I took the RC helicopter out last night to adjust it a little more and get my practice on. There was just the slightest bit of wind, but for the most part, it was a clear night and I really wanted to get it going.

I flew several shorter flights, trying to fine-tune this little potentiometer on it to get the thing to stop tail-spinning. I think I had it, too. Took it up for a bit, got it under a reasonable amount of control (very mild spinning, probably more me just over-correcting) and was bringing it down when this tree in my front yard violently attacked the helicopter, bringing it crashing down.

Either that, or maybe I sort of flew into the branches there… you choose. My vote is for the Whomping Willow version.

Anyway, that wasn’t the first time I had hit the tree, but it survived all the other times. Not this time. This time this little bar that balances out the helicopter’s main rotor broke cleanly in half, bringing my flight to an end. Just when I was getting good, too! (Jenn can attest to the fact it was flying with some mild amount of control.)

So now I have to go searching for replacement parts. The owner’s manual says you can get them, I’m just not sure where. (“Items to be purchased are lined below. You can order them by their item name, purchase them from local distributors.” The owner’s manual is in Engrish. I think my favorite is the warning about flying in wind - “Do not fly in strong winds. It can limit the helicopter’s fly and confuse your control. Flying in strong winds. The chopper will be missing or cause damage.”)

Time for a Google search.