sell on some unused kit and make a bit of cash. I do hope to see some of you there for a natter and a catch up if nothing else! Best regards, Nick Brode 17 February 2010 Indoor 16 Feb.2010 A busy session, that finishes too soon for most of us. Anyway, here's some of the action....... Simon achieving the record for 'keeping it up the longest'!
Don't argue, he's got Hellfire missiles.
I might be small but I can fly with the rest.
Resting.
Yeah, we're thinking of hiring the O2 and flying everything there.
Update:
We've found a suitable container and the Planning Application has been submitted. Should have a result in 8 weeks.
11 February 2010
For Sale
Concept 60 everything is there but needs some TLC! £230 Vario Skydragon, everything is there, including a Webra50 but needs some TLC! Smooth helicopter! £275 Webra 50 engine. £35 Older Futaba FF7 35Mhz Tx. £30 Raptor30 canopy (carbon screen) new £15 Raptor30 canopy (standard) new £10 Raptor30 heavy duty U/C sets (x3) new £10 each Raptor30 550m wood blade set new £10 Raptor30 standard tail boom new £10 Raptor30 tail boom support spars new £5 Raptor30 tail fin/stabiliser set new £5 Note: The helis, Webra50 and Tx haven't been used for 4-5 years so might need some attention. Prices quoted are a start point but any reasonable offer will be considered. Call Mike if interested. 4 February 2010 Advance Notice! Two Saturday afternoons are pre-booked for 4 hour indoor flying sessions, on 27 November and 4 December 2010!!! We'll provide more details later. 26 January 2010
What A Crowd!
The attendance at the indoor this evening was the biggest so far. One or two new machines appeared. Here's some pics.....
What a crowd
Over the top
Flies like a butterfly stings like a bee.
Heliplane
Popular (3 turned up)
Ah guten tag
I'm pretty sure this one's mine.
Well there's one at least
Ouch
Contra-Contra
Nice session event.
Competition For The BMFA?
For those that don't already know.......A new organisation has appeared on the scene, providing an alternative to the 'good old BMFA'. The RCHA (Radio Controlled Helicopter Association) offers membership and insurance cover. Take a look....
17 January 2010
More than just an Indoor Fly!
Tuesday evening at the Calne Sports Centre is looking like it's going to be an interesting hour. In addition to the usual indoor flying, there's the flying competition and there will also be the opportunity to fly a range of helicopters or fixed wing on the Reflex Simulator. To clarify, although I previously mentioned vouchers, the prizes for the competition winners will be cash. See you there!
15 January 2010
Skill contest
We are thinking of running a voucher contest at the Indoor Fly on Tuesday. CMAC members will be invited to try their hand at completing a flying challenge, both helis and fixed wing. Your efforts will be judged by Andy (CMAC Training Officer) and the winners will receive £20 CMAC voucher (CMAC will Pay) to spend in Scalegliders or Modelmaniacs. Think you're up to it? Come and find out what you've got to do and give it a try on Tuesday.
14 January 2010
Membership
Just half a dozen or so members still to renew membership. We've four new members. Some interesting people! One of our latest members is on the engineering team developing the F35 VTOL frontline jet for Lockheed.I'll have the updated Information Guide(was the Introduction Pack) available for the next Indoor Flying session. (Tues. 19 January 2010) I'll be there to pick up the stragglers.(renewals)
Weather
We're lobbying at Westminster for some good flying weather, it's been too long! (wish we could) Suffering withdrawal symptoms.Idea!
What about a simulator fest? I'll provide one of them or we could pack ourselves into my 'Den' and fly on my Reflex. I might even consider getting a big screen monitor. Beer would be free! (e- mail me)
12 January 2010
Update
Apologies but we will post a date for the belated annual meeting as soon as Alan has been cleared by his Doctor for normal daily activities.
Membership Renewal
Over half CMAC members still haven't renewed their membership! Notwithstanding the gorgeous weather we've been enjoying!!! If it's your intention to stay with us, please endeavour to complete this admin task by the end of January 2010. (you'll need your 2010 BMFA mem card)We've tidied up some aspects of club operation to bring CMAC closer to BMFA recommendations. An updated 'Info Pack' will be available from today.
Indoor Flying
Due to Alan's time constraints and also his recent health concerns, you will have noticed that Keith is managing the Indoor Flying sessions. On his recommendation the Calne Sports hall has been booked ahead as follows:- Current Tuesday sessions extended until 30 March 2010. They will restart and include 2, 9, 16, and 23 November, followed by 7, 14, 21 December 2010. Also considering 2011 dates.
5 January 2010
Indoor Fly Good attendance despite the threatened snow storm! Next session Tuesday 12 Jan 2010 at the Sports Centre.
Membership Renewal Don't forget, the Indoor Flying session is an opportunity to get your membership renewed, otherwise call/text me or drop in. (I'm at home most of the time and you might even get a cup of coffee!)
Next Gen Helicopters? Simon Head found these. Certainly different.
1 January 2010
Happy New Year to CMAC flyers
Annual Meeting and Membership Renewal
We are deferring the CMAC annual meeting until Alan is fit enough to attend. Membership renewal will be done at the next two indoor flying events or by post. If you will not be attending the indoor events, please call me (Mike Gray) so that we can organise your membership renewal.Reminder! Next Indoor Flying session....Next Tuesday 5 January 2010
1 December 2009
Dont forget! (for CMAC members who are suffering flying withdrawal symptoms)
Indoor Flying this evening at 7pm
Here's some pics:-
Good turnout!
There's concentration.
Making for the exit!
Nice!
Very steady.
Elegant.
Nice!
Taking some air!
22 November 2009
Look at this! Unbelievable engineering.
Note!
