That entire flight was made in ground effect (1/2 wingspan or rotor=20
diameter). That increases the amount of lift available considerably.=20
There have been many planes that crashed, short  runway, hot=20
temperatures, high altitude. They get off the runway, not able to=20
accelerate to a speed sufficient to get enough lift out of ground=20
effect. They just fly at a few feet off the ground into trees or=20
whatever obstacle is ahead. This probably explains the higher altitude=20
instability.

I doubt that this was the actual first flight, but first time spectators=20
were there. Helicopters commonly are tethered so they are restrained=20
from a foot or 2 off the ground until a little stability is achieved.=20
I'm amazed at the safety precautions taken. A blade could have broke or=20
on a hard landing struck the tail rotor and there would be knife like=20
objects flying all over. Videos of helicopters crashing are far from pretty=
..

But this is quite amazing and they deserve credit.

I have a friend that is taking a small 2 place helicopter kit,=20
converting it from piston engine to a turbine. Haven't talked to him for=20
a while, don't know his progress, but he did have the turbine and drive=20
train mounted.

On 10/8/13 4:16 PM, John Ferrell wrote:
> Sounded good, minimal vibration, Death grip on the cyclic(I think),
> right arm tight against his leg with fingers very gentle on the
> controls, it still was  not solid as the altitude increased. Structure
> just OK, the man is outstanding!
> I wonder what the power plant was. If that was fuel in the jugs it did
> not use much.
> I have almost given up ever flying even model Heli's.
>

--=20
http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.