Whenever any work is done on the flybar, whether kit building, upgrading or replacing – it is important the paddle adjustment is realigned. RC Helicopters rely on correct placement of the paddles, to ensure accurate cyclic movements.
The flybar paddle tilt should be parallel to that of the swash plate. Although there are paddle gauges for RC Electric Helicopters, they are not really necessary, in fact, they can be too heavy for the paddles of smaller Electric Helicopters. A steady eye and some basic measuring tools are all that’s required.
Place the helicopter on a level surface – a work bench is ideal.
First of all, check that the paddles are parallel to each other. If they are not, you will need to loosen the paddle mounting screws and adjust them.
Align the rotor blades fore-and-aft with the body. Now lower one of the paddles and align the outer edge so it is level with the top of the swash plate. If you have had to tilt it to do this, the swash-to-paddle linkages need adjusting. On Electric Helicopters, this is done by shortening or lengthening them.
Rotate the rotor head 90 degrees. The paddles will now be aligned with the helicopter body. Check the same paddle is in the same position, relative to the swash plate.
If it isn’t, repeat the procedure again. If you still can’t align the paddle properly, it may be the swash plate needs balancing (see article on swash plate levelling)
Hopefully, the paddle and swash plate will be level, so repeat the procedure with the opposite paddle; again, check the alignment at 90 degrees.
Before flying, make sure all linkages are securely tightened.