You may have noticed that loading this News file has been taking longer, so I've deleted items dated before 1 January 2009. Hopefully, that will have speeded things up a bit! The original file is copied, so it's possible to reinstate it as a 'History' file if needed.
Not exactly perfect flying weather, is it? Dunno about you but I'm sufferering withdrawal systems. I need a flight or two but can't see it happening soon.
Other countries don't appear to observe such stringent safety rules as us? Take look at this video. The 500E is georgous but look at it's proximity to the water and boats etc. In the UK you can't get anywhere near a spooling helicopter. Not a bad thing mind you!
15 November 2009
INDOOR FLYING
Some dates for those members who have committed to attending Indoor Sessions on a regular basis.........Sessions have been pre-booked for 7pm on Tuesday evenings in the periods:- 17 November through to 22 December and 5 January 2010 through to 23 February 2010.
9th November 2009
INDOOR FLYING!!!
Alan has booked an hour from 7pm,Tuesday 17th November at the Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP
30th October 2009
You missing something?
Somebody? left some kit at the field!! If you're the absent minded professor, call Alan and describe what you've lost.
26 October 2009
The Forum I regulary visit (link is on the website if interested) has a giant helis thread. Take a look at this! If only I could afford it!
19th Oct 2009
Fliers & Fryers
It obviously pays to get up early! Some Diehards were at the field very early on Sunday morning, getting some frying in before flying in. Bacon butties all round on the menu. Cor! I bet they were good. Course, it was all gone by the time the rest of us got there!
11th October 2009
What a lousy day, up until late afternoon anyway. Alan, Steve Rogers and yours truly took advantage of a beautiful evening at the field.
Er! A word about the maximum number of simultaneous flyers at any one time. This is not on! C'mon guys, be resonable.
29th September 2009
I didn't know there was a public holiday yesterday!
I went down the field to test the Rappy/Hughes 500D, after fixing the fuel problems I had on Sunday.
As I was locking the gate to leave Tony arrived, so I elected to joined him for half an hour. An hour later about a third of the membership had turned up! (bear in mind this was a Tuesday afternoon) Naturally, I didn't have a camera with me! Didn't expect to see anybody.
BTW, if this is your dog, please come and collect him.
27th September 2009
Another good flying day, brought out some more enthusiasts.
The most spectacular visitor wasn't a club member. A Red Kite!!!
Keith's nice little electric Hughes 500D
Not one of ours. Wouldn't respond to my radio, either!
26th September 2009
Great afternoon for flying. Enticed a few 'punters' out, including me, obviously!
Alan's 'testbed' for the BK117's tail drive
The Gang!
Mark's baby. Not small (46cc engine) but only around 9Lbs all up! Looks great in the air.
Simon's aerial machine! (forgive me guys, I should have asked you what they are!)
Mucking in and getting Mike Long's aircraft ready for flight.
24th September 2009
Pilot your own model!
No question! If had the cash to spare, I'd buy one of these tomorrow. Take a look:-
11th September 2009
Some nice flying from Simon, maiden flight as well! go here:-
10th September 2009
*********************For Sale*********************
Hewlett Packard 2570 All-In-One Colour printer, scanner, copier with camera memory card slots. Includes cables and handbook. 100% operational. £25 collected. Call Mike on 07590531988
8th September 2009
Good News!
Calne TC have given us permission to site a container on the field. All we need now is a container, or I should say, a half container. Anything between 15ft and 20ft long (20ft Maximum) If anyone can put us in touch with a source, please contact Alan, Mike or Andy.
Early August
Some pics! Yep, thanks to Simon, some nice shots at the field a few days back.
They're not really all Tony's, but he's got a glint in his eye!
Hup! Hup!
I look calm but I'm really Hyper2
15 August 2009
******************************************************NOTICE*******************************************************
The CMAC managing team requests that ALL members attend an extraordinary meeting, at the flying field for 7PM Tuesday 18th August 2009
Recent breaches of club rules and issues concerning runway configuration, need to be clarified to avoid any further misunderstandings.
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
12 August 2009
A while ago now, we offered space on the news page to members who have models or equipment to sell. Todate, nobody has taken advantage of the offer but I'm going to change that.
For Sale
For the serious photographer! I offer a Canon 20D Digital SLR with a Canon USM IS 75 - 300 telephoto lens. This comes with lens filter, lens caps, 1Gb memory disc, charger, handbooks for camera and lens and a brand new Calumet CV 283 camera bag. £450 or a very near offer. This camera is semi professional quality but the user can select a number of modes, including 'auto', which allows simple 'point and shoot' as the camera will do everything else. Call my mobile or e-mail if you'd like to take a look.
9 August 2009
Luverly weather but only me flying this morning! Everybody else was a beginner, waiting for tuition or Mike Long.
Can't help showing you this! I'll admit, I'm highly chuffed and very thankful for the help and encouragement received from Steve and Buck. Thanks guys!
On the down slope now but far from finished!
8 August 2009
Again! It becomes necessary to issue a statement regarding safe flying practices and club safety rules.
We have few rules in our club and they mostly concern safety and are NOT negotiable! We will not continue to issue polite warnings if this continues, but will take issue with the person(s) concerned.
Make no mistake, we are prepared to withdraw club membership in order to protect CMAC!!!
Specifically, we refer to the members, who recently changed runways and flew over the pits being used. Besides club rules, commonsense should tell you that you move your cars and kit to the other pits area if you need to change runways.
I will also mention children wandering about, unattended. This is not only foolish but highly dangerous, as should be obvious. It falls into the category as the pits incident!!
If there's something about the way the club runs or it's rules, that you don't like, contact one of the club's managing team. Our e-mails and mobile numbers are published and every member should have a copy. Don't risk your membership or the club's reputation.
I'll say again, we won't think twice about members who repeatedly ignore club safety rules. They will lose their membership!
