Silly helicopter A test question (Or is it?)

[Three6ty]

Hi,
All being well I'm going to do my A test this weekend down at Charmouth. Now I'm defo not going to do the following but...
Could you do the A test with an MCPX? Maybe I've not looked hard enough but I can't see any rule that says no. Is there a minimum heli size? The only thing I see that's close is you can't use a contra rotating heli. To all intents and purposes the MCPX is a proper heli. I guess the examiner may not be to keen to do the test but could he stop you taking it with this?
Is this really as silly as it sounds?
Cheers, Rich

[moyesboy]

they devised the test to allow as many types of heli to be flown for the test as possible.
no probs with the MCPx, or even the trex100 fixed pitch - presumably.

You might have trouble flying some manoevres recogniseably on a windy day - but the examiner is supposed to allow for the conditions, expecting more precise flying on a smooth calm day than on a windy rough day.

[Mslater]

I see no reason why not, the test allows for FBL (depending on the examiner). Remember its as much about safety as anything else. Read the book, learn your sweets and smart and away you go.

[Balders]

Isn't there something about the amount of stabilising gyro's? Strictly speaking, the mCPx is a 3 axis gyro, meaning it would be ineligable. That would be my reading of it, but I stress I am not an examiner.

[Mslater]

There's still some debate about it, the wording says you need to demonstrate the electronics have no auto pilot capability. I know two examiners who will say if you tilt the heli and the swash moves then it cannot be used for the test. Three other examiners I've spoken to suggest this is ok and a normal function of FBL units.

FBL is allowed according to the BMFA but the wording also allows examiners to refuse. I'll see if I can find the actual quotation....

[Mslater]

From the Hand book...

The test can be performed with virtually any model helicopter, fixed pitch or collective. The
helicopter may be internal combustion engine or electric motor powered. The only exception
to this is that helicopters with coaxial contra-rotating main rotors are not allowed, the
reasoning being that these models are generally too stable to provide an adequate test of a
candidate’s abilities

If the helicopter does not have a fly bar fitted it is acceptable to use extra electronic
stabilisation, however the extra electronic stabilisation must only be acting as a fly bar
replacement system and must not take over control from the pilot or achieve automated
flight.

The use of any autopilot and/or artificial stability features which are (or may be) designed
into such units beyond definition above is not acceptable during the test and is not allowed.
Candidates should be prepared to explain the capabilities of the system they are using and
show that it does not take over control from the pilot and that automated flight will not be
achieved during the test.


Its these words that cause the problem artificial stability features because that is exactly what an fbl controller is.

[cjcj1949]

I think they mean that flybarless is ok so long as the system is as unstable as a flybarred heli. The mcpx is just as unstable as far as I've seen, it as no tendency to correct itself anymore than a normal flybarred heli. They should really exclude the msr as that is more stable than a 90 degree flybarred heli, but they havent thought of that. So perhaps the msr can be used as a yardstick for acceptable stability as it is a flybarred heli. I'm sure I've seen some of the BMFA tests (not heli) possibly fixed wing, that state a minimum weight.

Chris

[jwatts007]

At a B test afew weeks ago at our field FBL was not allowed, not that it made any differance as the guy flew his FB model, as for these micro helis being used in a test, why would you want too, I think you would make yourself look a fool..................

[rachel]

I have just done my "A" test with a FBL model , Rexy my 700le, using Total G.
I was asked to prove that the fbl system added no stabilisation as in an "Auto pilot"
Short of taking your hands off the sticks in flight and watching your pride and joy fly off into the ground I don't know how you can prove it.
The BMFA states;

If the helicopter does not have a fly bar fitted it is acceptable to use extra electronic
stabilisation, however the extra electronic stabilisation must only be acting as a fly bar
replacement system and must not take over control from the pilot or achieve automated
flight.


I and the examiner read that as a system such as heli command , that will fly the model for you ,
in other words add a correction to keep the model in one spot indefinatly would not be acceptable.

As for using an MCX , or McPx Imo a 90 is much easier and more stable to fly so if anyone did pass flying
a small heli they would in my view be a better pilot than most.

As for taking your "A", I hope you get an examiner like mine , he was really good, he put me at ease and I actually loved the experiance, and I don't
do tests well.
Have fun and enjoy your test ,

good luck x Rachel

[Tim Procter]

as for these micro helis being used in a test, why would you want too, I think you would make yourself look a fool..................

Hit the nail right on the head.

[Balders]

Hi,
All being well I'm going to do my A test this weekend down at Charmouth. Now I'm defo not going to do the following but...

I think the question was more a theoretical one given the above quote from the first line of the OP.

[trillian]

At a B test afew weeks ago at our field FBL was not allowed, not that it made any differance as the guy flew his FB model, as for these micro helis being used in a test, why would you want too, I think you would make yourself look a fool..................

Weeeeell, it's one of those dividing issues as some might think it's ridiculous, some might think it's taking the **** at the A test and some might think it's cool. I think the prevailing points are that it says in the handbook the model has to fit the test and the test cannot be modified to fit the model, so it would have to be flown outdoors in normal outdoor conditions and expected to perform to a standard the examiner thinks is acceptable (and I guess the examiner might have the discretion to just not allow it).

[alex]

From the Hand book...


however the extra electronic stabilisation must only be acting as a fly bar
replacement system and must not take over control from the pilot or achieve automated
flight.

and
show that it does not take over control from the pilot and that automated flight will not be
achieved during the test.

Its these words that cause the problem artificial stability features because that is exactly what an fbl controller is.

I think that is pretty clear TBH- if you put the Tx down, the model will crash within a few seconds

Meant to be doing my A on Friday but the weather looks shocking. The bad thing is I am really nervous and feel unprepared, despite doing upside down, tic tocs, reverse circuits etc- funny really

[Martind]

Might be doing it as well alex. Just got to sort out a time 20mph winds will be noprobs hehe


Sent from my iPhonings

[sacko]

It is a personal achievement scheme, so up to you from what I understand.

The A test is there to show that you are a safe pilot etc.