Heli-Max HMXE0807 - Manual (Page 18)

18
FLYING FLYING
The Heli-Max Novus 125 FP is a lightweight helicopter. Taking that into
consideration, you should only fl y indoors or in calm winds less than 1mph until
you become accustomed to the Novus 125 FP helicopter. The Novus should
be fl own in a large area of at least 50 feet [15.25m] square with no obstacles.
The Novus 125 FP is lightweight and due to this it does not fl y well in ground
effect (air disturbance when the model helicopter is hovered below 1 foot
[30cm]). The model should be fl own at a minimum altitude of 1 foot [30cm] to
avoid the instabilities cause by ground effect.
Crashing
If you have operated radio control models in the past then you probably already
realize that it is not a matter of “if” you are going to crash, it is a matter of “when”
you are going to crash. Once you realize the model is going to collide with
something or crash into the ground, you should always bring the throttle stick all
the way down to stop the main rotor blades from rotating. If you can remember
to do this, chances are you will not damage the helicopter in the crash. The
main rotor blades carry a lot of RPM and inertia during fl ight. Cutting the power
to the main rotor blades will prevent most of the crash damage.
Takeoff
Slowly add power, observe the model and make all of the necessary corrections
to keep the model level. If you feel a trim adjustment is needed, lower the throttle
to idle and make trim adjustments before lifting off for the fi rst time. You will fi nd
that model helicopters never allow you to return the sticks to center. You just
need to position the stick as needed to maintain a steady hover.
You will notice the cyclic controls lag behind your inputs. This is normal and
something you get the feel for with time. It’s normal to drift around in a hover
until you become accustomed to fl ying the model. The cyclic controls are fairly
sensitive so only small movements are necessary.
Hovering
Once the helicopter is up in the air, simply try to hold the helicopter in one spot.
If this is your fi rst model helicopter, it will require some practice. Wind or air
currents have a big effect on the stability of the helicopter as well. Be patient
and slowly work forward, as trying to rush the learning process can be costly.