24 July 2009
No news from anyone, surprise, surprise and I know you're bursting to know how the Mil35M fuse is progressing, so.........
First side of mould completed with a ceramic outer skin.
About to lay up the tail boom on side 2. Middle to end of next week should see the two sides of the mould ready to be seperated from the plug. (gulp!) Moment of truth.
21 July 2009
Not the best time of year for a club like ours!
Calne let a bunch of Folk singers on our field for a week, the height of the family holiday season, which of course means lousey weather and members spending flying time building bespoke fuselages doesn't help, does it? Let's look forward to getting back to work and the cold weather, aye?
10 July 2009
Ok, wev'e got our field back and Alan has mown the runways and pits areas. Just need some good flying weather!
Regarding the issue with synthesised transmitters and mobile phones, here's another report......
USE OF MOBILE TELEPHONES IN PROXIMITY TO ELECTRONICALLY PROGRAMMED TRANSMITTERS
The JRCUC has reported there may be a problem associated with operating mobile telephones in the close proximity of programmable transmitters causing the memories to be partly or fully erased. This problem has yet to be scientifically substantiated; however, it is generally known that RF radiation can disable or permanently damage some modern electronic devices.
Although the risk may be small, we believe it should be minimised by bringing it to the attention of members and clubs. Pending resolution, we recommend that mobile telephones are not switched on within 10 feet of any programmable transmitter. This may appear to be overkill, but better safe than sorry. Care should be taken during pre-flight checks to ensure that all controls are operating fully and in their correct sense and to ensure that the memory has not been affected by any undetected or unknown transmissions since the last flight.
You may, as I do, feel we haven't got a problem with this but it would be wise to let us know if you experience anything unusual and not easily explained whilst flying. (we don't want to know about apparitions or visions of a ghostly Lancaster overflying the field!
2 July 2009
**************
Could this be a problem for us?
*****************(Extract from a BMFA Safety Bulletin)
Bulletin No. 6 SYNTHESISED TRANSMITTERS AND MOBILE TELEPHONES Following the crash of an expensive gas turbine model helicopter, the investigation into the cause revealed that the synthesised transmitter being used to control the helicopter was interfered with by a nearby mobile telephone. In this case it was a Multiplex transmitter but it is possible the same could occur with other synthesised transmitters. The transmitter manufacturer’s instructions were scrutinised and found to contain a warning that mobile telephones were not to be used within the direct vicinity of the transmitter and subsequent trials revealed that the incident was repeatable with that transmitter. The UKRCC will be carrying out further investigations to determine the extent of the problem and will be advising in the future. The BMFA already recommends that mobile telephones are not taken into the pits or flying area for other reasons but be aware that mobile telephones could interfere with synthesised transmitters.
01 July 2009
With no field to fly in, not much happening! So, here's an update................
Lots of spray filling and sanding but here's the final plug with panel lines. These are produced with 1/64th tape from www.Fighter Aces.com. Peel them off when all's dry, a light sanding and it's ready for the mold!!!
29 June 2009
Update
Alan has met with the Calne Council regarding yesterday's c**ck up and has recieved an apology. The individual concerned ''forgot' that a model flying club called CMAC pays them for the priviledge of using a council leased field to fly radio controlled model aircraft. It's looks like we will have the field back as of Wednesday 8 July with a possibility that it may be available Tuesday 7 July, Late afternoon/evening. Suggest you check with Alan or myself before you make the journey.
28 June 2009
*********************************************************NOTICE*****************************************************************
Please note, due to a complete lack of communication from Calne Town Council, we are unable to use the field for flying as of NOW!!! Organisers of the forthcoming event have been given authority to make their preparations on site from this weekend, AS APPARENTLY, NOBODY ELSE IS USING THE SITE!!!!!!!!!
The field will be available to us again as from Tuesday 7 July 2009.
We will be making our feelings known to Calne Town Council, in writing.
Please remember to call Lyneham ATC BEFORE flying at the field! Your club depends on it.
CMAC has a formal agreement with RAF Lyneham, to notify them when we intend flying at the field. As all our flying at the present time is under 7Kgs, this is a courtesy call but an important condition of our continued permission from Calne Town Council to use the field for R/C model flying. Regardless of previous flying, if the field is empty when you get there, CALL LYNEHAM!
15 June 2009
News! News! Let's have some news please, unless you want another pic of my Mi31 plug!!! which doesn't look much different at the moment.
2 hours later, No news. Ok, here's a pic..............
Comment Lot's of filling, sanding and spraying going on to get the best possible finish. Anyone contemplating trying this, be prepared for a lot of work. This is week four for me and the plug is still not finished and I have very few other demands on my time and are able to spend most of the day, everyday on the project. I would also mention that it's not cheap to do it properly. (good quality materials etc.)
Perhaps my timing was out but I was surprised not to see more flyers at the field on Sunday, considering the perfect weather. (I was there both morning and afternoon)
I know there's been one or two casualties (arguments with gravity) over the past few weeks, making my little 'incident', yesterday, uneventful but I thought it was quirky. Increasing headspeed on the Hughes 500D for lift-off and the 'T' piece, top of tail fin just 'popped' off. I don't think it would make any significant difference to flying characteristics if I'd flown like it, but I had some adhesive so stuck it back on, no probs! (see how desperate I am for news items?)
10 June 2009
Any news? No news? Someone must be doing something, even if it needs to be censored ! ! No? Ok, how about Alan and Keith's BK117 fuselage project? Any luck with drawings chaps?
Right, (yawn) my Mi24(31) fuselage project has reached a milestone. The 'plug' is nearly finished and looks like this now.............
8 June 2009
***************************************************INDOOR FLYING*********************************************************
A 2 hour session is booked for 8pm - 10pm, Friday 19th June 2009, Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP
5 June 2009
Guess it was just too much to hope for another weekend like the last one! Ok, but here's a possibility, just landed in my in box.
