Click here to view the embedded video.

Greggor McGrath, Devon LeBlanc and Tim Jones under the lights.

Richie and Mattie are proud to announce the amazing prizes AIR pilots will be competiting for!
First of all these have been supplied by Horizon Hobby, FastLad and Midland Helicopter/Thunderpower.

Classes Trophies and prizes will be announced tomorrow!

Check these bad boys out!!

(Click thumbnail to view full-size image)

Air Awards

Ultimate Auto

Most Entertaining Flight

Big Air Award

“We would like to welcome Jeremy Strickland as a field rep for SAB Goblin USA.”

Mattie says: ”Here we have another Young pilot enter ‘AIR’. Ben Thornley is just 8 years old so I think he will be the youngest pilot to compete. Always in the company of his dad (Matthew Thornley) Ben is a great kid with lots to offer the RC heli world. He will be flying his Trex 700n Vbarred machine which actually I think is bigger than him Good Luck Ben !!”

Richie says: “Ben, what a top lad and great little flyer. He certainly does show a lot of promise and I can see Ben and Harry as some of the the UKs best pilots in the future. Now lets get on to Ben’s Dad, Matt … Once upon a time during the 80s I had hair, I mean a lot, however the years go by, the hair thins and goes and you are left looking like me. You can be unashamed (like me), or you can do what Joe Satriani does, shave it off and constantly live in a hat… , but not for ‘Mr Hair’(Bens Dad)! No it’s all long and perfect, he probably conditions too… “

Ben Flies for Ultimate Build and Fly, Climbout

Rob Barnes is in ‘AIR’

Mattie says: ”The always friendly Rob Barnes enters the ‘AIR’ competition. Rob is at pretty much at every flyin’ around the country and because of his friendly nature almost everyone refers to him as ‘DAD’ (and he’s getting on a bit!!). Rob will be flying the Mikado Logo 600 with Thunder power Lipo’s and a Vbar at the flight control helm”

Richie says: “I was fortunate enough to share a caravan with Rob at Charmouth flyin recently. I promised myself I wouldn’t ever mention this, BUT it’s probably for the greater good. At night when everyone is asleep he gurgles and I don’t mean in a small way I mean REALLY gurgles like a baby!!…. it’s quite sweet really ”

Rob flies for no one at the moment, but would like to thank Midland Helicopters for all their help and support!!!

Heli Harry enters ‘AIR’

Mattie says: ”Young ‘Heli Harry’ has entered the AIR competition 2012. Harry is just 10 years old and has been flying a ‘little’ over 2 years, however he’s already made big impact on the UK heli scene. Sponsored by many companies, you will see Harry always promoting their products as much as possible….well quite alot actually . Harry has competed in a fair amount of competitions to date so even at a young age, he’s no stranger to a little pressure….Nice one Harry!”

Richie says: ”Harry is a great kid, young talented, great little flyer, real potential to a top pilot in the future….. sadly let down by his hanger on Dad…”

Harry Flies for Horizon Hobbies , Align-trex.co.uk, Spektrum, Optifuel/Optipower, Quick-uk, Scorpion motors and Torison blades

James Moon flies in the ‘AIR’ !!

Mattie says: ”James is a regular competitor at most of the UK heli competitions. With his kind a generous nature James is always happy to help anyone in distress when in their time of need. Vibrant on the forums James is well known through out the heli world. Although having a slightly ‘odd accent’ he is easy to talk too and generally good fun.”

Richie says: “By day Moonman is a top guy, always there to help people out and a great 3D flyer. By night… James becomes, well see below… ”

James flies for Align-trex.co.uk, Optifuel, MKS servos

Ben Britton competes for the first time in ‘AIR’

Mattie says: ”Ben is new to the heli hobby. He’s been flying for only 12 months and already is turning a few heads!! Ben flies the a Trex 700n with a Beast X at the Flybarless controls. Most of the time Ben flies at home alone so you probably havent heard of him ‘yet’ however this year I think he plans to change that! Good luck with your first comp Ben”

Richie says: “Ben or Benjamin? Just wondered…. Anyway clearly this young man has hair issues, and I guess he had someone more interesting to look at than this cameraman. You do get the feeling Ben is a “nice boy” though ”

Ben Flies for no-one currently!!

