Model helicopter
A model helicopter is a flight model that is modeled on a man-carrying helicopter in form and function. It is kept on a much smaller scale and in most cases cannot be carried by a person. However, some models are designed to carry smaller loads; so there are B. special model helicopters that are equipped with camera systems, measuring devices, loudspeakers, agricultural equipment or even rescue equipment. Remote-controlled model helicopters are therefore not only used in the hobby area, but also in the professional spectrum of work.
Unlike the helicopter model from plastic or die-cast high to scale, detail a model helicopter is airworthy and is called the RC Helicopter (Engl. Radio-controlled helicopter ) radio-controlled , but not necessarily be modeled after a great role model. A distinction is made between so-called scale models (true-to-scale reproduction in shape and color), semi-scale (largely true-to-scale reproduction with some detail changes), fun- scale models (true-to-scale reproduction with fantasy coloring that does not exist in reality) and trainer versions (models, which do not exist in reality, but which have a pure training, sport or application function such as rescue, camera work and measurements).
development
The first commercially available model helicopter, a Bell Huey Cobra , was presented by Dieter Schlueter at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1972 .
The spread of model helicopters has received a significant boost in recent years. In addition to the possibility of buying an RC helicopter for little money, significant increases in performance, new technologies for drives and materials, and more reliability and easier operation have led to this phenomenon. In particular, the introduction of brushless electric motors ( brushless ), lithium polymer batteries , gas turbines , carbon fiber reinforced plastic and glass fiber reinforced plastic give the models a high level of stability while reducing take-off weight and offer a wide range of services. Furthermore, there are constantly new constructions, inexpensive mass production in Far Eastern countries such. B. China , Taiwan or South Korea .
Technical characteristics
The technology is based on man-carrying helicopters , differences are due to other physical conditions. Either single-cylinder reciprocating piston engines based on nitromethane or gasoline, electric motors or small gas turbines are used as motorization . The greatly simplified technology in connection with significantly less take-off weight results in not only restrictions but also advantages over the man-carrying model, which are as follows:
- Small size and weight: relatively stronger influence of aerodynamics and wind.
- E-motors mean simplified gears and speed control compared to combustion engines , and also less vibrations.
- Electric drives (tail rotor, coaxial, etc.) are relatively inexpensive and efficient, although larger models can incur quite high costs for the batteries and their charging technology, as the energy requirement is significantly higher with larger models.
- Gyroscopes and other stabilization systems allow automatic stabilization around one or more axes.
- Payload, transport volume and range usually do not play a role.
- Lower forces on the rotor make it possible to dispense with flapping and swivel joints .
- The pilot needs a high level of motor skills in order to be able to control up to four control directions simultaneously using two control sticks.
- Aerobatics including inverted flight (negative rotor angle of attack) is relatively easy with some models, which is only possible to a limited extent with man-carrying helicopters with some types and only when the mechanics and rotor blades are heavily loaded.
Models
Models with programmable controls are well suited. Both in terms of their mechanical structure and through software settings on the transmitter or stabilization system side, these offer the possibility of specifying different types of settings. This allows a “beginner-friendly” setting for the first flight attempts and later, when the model helicopter can be controlled in every normal flight position, an “advanced” setting for artificial or even 3D flight.
The very cheap models under 50 EUR currently already have a 3-channel control. In addition to the height ('gas'), the rotation around the vertical axis can be controlled and the forward movement can be controlled via the 'Nick'. A classic helicopter is only really fully equipped and controllable (height, pitch, roll, turn) with at least 4 control axes.