1 June 2009
Yesterday we had our first field fun day, with some good support from members. Flying, food and fun topped out with Mediterranean sun, what more do you need?
Here's some moments caught on camera..............
Getting it together
Ok, who's cooking the sausages?
Here's two likely looking Barbequeans!
Yer gotta be relaxed.
Some of the hardware
C'mon Alan, we'll be finished before you get the ice creams out!
No, sorry Tony, we've not got any glue!
Thanks to all who came, a good turnout.
Establishing your pitch is first priority!
Chewing the cud!
A very enjoyable event, looking forward to the next one.
30 May 2009
*******************************************Bar B Q************************************************
Got your sun tan lotion?, shorts?, 6 pack? Heli? Haven't forgotten have you? We're sacrificing some sausages, amongst other things, at the field from 2pm tomorrow. CMAC's first fun day at the field, we might even get some flying in! Would be great to see you there. The club will supply some food and drink but we'd be most grateful if you brought something to eat or drink with you. Forecast is for 25C some come prepared!!
28 May 2009
Club/BMFA Safety Rules.
It's regrettable to have to do this but it appears that some members are not aware of the basic flying rules that apply to EVERYONE, regardless of what they are flying. These rules are NOT negotiable!!!
When flying at the club field all members should check frequency and if clear switch on transmitter first then model, when happy with range check/controls working, start models in pits with transmitter aerial DOWN (35meg) and carry out to runway (anyone can help you carry a model out), if anyone else is flying they should make themselves known and inform pilots they are carrying a model onto the runway. When stood by the other pilot or if on their own just off runway then they can extend the transmitter aerial fully and take off. At no time should anyone takeoff/launch or fly from the pits area, when stood out near the runway no flying should be done so that the model is behind them, directly over them or directly beside them, and definitely no flying over the pits area. You fly only from the operational runway! Once the flight is finished kill the engine, switch model off, then transmitter and retract transmitter aerial, BEFORE walking back to the pits area. This applies to all models electric, nitro, petrol, turbine and free flight. Any confusion read the general flying section of your BMFA book or talk to the CMAC Training Officer, Andy Blower.
******************************Bar B Q**********************************
We're having a barbeque/flyin at the field, Sunday from 2pm. All are welcome but please bring a food or drink contribution for the larder.
25 May 2009
Correction!Late news in from Germany. A CMAC representation attended a Vario 'buy one get another one for double the price' this weekend.
You can't afford it Mr Blower!
Dave, John and Richard debate finances whilst Andy phones the Comisner?
Mr Blower's next Heli?
Looking for news!
No news input from anyone! Ok, here's what I''ve been doing............
Still much to do to make this an acceptable plug for fuselage molding. Then onto the messy stuff. Making the mold from epoxy resin and fibreglass cloth.
24 May 2009
This weather has got to entice somebody out! Unfortunately, not me. We are visiting friends. Mr Blower is in Germany, at the Vario show(jammy devil) and I'm not sure what Alan is up to.
Otherwise, no other news except that I'm on a steep learning curve re. fuselage construction. Much help and advice from Steve and Buck Rogers, thanks a million guys.
Would be good to receive other member's news!!
17 May 2009
What a contrast compared with last weekend! I'm guessing, as with me, the high winds and rain has prevented any attempt at flying?
Not idle though!............Difficult to believe maybe but this will be a MILMi24 when finished. This ply former is the basis of a 1.11 scale Mi24 fuselage!!! Much to do yet but with a bit of imagination it's possible to see a Hind attack helicopter taking shape............ isnt it?
Anyone else been locked in the shed working on a secret project?
10 May 2009
Ok, pull up a chair, lots to tell and show........
An almost perfect flying day made the field busy.
Ian getting some chopper time in with Keith's guidance.
Whisks and spatula.
Nice trainers!
Tony needs a bigger car!
That's my Rappy (for Chris's wife) 
Steve said, with his plumbing skills he would install a sprinkler system on the runways.
Buck's ducted fan Ferrari was estimated to touch 100mph, sure was quick!
"You know Buck, I reckon we could fry an egg on this battery"
Very enjoyable day.
INDOOR FLYING
Wednesday 27th May, 9 - 10PM, Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP
9 May 2009
Very quiet, no news from anybody!
So here's what's occupying my mind............
Looking at the option to produce my own '50' size MIL Mi24 or 31 fuse !!! (with some guidance from a certain Mr Rogers I should add) I found a forum thread showing a guy in Canada doing exactly that but with a 60/90 size fuse. Looks pretty damn good to me.
Prepaint
Finished Job
Paint scheme would not be my choice and not an easy task but looks do-able to me. If I do it and it goes reasonably well I'll post progress here! YAWN.... well give me something else to report!!!!!!!!
4 May 2009
Helicopter?
Sikorsky have just unveiled their research aircraft, which is about to attempt to set a new helicopter world speed record. They expect it to reach 250 knots!!
Wiltshire Air Ambulance MD900
Actually, there was something else yesterday. The local Air Ambulance/Police MD900 was lurking about. There had been a serious RTA on the A4 near the SOHO pub, Blackdog Hill. He obviously wasn't needed though as he didn't land.
Flying Activity
Attendance at the field almost every day in this relatively dry weather but waiting on some pics of Andy's R22 doing it's impression of a full scale! What a beast!
Library Clip
In the meanwhile, here's something else from my library. You'll definately need broadband though!! This runs high as my favourite helicopter, ugly or not!
MILMi24
(be patient)
26 April 2009
**************************Next Indoor Fly Event**************************
8.15pm - 10.15pm Thursday 7 May 2009 Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP
25 April 2009
Despite a healthy gathering, the only other flyer apart from me at the field this morning was Tony with a very nice fixed wing on it's fifth outing. Looked good in the air but he was experiencing some control issues, with aileron behaviour I believe.
