General Backflip

[Matt]

Out of curiosity.. would it be easier to do a backflip with a bigger heli or a smaller heli? Would it be easier to do a backflip with an Align Trex 150 or an Align Trex 450? If I crash the 450 it would cost more to fix but would it be easier to do a backflip with the 450 or 150? From people having experience with bigger helis and smaller helis which do y’all find easier to do 3D with?

 

[murankar]

I don know how to word this response.

What's harder or easier is going to be on you. Use the kit that stresses you the least to crash. Both kits can get expensive to fix.

Some will say a 450, 360, 380 class is easier because of mass. Some will claim the 150 because the lack of mass. Just go out on the frame that is easier to fix in case the unplanned contact with terrafirma.

 

[Matt]

I can do a backflip with my XK K110, should I try it with my Align Trex 250? I know if I crash the 250 it’s going to be costly but how much different is it between the two sizes?

 

[murankar]

Weight is one thing. It will feel different. Just don't let the size mess you. Its the same skill either way. Go 3 mistakes high and call it good.

 

[Matt]

I did try to go 3 mistakes high with my 250, so that’s good.. but I didn’t try a backflip.. it’s still hit or miss with the K110.. so I think I’m going to try to get perfect with the K110 before I try it with a more expensive heli.. also we have snow on the ground so I’d like to try it over grass first with the 250..

 

[murankar]

If that's the case then get to the point where you can do it without getting scared. Then work on it with the 250. As long as you can do it with out crashing then Go for it.

 

[Matt]

So I did try a backflip with my 250 and crashed.. I need to get a new head for it and new blades.. but I’ve learned a valuable lesson.. I flew over grass.. I’ve also been flying the K110 over grass.. and even though the 250 needs to be fixed the K110 doesn’t.. so flying over grass for the K110 made a major difference and flying over grass for the 250 most likely kept the parts count way down due to the crash.. flying over grass is the only way I’m going to fly going forward.. once the snow stops.. lol

 

[murankar]

grass generally is better than cement. Give you props for trying. If you never try it then you'll never progress. I hope to get to where I can flip.

 

[Matt]

I’ve seen on YouTube people doing flips in small spaces.. should I try a flip in an 10x12x8 foot room or is that more geared for someone who’s really good at doing flips?

 

[D.O.G.]

You should wait til you get the hang of doing back flips with ease in open area before attempting small area. Your just asking for trouble!

 

[murankar]

As Ivan said no. The only way I would say yes is if you know your orientations in all 8 directs without flaw. You need to know how to correct in all directions without having to think about it. Lots of people make the small space flying look ever so easy. With a Micro to about a 250 size you will want a back yard sized area with a nice clear shot of the sky. I would say 40 feet by 40 feet with a 40 foot ceiling or more. Also work back flipping in all direction: Nose in, out; nose left, right. Its going to feel really weird at first but keep practicing and you'll get it. I might want to learn backward flight if your back flipping. This will allow you to fly out of the flip with having to worry to much.

 

[Matt]

So I’m continuing to try to do a backflip with my XK K110.. when the heli is inverted the heli is turning a half turn.. seems to be that I’m inputting some rudder when the heli is inverted.. is this me inputting some rudder when the heli is inverted or does this half turn mean there is something wrong with the setup of the heli? When the heli is inverted it is turning a half turn so the heli is not tail in but side in.. does this mean I’m accidentally inputting some rudder or is this an issue with the setup of the heli?

 

[murankar]

Chances are its you doing it. its possible your tail gain may need increased a little.

 

[Matt]

I think when I’m giving the heli negative pitch I’m inadvertently giving it a little bit of rudder.. was going to practice on the sim some more.. thanks for confirming my assumptions..

 

[murankar]

either work on stick control or add some expo. open the dead zone little bit so you don't get inadvertent inputs.

 

[Tony]

Try to stiffen up your rudder stick. Or, when you are doing the flip, punch up, go to 0 pitch and let go of the throttle stick, pull back on the elevator and when you are back upright, add collective. Letting go of that collective will tell you if you are doing it or not. Stiffening up the rudder stick will also help, it helped me anyway.

 

[Matt]

When I’m flipping the heli falls out of the sky quite a bit.. I’m assuming this is because I’m not giving it negative pitch quite fast enough.. if I give it negative pitch quicker.. will it not fall so much but stay relatively in the same space as when I started?

 

[murankar]

That's the goal. You have to learn how much negative you need to maintain the same altitude.

When flipping you should be at mid stick while in knife edge orientation. Then follow through to negative as it finishes the rotation.

 

[Geena]

You should wait til you get the hang of doing back flips with ease in open area before attempting small area. Your just asking for trouble!

+1 on that. If you`re not 100% comfortable and proficient at flipping, don`t even consider doing it in a confined space. Things can get bad really fast.

 

[Matt]

How cognizant are you guys of where your sticks are? If the throttle stick was at mid-stick are you guys cognizant of that? Is that just practice to get to that point?