Simple electric models are available for less than 100 EUR, they are characterized by a low weight (up to approx. 300 g) and are now also recommended for beginners, since these models are hardly damaged due to their low weight in a crash, which, if it does occur, can be repaired inexpensively. In this weight / price class, coaxial helicopters currently dominate, but pitch-controlled micro-helicopters that are suitable for aerobatics are also increasingly gaining acceptance, as these can be flown without restrictions and are therefore not only interesting for beginners, but also for advanced users. What is characteristic of these models, which are also referred to as RTF models, ARF models or BNF models, is that they are almost without exception offered as finished models that can be flown immediately with a remote control that is usually included without major changes to the settings. RTF means "Ready to Fly", ARF "Almost Ready to Fly", while BNF means "Bind and Fly" - only a compatible remote control has to be bound to the receiver of the model in order to be able to fly the model. RTF models can - theoretically - be flown out of the box, while with ARF models even smaller modifications have to be made and / or some parts have to be added and with BNF models some settings have to be made on the transmitter.
Combustion engines are divided into classes (30, 50, 60, 90 and 120 class) and trainer models are divided into tail boom length classes (e.g. 450 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, etc.), which is also 250 mm for electric models mm to 800 mm is used. Turbine models are not currently divided into classes.
The market for the slightly heavier models around 1000 g is very confusing. Here you can find finished models as well as kits, which are delivered in different degrees of prefabrication depending on the manufacturer. In addition, most models are sold in different versions. For example, there are some suppliers who offer seven different versions of their model - starting with the basic model in simple plastic construction through to the tuned full metal and carbon version with colored anodized parts.
The models over 1 kg show a jump in price because they require larger servos and, in the case of E-models, additional batteries with a higher capacity. These models would also be suitable entry-level models due to their size and the associated relative stability against wind gusts and greater inertia when steering. But due to the high purchase price, they are usually only flown by advanced pilots, as the replacement part prices are correspondingly high in the event of a crash.
Another jump in price is given for scale models and models well over 5 kg. Since, as a rule, in addition to high-quality mechanical and electronic components, the drive technology is of particular importance and often mechanical custom-made or even one-off products have to be installed, prices above € 10,000 are not uncommon. These models therefore require the utmost care and are therefore only flown by professionals, especially since multi-blade rotor heads (three or more rotor blades) are often used, which are very difficult to control without electronic aids.
Typical constructions
Speed controlled
In the case of speed-controlled model helicopters ( fixed pitch ; FP for short ), the lift is controlled by changing the speed of the rotor blades. With the FP, the collective angle of attack of the rotor blades is always the same, the control of the lift and thus the height takes place exclusively via the rotor speed ("gas"). In the case of electrically powered mini model helicopters, this is regulated by an actuator which is usually combined in one module with the receiver and the "gyro" (see below).
This design responds more slowly to control commands than the "pitch-controlled" variant, but has the advantage of a simpler mechanical structure, lower weight and is also less sensitive to falls. It has proven itself particularly with small and inexpensive models under 500 g. There are also larger models in the 1.5 kg range, which are particularly robust with this rotor construction, so that fewer parts are destroyed if they accidentally hit the ground.
In the case of non-coaxial models, the torque compensation or the rotation around the vertical axis is controlled by a rear motor. Since every change in the speed of the main rotor causes a change in torque, the yaw axis must also be continuously readjusted - which is difficult for the model pilot because the reference axis changes when turning, unlike a pilot sitting in the cockpit. Therefore, electronic yaw rate sensors (so-called gyros , but rarely a real gyroscope ) are used today, which regulate the yaw axis in such a way that the orientation of the trunk does not change or it remains the same.
The lateral (forwards / backwards and sideways, also pitch and roll ) movement can be controlled by a swash plate which is linked by at least two servomotors . In the case of very simple constructions, this is not done, only the altitude and the rotation can be controlled.
Pitch controlled
Pitch is the angle of attack of a rotor blade in relation to the incoming air. The control of the lift is traditionally done by changing the collective (common) angle of attack of the rotors (see swashplate ); the speed, however, ideally remains constant. In the majority of cases, the control is carried out with three servos on the swash plate, often in a 120-degree arrangement, in which the forces are evenly distributed over the servos, whose movements must then be coordinated with one another.
