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New2flight
06-18-2007, 04:53 AM
Hello all,
My name is Adrian, and like my screen name says. I am new to flight.
Found myself in a sad position of owning 2 mini 500's due to my Father's passing. Have not heard as many pro's as there are con's to this particular helicopter. I do want to build the one still crated though. It is almost a quest for me at this point. The mini that is already built will be sold. The one I would like to build ( which is currently in my 2 car garage ) will more than likely be displayed at air museum. The more I read and learn about this bird, the more I feel it should stay grounded and that this may not be the one for me to learn in.

I am open to any and all suggestions about the direction I should go with this bird. I know they fly, and if PEP'd can be very reliable. But this is not the case with this bird. It is still in what appears to be perfect shape and well preserved considering the length of time it has been crated up in my Father's hanger. The down side is that it is all original, straight from Revolution. Don't worry, I won't do anything silly like a farm boy build and fly through the pasture. But, I would like to hear some of you Pro's take on my situation. Some may talk me out of trying to fly this one , but I can't be talked out of building it. There is no point ( to me) to keep it crated and sitting in a dark corner. Thanks in advance for any input and direction you guys might be able to help me with. I'll attached a pic of the kit and of the completed bird.
Adrian

barnstorm2
06-18-2007, 05:03 AM
Welcome to the forum Adrian!

Have you joined the members group on Yahoo?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mini500_owners/

Here is an owners list:

http://www.3cats.com/helicopter/M5owner.htm

I wish you luck! It sounds like you are taking your time and doing the right thing!

.

brett s
06-18-2007, 05:20 AM
They'd make a nice static display perhaps.

The problem with flying any helicopter that's no longer supported is parts availability - the Mini 500 has a far longer list of problems associated with it, but that alone is enough to make it a bad choice.

For a new pilot, you need something that's safe & reliable. This isn't it...

New2flight
06-18-2007, 05:21 AM
Thx Tim, I knew I came to the right place for info., and the links you gave looks like the best places for my questions and concerns as they seem to have the same equipment I have been left with. I know that with the right after market parts and the right pilot this bird can ( but not necessarily) fly.

Again... I just have the fever to build it at this point. No rush though, as I have all the time in the world to build it as right and complete as possible.
Again, thx, and I look forward to reading and learning about the potential adventures through this forum.

New2flight
06-18-2007, 05:27 AM
Hi Brett,
Your concerns are the very same as mine. I am not as concerned with flying it as I am building it( for museum display ). Another issue is that I have always flown cesnas. Dif. school altogether. I am not a vtol pilot, and not sure if I even want to go in that direction. As far as the type of birds I own, I had no choice in model or brand as I stated, because my Father passed away and left these to me. But I do know, that, if for no other reason, they are a piece of aviation history that should not be stored in a crate.

ezeddie
06-18-2007, 08:43 AM
Brett,
If it or they will be going to a museum or some other charity type of organization, have you thought about working with the Aeronautical Dept. of a local Community College or other educational facility for a student project. Our local CC has an air frame division that trains students in both rotor and fixed wing A&E work. This may also provide a tax deduction for your fathers estate or for you personally. Plus, be a great learning process for the kids.

Good luck and hope you will take a long hard look at the "fun" in the gyro sport. :>)

New2flight
06-18-2007, 09:33 AM
That's a great idea to consider ezeddie. But, I am very sure that I want to build it myself and then decide it's future. The bird that is already built is being sold to a potential buyer from Michigan, so that is covered. I kind of feel I owe it to my Father to complete this one myself. But it is a great contingency you offer, and very much to be considered. I certainly don't want it to become a flower pot ( hence the museum), but I also don't want it to deteriorate in the crates. I think it would be a great build project for me as I am very interested in the build at this point. Just for the knowledge.
And it will have a positive future even if it doesn't ever get airborne.
Thanks for the input..... very helpful.
Adrian

New2flight
06-28-2007, 08:17 AM
Still doing the pnchout work and trim to specs.
I have not had much luck finding tools required.
I need to purchase an asst. of clecos and cleco pliers.
Any leads for a newbie on this one?

gyromike
06-28-2007, 08:47 AM
Aircraft Tool Supply Company (http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/flyer.aspx?CATEGORY=Sheet+Metal+Fasteners)

New2flight
06-28-2007, 09:03 AM
Wow!!! That's the Toys R Us of tools. Thx.

Curious, should I have found another forum? Is this forum just for gyros?
Cool site though and thanks again.

GyroDoug
06-28-2007, 01:19 PM
Adrian,

You are welcome to post on this site. We have many more Gyro pilots than Helicopter pilots here, but we do have some of both. The rotary forum covers all things with Rotors. (and sometimes things without any rotors) There are a lot of people that have vast experience beyond rotor craft so it is a good place to ask all kinds of questions. Best of luck !!!!

Gyro Doug

New2flight
06-29-2007, 04:04 AM
Thx, I'll stick around then. You all have been a great source of info for a newbie like me.

The build goes on.........