"I'm sure it's up there somewhere" Tony wonders if Lyneham might give him a clue.
Projects
Our Training officer always has something going on.......look at this latest project! Vario's R22.
That's not a small helicopter!!! Maiden flight very soon.
Scalegliders
I called in on Ian (Scalegliders) for some Coolpower yesterday evening. Worth a visit to see what he's doing and what he's got planned, including a Flight sim projected onto a large wall!! Available for all to play with.
Frequency Control
You may have seen some strange holes appear on the edge of the pits areas at the field. Don't worry, it's not giant moles. They will house a tube, inside which will be a 'pull-up' frequency pole. The club will issue each member a frequency/ID tag, which can be hung on the pole against your frequency or a 2.4Ghz position. When flying is finished, the pole is simply pushed back into the ground, out of sight. It's an idea from another club which solves the problem of having a frequency control onsite, permanently. Worth a try anyway as, although we've managed without any formal frequency control so far, it was never our intention to do so ad infinitum.
DONT FORGET!
You can have your pics shown here, even video, let me have them or talk to me about getting them shown. I'm quiet happy to take video of you flying and and put it on the News page for you. Just let me know what you want. The absence of fixed wing items and the apparent concentration on what just a few members are doing, is simply due to a lack of input from the majority of members !!!!
Container
It appears highly likely that we'll be in a position soon of wanting to obtain a container for onsite secure storage. If any club member has a contact or knowledge of where we might purchase one, at low cost, please contact Alan.
Looked like a heathly gathering yesterday, as I drove passed the field (on way to Mother-in-Law's) Couldn't fly anyway due to ongoing build.
First paint! (before clear coat polished) Might need another coat, depends on how the clear coat polishes up?
Personally, I don't mind the rain right now, still preoccupied! Doors cut and operational but still much to do to pretty them up!
Ok, impress us with your knowledge! Here's a fun snap but what's the canopy from?
Some more 'weekenders', making the best of good flying weather.
Test flight for Alan's new Jetranger
Carne, exercising a Raptor.
Alan giving his Llama an airing. Nice in the air, doncha think?
Lottsa concentration from Keith, trimming out Alan's Jetranger.
Doors cutout and doorframe rebates going in.
Unusual but nice to see, a fixed wing line up at the field on Sunday.
Update:
Ok, I've weakened! First new build in 3 years, in progress.
This is what it'll look like (I hope) in a few weeks...well, similar!
No shortage of punters again today!
The club Raptor 30 serving it's purpose with Mike Taylor putting some flights in with Andy buddying.
The good flying weather continues................ A healthy gathering, mostly Keith's I might add, although he insists they're not all his!
Somebody is trying out their new Llama...
Us more mature pilots need some aids to bring our heli's closer to our hands!!
There'll be an early start tomorrow morning (Sunday) 9am I'm told, for the keen and addicted.
Another perfect flying day and Alan and I were not the only CMAC'ers to enjoy the late afternoon sun.
Looks like there'll be a fair bit of activity over the weekend. Certainly Saturday and Sunday Morning.
Seems like there's a nucleus of supporters for the electric micro as indicated by the last three indoor flyin's. Could become a regular event!
Some prep in the 'workshop'.
Nice EC135
Well somebody must know how to switch it on!
A very nice MD900
A secret slipped out here! One of our FW members has got a heli!!! Mike Long told us he brought it along for his Son-in-Law to fly. Yeah, pull the other one. No one can resist a heli.....
With the good weather back again, even I ventured down the field several times over the weekend. It reminded me of the disappointment of finding nobody there! It also reminded me that was one of the prime reasons why we publish a member contact list but it doesn't appear to get used?
I think Allan and Keith wanted some privacy?
Watch this!!
Allen said he still had a couple more bits to bolt on to the Squirrel.
Now, here's some glitz. Some top notch scale building and finishing on a Vario Airwolf. (wouldn't expect anything less from Mr Blower) Will probably be down at the field tomorrow morning (weather permitting)
We now own a club Raptor 30 and radio, which is ready to fly and provide 'hands on', buddied experience for CMAC beginners and novices.
FIVE new members are in the process of joining with yet more 'in the pipe'.
Ok, as with the indoor event, some nice kit appeared, out of the backs of members cars, a few steps away as the field is still fairly boggy!
Our Training Officer having a casual smoke before getting serious.
Getting serious!
Going down!
Can't miss Keith (not in that jacket anyway) mixing and fixing.
Hardware close ups...............
Good fun, so:-
Familiar site to us too now, but this guy,if I remember correctly, lives somewhere out in the 'wheat prairies' of the USA! As you can see, plenty of room to fly his camera mounted Century Predator. Looks like he collects old bangers. too! No neighbours to worry about.
Anybody doing a mountain rescue Heli? Would look good down the field today!
E-MAILS
Comment:
The pegboard, although primarily a device for ensuring the separation of radio frequencies, is also a device for reserving a flying slot, in sequence. Some clubs operate by word-of-mouth and with low numbers of flyers, this can be effective, but as numbers grow, this system becomes unreliable as for all practical purposes, it requires everyone who's flying to know what everyone else who's flying, is doing and when. CMAC uses the pegboard system but we feel it needs some adjustment to accomodate both radio types to ensure a fair and orderly sequence of flying slots is maintained. It's also considered to be good practice in keeping with what the majority of UK clubs operate. To this end, a new pegboard will be produced in the near future.
Latest new members 'in the pipe', are Ian and Geoff (proprietors of Scalegliders, Bishops Canning) who are applying for CMAC membership. Could be interesting as they are both into biggish scale fixed wing. They are, by the way, offering 5% discount to CMAC members on everything except HiTech servos. BTW, yet more apologies to the recipients of the group e-mail yesterday. Due to bum info. I wrongly named one of the scaleglider's proprietors as 'Nick'. They are of course Ian and Geoff. (had a good week so far *!X@?)