This coordination of the linkages (mixing) can be done on the transmitter side by so-called helicopter mixers or swashplate mixers. In the meantime there are also onboard systems (e.g. the sensor-controlled V-Stabi or other comparable systems) that independently control the swashplate and tail rotor mix and also contain a three-axis stabilization system. These systems are now so effectively stabilizing that the auxiliary rotor plane (paddle) on the rotor head is completely dispensed with and can be flown "flybarless", i.e. with a rigid rotor head. Thanks to these systems, flight speeds of over 250 km / h are now possible with the models, which are difficult to fly with the auxiliary rotor level, since the model would swing strongly.
For the tail rotor, constructions with a separate tail motor, with drive shaft and deflection gear or with toothed belts are used. When the tail rotor is mechanically coupled in this way, the yaw axis is controlled by changing the angle of attack of the tail rotor, which requires an additional servo. Since the tail rotor controls the overall alignment of the model around the vertical axis , a particularly fast response time is required. For this reason, faster servos with shorter response times are ideally used to control the tail rotor.
Coaxial rotor
As with man-carrying coaxial rotor helicopters, two rotors rotating in opposite directions, one above the other, have the advantage that no tail rotor is needed to compensate for torque. Above all, this eliminates the drift that remains in a tail rotor (see there ), which greatly simplifies control when space is limited and indoors (e.g. halls). Since the rotors are electronically controlled by two separate electric motors, the tail motor or tail servo can be omitted, since the yaw axis can only be controlled via differences in the rotational speed of the rotors. However, it reacts much more slowly than models with their own tail rotor, which makes flying in wind more difficult. The lift control is mostly speed-controlled and only the lower rotor is partially controlled via the swash plate for pitch / roll control. The design effort is therefore no greater than with the tail rotor construction, but the control can be learned more quickly.
In simple constructions, the swash plate is completely dispensed with and the pitch is controlled by a small, vertical rear motor . At low airspeed, targeted flights are also possible, while the weight of the model (typically up to around 50 grams) is quite low and therefore hardly suitable for outdoor use due to the wind conditions.
Tandem rotor
The tandem configuration has also been used in model making. Two rotors are usually arranged one behind the other. This means two independent rotor heads and swash plates with correspondingly high construction costs and high sensitivity. Since the flight performance of a model helicopter and, in particular, its payload are seldom significant, the tandem design is mostly only used to reproduce an original as realistically as possible.
Flettner models
With Flettner models , two intermeshing rotors are mounted next to each other, sometimes on two brackets. These models are very rare and are usually self-made. The intermeshing of the rotors, which at the same time also compensates for the torque, is rigidly guaranteed by a gearwheel plane that is coordinated with one another. The advantage of a Flettner model is an inherently stable flight and space-saving mechanics.
Multiple rotor
Designs with multiple rotors, usually four for a quadrocopter to eight for an octocopter, take a different approach . The will control all three axes realized by different rotation speeds of the rotors. Since the masses are concentrated in the middle, the self-stabilization of a helicopter is missing. Electronic accelerometers with piezo technology or gyroscopes are therefore mostly used for position stabilization . Thanks to the fast-reacting electric motors controlled by a microcontroller , unlike helicopters or large quadrocopters, sensitive rotor heads with blade adjustment can be dispensed with, which benefits structure, weight and resistance to falling. This construction is increasingly used in drones and UAVs and is now even used by security authorities such as the police and fire brigade as well as in the military sector.
Autogyro
Autogyros and gyroscopes are also built and flown as models. These are not helicopters in the strict sense, as the propulsion is carried out by a separate propeller, but the lift is generated by a rotary wing, as with the helicopter, which is kept rotating by the air flow. Due to this and the moderate flight speed, model gyroplanes are particularly easy to fly.
Single-blade helicopter
Single-blade helicopters , which have a single rotor head to which only a single rotor blade is attached, are rarely found . The rotor blade has a small extension that protrudes beyond the rotor axis on the opposite side and is also equipped with a corresponding counterweight so that there is no imbalance and the entire system rocks when starting or during operation.
Tiltrotor systems
In 2011, the first mass-produced tiltrotor model in the form of a V-22 Osprey replica was available in Germany. Since the tilting protector technology is still quite complex for the model construction scale, the model was many times more expensive when it was launched than comparable pitch or coaxial models in the same size class.
