Things haven't started well this year. The long delayed review of the MA Stratus I've had here came to a piroetting, funky chickening end when the boom slid out of it mid flight back in January. Great way to get started with a new machine! Straight after the Stratus went in, I had to go to Sydney for an extended period for work.

It was while I was in Sydney in February that I got a phone call that I'll remember for the rest of my life. It was my mum, calling from New Zealand to tell me my dad had passed away suddenly. This was all without warning. Dad had been fine and had simply just died after he'd gone to get the mail. Later we'd find he had an undiagnosed heart condition, but there was no warning.

I had never really thought about either mum or dad dying. After all, I felt I had at least another 20 years before I'd have to deal with that. I've got to tell you that this whole experience has been the hardest thing I've had to deal with to date. I'm not used to the idea that Dad is not around, nor do I expect I will be used to it any time soon.

I am thankful though that dad and I had a good relationship, he didn't part on bad terms, that I took time off work to spend with mum and dad when they visited me in Melbourne last year and that I went home each Christmas and spent time with them. It has also put into perspective a few things, like appreciating what life is really all about.

When I eventually got back from being with my family in New Zealand it was back into work which has prevented me from doing much with helicopters at all.

I have however purchased a new Raptor 90 3D which I've built and just waiting to test fly. I've also got a heap of Curtis Youngblood gear to put on it including the Solid-G gyro, blades, paddles etc. This will be the subject of the next review coming up.

Things I've played with lately:
T-Rex 500
I had a play of one of these in March and was highly impressed. MUCH, MUCH better than a T-Rex 450, you can actually use this to do some productive flying, not spend all your time fixing random movements towards bushes that 450's make. Very nice helicopter.

T-Rex 600
I had a play of several of these lately and they've all been impressive. They track very well, very lively in cyclic and pitch response. Good alternative to a Rappy!

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:

MA Stratus 90 Build (and crash) review
The MA Stratus has been around for a while now, I finally got the chance to build (and crash) one. Click here

JR 770T Gyro
Finally JR have a gyro that really can compete with the Futaba GY series. Click here

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

Si