I strongly recommend that you use the website to keep in touch with club matters and news.
Does the date ring any bells? It's the day AFTER CMAC's annual meeting! Yep! that was yesterday evening.
Very disappointing attendance, despite assurances. FOUR attended, Alan, myself and thanks to Keith and Andy for turning out. Nevertheless it was very productive and we covered all items and actions on the agenda and more. (contact me if you want a copy of the meeting's notes)
We have come up with some CMAC logos and screen printing for 'T' shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces and the like and I've got to say, they are pretty sexy. Alan has found a lady who produces very competent embroidered logos and screen printed images. (Alan has samples, contact him for details)
We are making slight adjustment to club rules in respect of flying alone, Sunday flying and Lyneham notification. (An updated copy will be available from Alan or me as from next week)
Other items of interest include indoor flying, a club Raptor and radio and social events.
Unfortunately, despite extending the deadline there are still five unpaid member subscriptions for 2009. Many thanks to everybody else for their renewals.
Finally, there is a new supplier on the links page, take a look:-
I know there's a start button somewhere! (Keith doing some pre-flight checks)
Go on then, give it some stick! Mr Murrell's bird itching to get airborne.
Alan's 'work-in-progress' Funkey Jetranger. Looking good!
Responses so far favouring the 28th January for the club meeting.
Not modelling but an almost unbelievable feat of piloting skill! An Airbus 320 put down in the Hudson river, New York, after a bird strike which took out BOTH engines. No fatalities and only minor injuries. Once in a lifetime stuff.
Apologies if you're getting bored with this but I''ve got no other news!
**Just a gentle reminder-renewal subscriptions**
Sorry! no heli news, still defrosting ma ball end links.
Well, that's not strictly true. I received the CNC head and whatnot for the Buzzfly. It really is quite remarkable but extremely fiddly to fit. In fact some of the fixing need to be view through a magnifying glass!. Looking forward to giving it a whirl tomorrow, weather permitting.
Just added a new link to a newcomer in the R/C model heli market, whom you may already know about. Looks good too!
Take a gander:-
Seriously for a moment: Going down the field Sunday morning and finding it empty, reminded me of another potential service this site can offer. Hows about.....
Posting your intention to fly at the field, here with time and date, so that you're not on your ownsome. (Remember the safety rule?) A significant incident at the field with a lone flyer would most likely close the club down!! (Calne T.C. would consider it a breach of our agreement) It might also invalidate your insurance.
I'm very aware of continually posting my perspective of CMAC, most of which is helicopter based because that's who I am and what I have. CMAC also has fixed wing members so can someone provide me with some fixed wing content, please? Mr Brode, maybe?
G'day aerialists!
Whilst we're looking in the archives, here's another one of some of the rotary pioneers at NWMAC (Sutton Benger) There's that man again!
Superb day for flying! Crystal clear, dry, zero wind, IF you''ve got brass accessories! (cough)
Correction:
Ok my friends and fellow modellers, I'm in danger of exhausting my library of clips and pics so, if you enjoy the content here and want to keep it going, you'll now have to start contributing!! (attach them to an e-mail) If you don't want to do that, bung them in the post with a note, I'll do the rest!
Anybody out getting blade icing?
Here's the H53 leaving the German model club. Aaah! I know, we can dream.
Ok, try this. A cut down version but still an adrenalin rush if you'd been there.
24 April 2009
More club happenings from your multimedia News page
22 April 2009
Club Membership
Alan and I are very pleased to announce that we've achieved our initial target for CMAC of 25 members and now wish to consolidate that membership before accepting further new members except where special circumstances apply. We feel we have a good membership 'mix', a relaxed atmosphere and highly accessible flying location. We hope you all enjoy it.
19 April 2009
Ok, more or less finished. Not 100% but not too shaby. Still some detail to tidy up, later? Maybe test flight before it gets dark?
INDOOR FLYING
9.15pm - 10.15pm, Thursday 23rd April, Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP.
15 April 2009
Andy sent me a pic of this German modeller's self built project as I have a 'thing' about BO105's.
It made me wonder if I should inform Lyneham AB before I fly it? 3 metre rotor head, 1-5/th scale, Jetcat turbine !!!
Yeah! I don't think so. It was up for sale a while back at around 14000 euros. I might be able to afford one of the blades!
What do you think? Take a look..................
Big One
13 April 2009
10 April 2009
********You got some pics you'd like to see on the website ?********
Send them to me as attachments (jpegs and preferably no bigger than 300Kbs (but I can resize them if bigger) and with comments if you've something to say.
Mike
8 April 2009
Note:
We would like to correct any impression given in our statement published yesterday (7 April 2009) that Modelmaniacs had organised or booked any event on behalf of CMAC, or had assumed to represent CMAC in any other circumstance and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
7 April 2009
Note:
It appears that some confusion still exists concerning CMAC event management! Specifically, questions as to when the next Indoor Flying session will take place and some suggestion that Modelmaniacs would book a session on behalf of CMAC.
Alan and I would make it very clear that any and all CMAC events are organised and booked by the CMAC manage team!
Whilst we are pleased to refer members to Modelmanaics for model supplies and kits, they do not represent CMAC or act as a CMAC agent for bookings or any club activity. Mark attends the Indoor events and showcases models, which we are happy for him to continue and I'm sure, is appreciated by members.
As previously stated, if you would like an indoor flying session, contact Alan Johnson in the first instance, myself or Andy Blower if Alan is unobtainable (which is unlikely).
3 April 2009
Update: H500D Build.
First coat primer applied.
29/03/2009
27 March 2009
Main blades and a tail pushrod and we're ready for a test flight!!