Framework information
Take-off weights
The weight of a typical electric model helicopter is between 50 g (small helicopter with a rotor diameter of approx. 20 cm) and 5 kg (approx. 1.50 m). But there are also miniaturized in-house constructions and commercial small models from series production, which, ready to fly, even weigh less than 10 g and have a rotor diameter of less than 15 cm.
Models with piston engines start at around 2 kg (30 mm engine, approx. 5 cm³, 1.30 m rotor diameter), the widespread model helicopters with 90 mm engines (15 cm³, 1.60 m rotor diameter) weigh approx. 4–5 kg , Scale models with prototypical hulls are often 6–12 kg, turbine-powered models also up to 25 kg.
Flight times for electric models
The flight time for electric models is between 3 and 30 minutes , depending on the type of battery used and the size of the battery pack . The lithium polymer batteries (LiPo and LiIo) used to improve the flight time have a higher specific energy than NiCd or NiMh batteries , but have the disadvantage that they are considerably more expensive with the same capacity, allow fewer charging cycles and are handled more carefully have to. LiFePO 4 batteries of the latest generation have a similarly high specific energy as LiPo batteries, can also be charged with almost identical charging equipment, but are much less sensitive and allow up to 600 charging cycles, so that this technology is described by experts as future-oriented.
Basically, it is advisable to let the drive mechanism, motor and controller cool down between two flights, as these can get very hot depending on the flight style and if not done, the risk of malfunction increases. Conversely, these components work more reliably if they can cool down sufficiently after the flight or if they are appropriately cooled during the flight and thus cannot build up any high temperatures at all.
Efficient Flying Project
New insights into more efficient flying of electric helicopters initially resulted in series of measurements with the appropriate equipment (Eagle Tree data logger) on certain flight models: According to this, it makes much more sense to fly at low speeds for a balanced energy balance and for long flight times. At a high speed, the flow resistance of the rotor blades increases rapidly and the efficiency deteriorates at the same time, thus wasting energy, which has a negative effect on the duration of the flight and actually offers no gain when flying. The flight model should be kept as light as possible and must have a flawless setup in order to bring optimal conditions for energy-efficient flying.
The competition pilots Matt Finke and Nico Niewind (Heli Masters winners 2010) aimed for a flight time of over 30 minutes with different models in the course of several test flights with the inclusion of a wide range of flight figures . Taking into account the above-mentioned aspects, both were able to reach the limit of 30 flight minutes, which seems unattainable for models with a rotor diameter of up to 1.60 m.
More records
Outside of the Efficient Flying Project, competition pilot Timo Wendtland was able to achieve a record time of 151 minutes with a modified Logo 600 series model at an FAI record flight competition in Ballenstedt on September 14, 2013. The 5.65 kg model was equipped with a specially wound electric motor and a 33.8 Ah LiPo battery and managed the record flight with 800 rotor blades at 600 rpm on the rotor head.
The endurance flight world record has been held by an electrically powered quadrocopter since October 28, 2010, which could be kept in the air for more than 12 hours. The energy supply for this record flight was ensured by means of a laser emitted from the ground, which was aimed at onboard solar cells on the flight model and thus maintained the drive power of the quadrocopter. In addition, the model was equipped with an on-board battery, so that even a short interruption of the laser would have had no consequences.
Flight times for models with internal combustion engines
For combustion models, the flight time is typically 20 minutes, but this can be increased with a larger tank. A higher weight of the tank or the amount of fuel carried can have a negative effect on maneuverability and thus on fitness for aerobatics. In the meantime, however, there is also a tendency towards shorter flight times in combustion models, as the engines are becoming more and more powerful and thus have a higher fuel throughput.
Maneuvers
When doing aerobatics with a model helicopter, a large number of maneuvers are possible that cannot be achieved with any other aircraft. For this application, pitch-controlled models are used, as they react more quickly to control commands and enable aerobatic maneuvers with supine positions. International championships are also held in many countries .
