It's been so long since I've sent out a newsletter, you could be forgiven for thinking I'd given up on the whole littlerotors thing, rest assured, I haven't!

Since the last newsletter I've been to Europe for work and did a bit of holidaying there too which was awesome. While not strictly helicopter related, I have included my 'emails home' so you can see what I got up to.

2005 F3C World Championships - Zamora, Spain
I've been fortunate enough to be able to represent New Zealand at the upcoming F3C World Champs in Spain next August. Obviously this is a pretty big deal for me and there's a lot of work to be done between now and the event. To record this, I've started the first in a series of articles detailing what I'm doing in preparation for the World Champs.

This past weekend, the Australians finished selecting their team. They've got three top fliers picked, one of which is from my club which is going to make it a lot easier to practise.

Future of F3C
There are currently a heap of proposals floating around for the new F3C schedule to be implemented in 2006. All the proposed new maneuvers take the development of F3C flying further, although I do have to wonder if they are taking it too far. Perhaps making the gap between those who are flying F3C and those who were thinking about it even wider than it already is.
Already the gap between 'intermediate' level fliers and F3C pilots has been an issue troubling just about all helicopter technical committees the world over, I think if some of these proposals get it, it's just going to exacerbate the problem. Some of the maneuvers, I would not be tempted to do with a cheap Raptor (ie the 180 auto with 180 piroette anyone?) let alone a mega dollar Sylphide wrapped in a Staysee body.

What to do about this? I do not know. We'll just have to see what the FAI come up with.

Revised Setup Article
Back in the old days of Jan 2001 when I first started putting this site together, I'd only been flying four months, but felt I had enough knowledge to impart on others so began writing the setup articles. I forgot about those articles until a month or so ago I got an email asking why I set my machines up like that. I don't.
I've revised the articles to reflect how setup is done in the current day and age :). Click here

I've also updated the 'About me' section cause that was all out of date too. Click here

Merry Christmas!
This will be the last newsletter before Christmas, so I'd like to take the opportunity to wish everyone and their families are very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm heading back to New Zealand on the 22nd to spend time with my family before coming back to Melbourne on the 4th of January.

I hope Santa brings everything on your wish list, shame the new Futaba 14MZ doesn't look like it will make it for Christmas, along with the Synergy, the JR Vibe an OS 91 PS that doesn't run lean out of the box...... The list goes on :).

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:

JetCopter SX
I've been playing with Don's JetCopter for a couple of months now, this article outlines it's development and our experiences with the big beast. Click here

JR Datasafe
British F3C Champion, and software developer, Mark Christy, has developed software that allows you to work with your JR Transmitters from your PC. Click here

Road to the Worlds
I'm off to the next F3C World Championships in Zamora, Spain in August 2005. This is the first in a series of articles outlining my preparations for this event. Click here

European Adventure
While not really helicopter related (although we did visit Bob Johnston's shop!), these are my letters home to my mates during my trip to Amsterdam, Paris and London. Click here

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

Si