One of the first questions I get asked regarding helicopters is "Have you ever put a camera on it?" or people come up and talk to me about this new idea they've had about starting an aerial photography business with their helicopter. I am generally very dismissive of talk like this cause I realize just how difficult it can be to implement something like this. As in most things technically challenging, many people start, but few are successful. One of the most successful implementations of aerial photography I've ever seen is from Airfoil HeliCam. I approached John Ohnemus from Airfoil HeliCam and asked if he could write an article on his company and setup which is included in this issue.
Russ Deakin is one of Europe's top 3D pilots. He is involved in the production of Model Helicopter World and consults to CSM. Russ has demoed the 3DNT machines at IRCHA and he takes the time to answer a few questions.

2003 World Champs - Noto, Japan.
The World Champs have been and gone again and this time Manabu Hashimoto flying for Hirobo pipped JR's Curtis Youngblood at the post to win the World Championship.
New Zealand was once again represented by Aaron Williams with his Kyosho Caliber 90's. If you would like to read day-by-day reports of what happened at the World Champs, I recommend you visit the British Team Diary and US Team Diary.

XFC Competition.
The XFC competition is an invitational event open to fixed wing aerobatic planes as well as helicopters. The 2003 event has just been held in Ohio in the US and looks like it was a great success.
If anything it cemented Alan Szabo Jr's rightful place up amongst the big dogs of 3D after giving Jason Krause and Curtis Youngblood a huge run for their money and ending up in third place with Curtis second and Jason first. When there is only 12 points out of 4000 separating first and third place you know it's been a tough fight!
For more information on this event, visit http://www.franknoll.com/xfc.html
I'm very much looking forward to seeing the results of the upcoming 3D Masters in the UK where Jason, Curtis and Alan will once again be competing.

New toys.
I've got a couple of new toys this month. First was some Raptor metal blade grips and 6mm spindle for my Voyager. I did this in an effort to tighten the head up a bit to try and make it fly better. I found this idea off RunRyder.com and I'm glad to say it's really worked out. I haven't had much time on it yet, but I'll report more as I do.
I've also brought a new metal head for the CS to try. It's designed upon the head that Curtis uses on his FAI machine. It's beautifully engineered. I've had 20 flights on it so far and have been fairly impressed with it. It certainly rolls very fast. However I'm thinking very heavily about getting an Xcell Tempest FAI machine and if so, I'll turn the CS into a 3D machine and the flash head will be surplus to requirements (too much pucker factor there). If you want a beautifully engineered head for a 60/90 size machine let me know!

Miniature Aircraft.
In the past I have been a strictly JR Heli man having owned an Ergo 46, Ergo Z230, Voyager 50 and a Vigor CS, mainly because they're great helis, but also because we have good support for them in New Zealand. However lately I've been keeping an eye on what Miniature Aircraft/Xcell are doing with their products and have been very impressed with their response to market changes etc. Their new Tempest line coming out shortly has really impressed me and I'm more than a bit keen to get one of these machines myself and try it out, especially with the exchange rate being what it is. If I do decide to get one of these machines I'll do a back-to-back comparison with my current all-time favourite, the CS.

Pilot Locator
The Pilot Locator has continued to grow in popularity since the last newsletter with it still rating second most popular section of littlerotors.com. Make sure your details are up-to-date! The pilot locator can be found at www.littlerotors.com/findapilot/

Market
The Buy/Sell Market has been growing also. It should be noted that this section will accept postings from all over the world, not just New Zealand. List your items free of charge! See the market at www.littlerotors.com/market/

Articles this issue are:

Professional Aerial Photography
Airfoil Helicam has one of the best aerial photography implementations I have seen, John Ohnemus takes time to explain a bit about his company and products. Click here

Pilot Profile - Russ Deakin
One of Europe's top 3D pilots and Model Helicopter World contributor, Russ Deakin discusses his thoughts on our hobby. Click here

Feel free to contact me at simon@littlerotors.com at any time.

Si