26/03/2009
INDOOR FLYING
Please note: Indoor flying sessions are booked individually and IN RESPONSE to requests from the membership
Also, to keep the cost within reason, a session will only be booked if there's sufficient support. (suggested minimums - 6 members for an hour and 10 members for a two hour session.)
25 March 2009
This is what it looks like today..
22 March 2009
21 March 2009
20 March 2009
Not one one of ours. If we catch up with him we'll ask him to complete a membership application.
Alan's hybrid Raptor 50.
Our Training Officer/heli guru turned up.
19 March 2009
Turned out not to be exactly as advertised, but with some TLC from Alan, is now ready to fly. (probably Saturday)
17 March 2009
*
Two new suppliers added to the Links page*
Revolution Models and fastlad Performance
16 March 2009
A good selection of micro helis and a couple of fixed wing, introduced by Mike Long.
8 March 2009
Regarding next Sunday's Indoor Fly. As it's a two hour session we need a minimum of TEN members to participate to keep it financially reasonable, otherwise Alan will have to cancel the booking. So, those members who will be attending, please confirm your participation by e-mail or phone to Alan or myself, as soon as possible. Many thanks.
7 March 2009
Mud Hoppers! They don't mind wading through waste high mud to get their helis in the air. Well, maybe not waste high but it's still a bit muddy out there, as I can testify! I got stuck and needed the gang to to push me. Irony is, out on the runways it's pretty solid!
5 March 2009
INDOOR FLYING
2 HOUR session!!! 11am - 1pm Sunday 15 March, Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP.
22 February 2009
Another good day brought out the 'crowds', well to me they're crowds! (It's very encouraging to see the club 'get back on it's feet', I kid you not.)
20 February 2009
Some nice micro and sub micro electric helis appeared at CMAC's first Indoor Fly-in yesterday evening.
A New date for your diary - Indoor Fly-in, 8.15 - 9.15 pm, 2nd March 2009, Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP Tel:08450533437
8 February 2009
4 February 2009
CMAC Meeting 2
The second club meeting is booked for 7.30pm 18th February 2009 - Calne Leisure Centre (Business Suite), White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP. Tel:08450533437.
Indoor Flying
8.15 - 9.15pm has been booked on the 19th February for some indoor flying in the Sports Hall, Calne Leisure Centre, White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP. Tel:08450533437. (Please don't bring your 3metre, Jetcat powered Seaking as the sprinklers and fire alarms will go off!) Should be an interesting hour!
3 February 2009
CMAC Meeting No.2
If you haven't yet voted, we need to know the majority preference ( 18th Feb OR 25th Feb) so that Alan can book the Calne Sports Centre.
(this message was also sent by e-mail)
2 February 2009
Ok, we have some dates/times available for indoor flying, at the Calne Sports Hall. Please reply quickly if you are interested, to allow the hall to be booked asap.
At £35 per hour, dates & times available are as follows:-
Sat 7 Feb. 9am-11am;
Sun 8 Feb. 2pm-5pm;
Sat 14 Feb. 9am-11am:
Sun 15 Feb. 12pm-2pm;
Mon 16 Feb. 8.15pm-9.15pm;
Thur 19 Feb. 8.15pm-915pm;
Fri 20 Feb. 6pm-7pm;
Sat. 21 FEb. 9am-12am;
Sun 22 Feb. ALL DAY.
(one hour mimimum booking) If we book a block of dates/times we may get a discount! Obviously, the more the merrier AND cheaper!
Club Meeting
We are able to organise another Club meeting at the Calne Sports Centre on the 18th or 25th February 2009. Please submit your preferred date.
(These two items have also been e-mailed to members.)
This e-mail issue is rumbling on a bit with comments trickling in, posing various viewpoints on how club communications are done. Let's sort it NOW!
In future, all club event dates, be they meetings, fly-ins, barbecues, Alan streaking across the field, will be E-MAILED to club members, IN ADDITION to being published on the website's News page. Members who don't possess any technology will receive these dates by post, it's unfortunate but they will obviously miss out on the majority of CMAC news, as it's not practical to repeatedly post news items on a daily basis!!
1 February 2009
As previously stated, a copy of the amended club rules can be obtained from Alan or me but to ensure maximum exposure I am including a copy here for all to see.
Regarding the recent CMAC Annual meeting, Alan did mention that we could always organise another meet, as it may be that some members may feel that they've missed the opportunity to chat about the club, table ideas, see the sample graphics, get your membership card laminated, squeeze a beer out of the club management team (it's endless) in a group forum. Well, why not? There's certainly no limitation on how many meetings we have. If you support the idea, please make your feelings known by e-mail, phone, carrier pigeon, whatever and if there's enough support, we'll make it happen.
Oh, by the way. Be careful on the field right now, it's pretty boggy and there's a good chance you'll get stuck in a 2 wheel drive vehicle! (cough, clears throat!) But here's something that could help you avoid that problem, even though it was designed for women. I'd recommend you unload your kit before you use it!
Update: Keith Murrell Pilot Profile
In June 2000 Keith really got the heli bug back with a vengeance when he bought a second hand Hirobo Shuttle ZTS. That's when heli pilots had to work to keep it in the air! (so I'm told)
Could do with a few more Pilot Profiles!!!! Anyone?
31/01/2009
It has become apparent that there may be some confusion as to how information, such event dates etc. are communicated to members. This may have contributed to the low attendance at the CMAC annual meeting on the 28th January. If this is the case let me apologise for not making things clear but let me also make it plain that the website is the primary method of communicating all club information and news. E-mail is considered a backup (club-to members) communications system. Conversely, (member-to-club) communication is most efficient using e-mail, except where a physical exchange is required, renewal payments for example, which are obviously going to be person-to-person or the postal system. I apologise if this seems to be 'telling granny to suck eggs' but I'm simple responding to info. received.