The speed flight with the model helicopter is about accelerating the model extremely and reaching a high top speed. This type of flight requires the pilot to have a good ability to assess the space available for large-scale flying, as the model can only be flown as far as it is clearly visible, but at the same time a lot of space is required to accelerate the model. Good results in speed flight can be achieved by a dive, which is then converted into a horizontal flight path. In addition, a great deal of sensitivity is required from the pilot, as small control deflections on the transmitter at these speeds can have a major impact on the flight direction and altitude.
For this type of flight there are meanwhile competitions (speed cups). Speeds of over 316 km / h can be achieved.
Training to become a pilot
The control of a model helicopter requires intensive training. Since helicopters do not fly in a stable manner (with the exception of coaxial helicopters and helicopters that are equipped with electronic flight aids), constant corrections are required which overwhelm the beginner at the beginning. Since flight errors in the worst case are associated with a crash and thus with repair costs, there are now numerous simulation programs (which, however, have little to do with reality, because in reality helicopters behave differently), which make entry considerably easier and thus expensive repair costs for crashed models prevent. There are also flight schools where a flight instructor can correct flight errors with his teacher transmitter that communicates with the student transmitter. In addition, an RC pilot should study relevant literature and relevant websites and forums in order to acquire appropriate theoretical knowledge relating to the commissioning of a model helicopter before making the first flight attempts. In addition to training landing gears, which are intended to facilitate the take-off and landing phase, which is difficult for beginners in particular, and to prevent the model from tipping over on the ground or the rotor blades coming into contact with the ground, there are now also technical aids that compensate for control errors and convert the model into a cheaper one by means of an emergency button on the transmitter Bring your attitude back or even make an emergency landing on your own.
As a good beginner's environment, flying in a confined space (has indoor flying or hall flies ) exposed. Mostly gyms are used for this, with small models it is also possible to fly in a living room. Due to a lack of weather-dependent disturbances such as B. Wind makes flying easier, but at the same time maximum altitude and walls or other obstacles must be observed. In smaller spaces, the rotor downdraft creates turbulence in the air, which can cause a restless flight. In addition, crashes in the hall can lead to considerable model damage due to the hard floor properties.
Special attention should be paid to the ground effect , also called hovering in ground effect (HIGE), during the first flight attempts . This occurs when hovering at a low altitude (up to 1.5 times the rotor diameter) and manifests itself in a very unstable flight condition, as the helicopter stands on its own rotor downwash like on a sphere and constantly changes its position. Therefore frequent corrections are necessary when flying.
FPV (immersion flight)
FPV flying ( first person view ), also known as immersion flying, is increasingly establishing itself in the scene, i.e. flying from the onboard perspective. There is a small camera on board the model, aligned in the direction of flight, and transmits a video signal to the RC helicopter pilot on the ground, which the pilot makes visible to himself using a small monitor or video goggles. Using the video image, the pilot steers the model in the desired direction so that the otherwise applicable visual barrier, in which the model can only be flown as far as the model is visible in the air from the ground, can - theoretically - be exceeded and only the range of the video signal or the range of the remote control limit the flight. Even if the aircraft should get out of range of the remote control or the video signal receiver, some more expensive models now have GPS-supported flight modes, which in this case put the flight model in an autopilot mode and bring it back to the pilot and even land without the Pilot has to intervene or the model is lost. In Germany, however, according to current case law, it is not allowed in the FPV to fly outside the range of vision of the model.
Law and compulsory insurance
Germany
The ascent of model aircraft, including model helicopters, is regulated in Section 16 LuftVO . Accordingly, a promotion permit from the responsible state authority is required if the models
- are heavier than 5 kg,
- should be flown with a combustion engine within a radius of less than 1.5 km from residential areas or
- are to be flown less than 1.5 km from the boundaries of an airfield.
Ascent to airfields also requires the approval of the aviation supervisory body (e.g. Deutsche Flugsicherung - DFS) or flight control. The ascent can be forbidden according to § 29 LuftVG if operational dangers for the safety of the air traffic as well as for the public safety or order arise from the operation of the model aircraft.
