Helicopters

Helicopters

North Berks has always been a club with both rotary and fixed wing fliers, although for a few years the helicopter activity has been a diminishing minority. During the last year there has been a reversal of this trend, and the re-establishment of the separate heli field. This is now operational, although there is the potential for further improvements to be made.

Helicopter flying is permitted at the main fixed wing site, which allows those who pursue both disciplines to do so at one location. Having said that the other field is only a few hundred yards away, and provides the opportunity for those who wish to concentrate on helis and get a lot of air time, at whatever level they are at, but especially for training.

The operating procedures for the heli field are now incorporated into the club handbook. These have also been printed and laminated and fixed to the pegboard at the heli patch. For the main patch all frequency bands are permitted, but only equipment working on the 2.4GHz band is now permitted at the heli field. This is due to the proximity of the two fields, but as most heli fliers are now using 2.4GHz this is not envisaged as being a problem.

Both fields operate using a peg-off system, with black pegs for 2.4GHz.

At the moment there is no formal training programme for helicopters, but help is available, either with setup or training. If there is sufficient interest it may be possible to get a club trainer. What is immediately practical is mentoring for anyone with their own heli, and buddy box training for anyone with their own heli with a JR/Spektrum compatible radio, or their own buddy box system. For anyone not sure if helis are for them it is also possible to arrange a have-a-go session using a buddy box.

At the heli field we now have a couple of tables in the pits area which are ideal for setting up and starting models on; much easier than trying to do it on the ground!

Although the re-instated field has not been in use for long we already have one member who has gained his A certificate on it!

Please contact me if you want help or advice, to get more information or just want to arrange to meet at the field to talk, or watch :

NBhelicopters@greenfiddle.co.uk

Chris Marshall

NBRMAS Committee helicopter Rep.