It would be very useful intelligence if members could let me know (by e-mail) whether they have used/do use the CMAC website and how frequently. Also, if there's anyone without access to the internet, so might require an alternative communication.
29 January 2009
D
Alan has investigated the indoor flying situation. The hall at the Calne Sports Centre is in great demand and only Saturday and Sunday times are available. Hiring the hall for an hour is not cheap. We'd need a minimum of 6 flyers to bring the cost down to around £5 each. Those interested contact Alan.
26 January 2009
Well, about half the membership have confirmed that they can attend the Annual Meeting on Wednesday evening. Many
thanks for your support and look forward to an enjoyable and productive session.
22 January 2009
CMAC Annual Meeting
Confirmed: Convene for 7.30pm, 28th January 2009, Calne Leisure Centre (Business Suite), White Horse Way, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0SP. Tel:08450533437.
19 January 2009
Regarding the CMAC Annual Meeting, we now have a majority for the 28th January 2009. Confirmation of venue and directions to follow.
18 January 2009
Brrrrr! was a bit sharp out there today but it didn't stop some!
Alan's 'Blower hybrid'
Stop! I said stop yer buggar!
17 January 2009
CMAC Annual Meeting
Now is probably a good time to organise a club members meeting to give everybody the chance to air their thoughts and suggestions regarding 2009. 28th January or 4th February are arbitrary date options, we suggest, but are not set in stone! It may be that the majority would prefer a weekend date. Either way, please let Alan or me know. Also, it would be useful, if you have items you'd like to raise, to let us know in advance.
16 January 2009
According to the calendar the two weeks have passed in which we renew our club subscriptions and we've received three renewals! I'll admit I haven't yet renewed mine, but another two weeks isn't unreasonable, is it? So if you're commited to staying with CMAC, can we please have your renewal subscription by the end of January, many thanks.
15 January 2009
Got the head etc. fitted to the Buzzfly and flew it in the garden yesterday (14 Jan). I was impressed with how stable it is now, at least until a gust of wind caught it! Flew into a shrub and snapped the tail rotor shaft !!!! I got onto Buzzflyer's website and ordered a replacement....CAME THIS MORNING!!!!!! How's that for service? They are a truly impressive organisation.
Look at this:
HINT! HINT!
14 January 2009
CMAC now has a renewed formal agreement with RAF Lyneham AB regarding notification of CMAC members intention to fly. It is in all our interests to honour this arrangement and make the call, BEFORE flying at the field, if you are first onsite. Tel. no's :- 01249894008 & 894009
13 Jan 2009
My apologies for the absence of gossip etc. but I've been 'playing' with the Windows7 beta version just launched by Microsoft. For the non computer nerds, this is a 'test' version of the new Windows system to be launched end of 2009/early 2010. Microsoft made it available as a download Friday (9 Jan) lunchtime but within an hour their servers were swamped and they had to close them whilst they increased capacity. They re-opened Friday evening and are now projecting well in excess of the 2.5 million downloads they originally allowed for.
This may be beta software but it's incredibly stable and a fully functional Windows operating system, which features what's new in Windows, including touchscreen and voice recognition. If you're thinking, I might try that, consider this: It's a 2.44Gb download which has then to be burnt onto a DVD. There will be issues requiring you to 'look under the bonnet' to fix and send feedback to Microsoft through an inbuilt facility. Microsoft do not officially provide support for Window7 beta but there will be infornation available on their community site.
Could be fun and looks like it will be a worthy successor to Windows XP. Should be with a few million people helping Microsoft to test it!
8 January 2009
Just a note on the Buzzfly micro I mentioned a few days ago!
It's a great little heli and once you''ve got used to it's responses, it flies with very similar characteristics to a normal size P&B. Buzzfly offer a full cnc upgrade for the head, swashplate etc. nice too! Good thing they do because the plastic head components, although cheap, don't last long while you're mastering the technique needed to keep it in the air. In general, its fairly robust but some of the head components are not! I've got through three mainblade holders (equivilent to a feathering shaft) as the pitch linkage ball ends snap off easily. I've also broken the flybar and a linkage. Mind you, if my Raptor 30 received the same treatment, it would cost me ten times what I've spent so far. It's good fun though.
7 January 2009
Is that cold or is that cold?
5 January 2009
Cor blimey mate! Saw the Air Ambulance/Police MD900 drop down in a field near us on Sunday, he picked up some brass monkeys who were in trouble!
4 January 2009
Addressing the balance a bit, here's a link to a site which carries some excellent clips of commercial heavies.
I was intending to go to the field this morning to do the journalistic bit but its too cold for the camera !!! It's 10.30am and a birdie tells me that there's no one there anyway, so instead I'll put up a pic of warmer times. Yes, that's Mr Blower in his best beach kit recovering from an extensive inverted flight with his Rappy. Actually, this was our early meetings of tarchelicopters at the Beversbrook flying site. Aah! memories. You can just see the BK117, hiding down alongside the rear offside wheel of my car (next to the umbrella) Those were the days!
3 January 2009
Welcome to another new member (Nick Gash) See you at the field Nick!
2 January 2009
Albert Schweizer? No, Keith Murrell with his new Schweizer. Who's been out in this artic weather then?
That looks nice Keith.
Keith informs me that he HAS NOT added a G47 (or even a 47G) to his fleet! I'm guessing my informant is referring to Keith's recently acquired Schweizer 300. Suppose they do look somewhat similar to the layman, ahem! (you just can't get the staff these days)
Actually, its news to me but it appears the Hughes 300 is the Schweizer 300! just a different company manufacturing them now.
1 January 2009
Even if you have no clips or pics, you''ve presumably something to say, ask, mention, whisper, SHOUT?
H53 departure