Further restrictions can result from the consent of a property owner or other authorized user, which must be obtained, if his property is to be flown. In addition, there are areas over which it is not allowed to fly (e.g. over nuclear power plants, military security areas and nature reserves). In addition, model aircraft may not be flown within built-up areas. The private use of model aircraft must be carried out in such a way that no one is endangered, annoyed or impaired.
In addition to compliance with the general legal provisions, additional insurance must be taken out for the operation of the model (Section 102 LuftVZO ), which must be designed both for the operation of the model outdoors and in closed rooms or halls. Aviation liability insurance must be taken out for all flight models.
This compulsory insurance for model aircraft is more special and more extensive than private liability insurance - consequently, the operation of model aircraft cannot be covered by private liability insurance. The legislator insists on taking out liability insurance, as a model helicopter that falls or goes out of control can cause considerable personal injury or property damage, which can result in corresponding claims for damages.
See also
- World Scenic Flights , around the world in a model helicopter - an award-winning short film by the film and stunt team HeliGraphix
- Pitch gauge , a measuring tool for setting the angle of attack for the rotor blades of a model helicopter
- Training landing gear , an aid to learn to fly a model helicopter and to prevent the model from falling
- Camcopter S-100 , a model helicopter-based aerial drone
Individual references / comments
- ↑ The British physicist Andrew McGonigle from Sheffield uses a remote-controlled model helicopter equipped with measuring devices to predict volcanic eruptions. The helicopter measures the carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide emissions over the volcano. This was preceded by a measurement by volcanologists at the crater rim, who died in the process, so that the RC helicopter is a safer measurement alternative. → see also: The University of Sheffield ; Lethal breath 2008 ( Memento from April 24, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) rolexawards.com, (Retrieved June 26, 2010)
- ↑ On September 16, 2011, in the presence of Ulrike Höfken the Environment Minister, Rhineland-Palatinate , a remote-controlled lift helicopter (FRM-G monitor lizard) presented with Flettnerrotorsystem that on future steep slope vineyards are used, and pesticides to deploy. The Rhineland-Palatinate viticulture ministry funded the development with € 50,000. The helicopter is controlled manually by radio remote control, has a power of 14.5 kW available through a 170 cm³ two-cylinder boxer engine, a rotor diameter of approx. 2500 mm and weighs approx. 65 kg in the construction state from 2011. The designers are striving to be able to absorb so much vine protection agent in the future by increasing the payload that larger areas can be irrigated with a single flight. In addition, the system is to be equipped with control aids in the future so that the helicopter can be used automatically in some areas. Source: DMFV Modellflieger Magazin, December 2011 issue, pp. 46 and 47.
- ↑ The vast majority of model helicopters are operated by radio remote controls in the 35 MHz or 2.4 GHz range - the latter has meanwhile established itself due to a number of safety features, since model crashes due to operational errors such as channel duplication are no longer possible in this spectrum. There are now even the first model helicopters that have an onboard WLAN system and can be controlled via a mobile phone
- ↑ As the number of rotors increases, the payload can also be increased. There are the first hexacopters in series production that can easily accommodate 1 kg of payload (camera equipment, etc.)
- ↑ as reported in Rotor 7/2010
- ↑ Sufficient cooling can also be achieved through air slots in the hood or through special commercially available cooling fins or fans, if the components do not need to be cooled down between two flights. Excessively high temperatures can lead to the expansion of the pinion, which in the worst case can lead to the breakage of the pinion teeth on the motor or gear pinion (see Operating Instructions Three Dee Rigid, www.henseleit-helicopters.de). Electronic components that are too hot can lead to a shutdown or slow shutdown of the respective component (melting protection) (see operating instructions from Kontronik High End high-current and high-voltage speed controllers with very strong BEC up to 12s)
- ↑ Measured were e.g. B. Hover maneuvers at 1300 rpm: 570 W. At 2100 rpm at the rotor head, 1.5 kW were already consumed. As stated in ROTOR 03/2009, p. 28. The flight model must, however, be able to fly at these low speeds and also to be able to perform all flight maneuvers. Three-axis stabilization systems can be helpful here
- ↑ as reported in several ROTOR issues in 2010 as well as other specialist magazines appearing in Germany. The previous record flight with a model weighing almost 5 kg was 38 minutes.
