This companion video to the Building and Flying an Indoor Model Airplane was professionally produced by the NFFS and once again features Mark Allison instructing in the construction and trimming of an indoor helicopter. Recently updated for the 2014 Science Olympiad event, it also features downloadable plans, templates and more. Approximately 55 minutes long.


Plans and directions can be downloaded here:
https://freeflight.org/wp-content/upl...

2024-2025 Science Olympiad Season (notes added by Coach Brian Turnbull for NFFS)

The helicopter construction demonstrated in this video only needs a couple minor changes to meet the 2024-25 Science Olympiad rules. Here are suggested changes:

Required changes to meet 2024-25 SO rules:
1. Shorten the 7" long "Post or Boom" to 6.5" or 6.0" so that the helicopter fits in your box. This will make the Boom length above the top rotor 3.5" to 4.0", which is perfectly fine. This can be done after the heli is fully constructed.
2. Add a dime sized disc to the top of the "Post or Boom" to meet this requirement in the rules. Disc can be made of medium hard 1/8" thick balsa so that it can resist impact with the ceiling. Attach securely so that it doesn't break off when the heli contacts the ceiling! This can also be done after the heli is fully constructed.

Build procedure simplifications and clarifications for 2024-25:
1. If you want quicker assembly, build with good quality, and fresh CA glue (super glue; Gorilla, Bob Smith, Loc Tite, Zap a Gap are good) instead of the titebond demonstrated.
2. If using CA, cut joints accurately and line up and hold joint together and use one drop of glue wicked into the joint. Medium CA will fill small gaps in joints. Thin CA is lighter and stronger if joints are good.
3. Ok to apply covering to the tops of rotors instead of bottom.
4. Cover with tissue if you want to use glue stick (Elmers Extra Strength is good). Grocery produce bag requires Weldwood nonflammable contact cement as demonstrated in the video.
5. 1/16" square sticks for rotor spars should be medium density. This would be a 0.3 - 0.35 gram 36" long stick.
6. Motor stick should be stiff to withstand tension and torque of a wound motor. Even stiffer than demonstrated would be good if you plan to wind the motor to high torque.
7. Rotor hub material can be 1/8" square stick instead of 1/16" square to make it easier to drill the shaft hole.


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*Always verify current rules before building for competition