- ↑ as stated in ROTOR edition 11/2013, p. 16 ff, also readable at twheli.de
- ↑ see portal.mytum.de
- ↑ as reported in ROTOR magazine - helicopter model flight. December 2010 issue, p. 9.
- ↑ The model helicopter pilot Robert Sixt flew the exceptional speed of 316 km / h with his model Henseleit Three Dee / Velocity at the Pöting Speed Cup in 2014. Also mentioned in ROTOR August 2014
- ↑ as stated in RC-Heli-Action, May 2013 edition
- ↑ According to Section 1, Paragraph 1, No. 9 of the Air Transport Act (LuftVG), model aircraft are “aircraft” within the meaning of aviation law. Accordingly, § 1 of the Aviation Ordinance (LuftVO) also applies here. According to paragraph 1 of the standard, every participant in air traffic must behave in such a way that safety and order are guaranteed and no one else is endangered, damaged or hindered or annoyed more than the circumstances can avoid. From this it is deduced that the operation of model aircraft is not permitted in the locality. As long as there is no danger, impairment and / or nuisance, there would be nothing to object to the operation of small electric models in “urban areas” either.
- ↑ The compulsory insurance for model aircraft results from 102 Air Traffic Licensing Regulations (LuftVZO). This was published in the Federal Law Gazette 2005 Part I No. 47, issued in Bonn on August 10, 2005 (2275).
- ↑ Compulsory insurance applies regardless of the size, weight and drive of the model. In any case, this applies to models that are remotely controlled and resemble aircraft in type and character. Toys, such as plastic or foam planes that are moved through the air with a catapult, are not covered by the insurance requirement. In some cases, the line to toys that are not subject to insurance can be blurred.
- ↑ There may be an exception for model aircraft with a take-off weight of less than 1000 g: some model flight associations offer membership that includes insurance for model aircraft under 1000 g, so that in this case no additional insurance has to be taken out - neither outdoors nor in closed rooms Rooms or halls.
literature
- Dieter Schlueter: remote-controlled helicopter . 11th edition. Neckar-Verlag, Villingen-Schwenningen 1999, ISBN 3-7883-3126-7 .
- Dieter Schlueter: The history of the model helicopter and other memories . Neckar-Verlag, Villingen-Schwenningen 2007, ISBN 978-3-7883-0695-3 .
- Stefan Pichel: Wunderwelt model helicopters . the entry using the example of the T-Rex 450. Books on Demand Verlag, Norderstedt 2008, ISBN 978-3-8370-4520-8 .
- Norbert Grüntjens: RC electric helicopter . Big steps to success . Ikarus Grüntjens, Schramberg-Waldmössingen 2006, ISBN 3-00-020372-9 .
- Stefan Pichel: Really lifted! - The fascination of model helicopters . Books on Demand, Norderstedt 2007, ISBN 978-3-8370-0521-9 .
- Georg rods: DMFV Heli Primer II . DMFV publishing house.
- Gerald Kainberger: The big book of model flying . VTH-Verlag, Baden-Baden 2010, ISBN 978-3-88180-793-7 .
- Michal Sip: The great manual model flight. Geramond, Munich 2008, ISBN 978-3-7654-7348-7 .
- Wolfgang Maurer: Heli-Setup-Workbook I & II. Wellhausen & Marquardt Medien, Hamburg 2010, ISBN 978-3-939806-10-3 and ISBN 978-3-939806-11-0 .
Web links
- Description of the first commercial helicopter Bell Huey Cobra by Dieter Schlueter
- RHF-Heli Wiki - technical information from rc-heli-fan.org
- Helischool - a virtual flight school for model helicopters
- Efficient Flying Project: 30 minute flight by Matt Finke
- Team Black Sheep in the FPV flight over the Costa Concordia
- A model helicopter in use in agriculture