Jack ‘The Hat’ Bishop is in !!!

Mattie says: “The ever popular Jack Bishop will be flying in the ‘AIR’ competition. If you have seen Jack fly you will know that he re-writes the book for Ultra smooth and controlled flying. A quarter finalist at Zone Knockout format last year Jack has a promising Heli season ahead of him. Flying the Outrage Fusion 50 electric heli with Opti-Packs, we hope see some great stuff from him at AIR”

Richie says: “Jack oh Jack oh Jack… This picture is sooooo camp it’s cool! …..no-one else could pull it off, but JACK, WE SALUTE YOU! ”

Jack flies for Climb-Out, Optifuel/Optipower

Tom Burgess finally enters competition life !!!

Mattie says: “Tom Burgess after many years of superb flying finally enters competition life ! Tom has been a regular on the heli scene for a number of years now always wowing the crowds when flying at events and helping people out the forums. It’s looking like Tom will be flying his Avant Aurora with a new OS 105 fitted in ‘AIR’, so we hope to see some ‘Powerful’ flying!”

Richie says: “Tom’s an awesome flyer, he is also a skype socialiser and he likes the odd drink. Large quantities of Babycham are consumed by Mr Burgess every Friday night with his trendy IT friends Tarquin and Rupert, plus he generally consumes a bottle of ‘Blue Nun’ on school nights … ahhh … bless… ”

Tom Flies for Tony Stevens !!!

Alex Rumble flies into ‘AIR’

Richie says: “So here’s the problem, what do I say? I don’t know you Alex except apparently you are an excellent flyer and as yet I don’t know your dad well enough to rip into him, so good luck and good paint job on thatfence Dad ”

Alex flies for his Mum and Dad

Adam Melton is in ‘AIR’

Mattie says: “Adam Melton is an up and coming pilot on the UK heli circuit. Flying the Synergy E7 he certainly knows how to make this machine perform. This will be Adams first competition so he hopes to do well and show everybody what he is made of. At just 16 years old Adam has a bright heli furture ahead of him”

Richie says: “So Adam is a very sensible boy and apparently bought his Rave from his own pocket money…. It’s not really pocket is it… it’s a SALARY! ”

Adam flies for Climbout

Jamie McKeen back in the seat for ‘AIR’

Mattie says: ” Jamie is back after a years break into the competition seat. He has been tempted into ‘AIR’ by the demo style of flying format which suits him down the the ground. He will be flying his Align 700E and of course opti-power in the competition. From his application form he ‘Whooped Matt Lodge’s butt at champs last time they met’. That’s so hurtful !!! Welcome back Jamie ”

Richie says: ”Known for his charming and polite forum nature Jamie has a special place in Stuart from Heli Addicts heart(don’t ask). Dude your head looks wonky in this picture ”

Jamie flies for Optifuel/Optipower, MKS-Servo’s, Elite Models, RcBearings UK

Laurence Gough takes on the new ‘AIR’ competition

Mattie says: “Laurence Gough is the current UK 3D Championship intermediates winner. Storming to victory last year, he has gone from strength to strength. Picking up lots of support along the way Laurence is keen to further his winning streak by entering ‘AIR’. An avid Mikado fanboy you will always see him putting on a good and exciting show flying his Logo 6003D. Good Luck Laurence ”

Richie says: “Lawrence’s is a good guy and great flyer, but that MCPX dance… that was out there right? One other thing is it me or do you see Beaker of Muppets in that photo? Love ya Lawrence, now how do I join that “fan” page of yours ”

Laurence flies for Fast Lad Performance, Optifuel/Optipower, Horizon Hobby and Spektrum.

John ‘Tolly’ Tolson enters ‘AIR’

Mattie says: “Tolly….John Tolson joins the crowd of pilots entered in ‘AIR’ this year. Tolly entered Grass Roots and Park Hall in 2010 coming 6th and 5th respectively however due to work commitments he didn’t compete last year. This year he plans to change this. Flying the ever popular Logo 600 3d Tolly is really looking forward to this competition.”

Richie says: “Dude you have less hair than me! Nice canopy. ”

John Flies for The love of the hobby

Chris Newby joins competition life

Mattie says: ”Chris Newby is a new member on the heli competition scene. Although he has been around for a ‘while’ (8years!!!), this year he’s been tempted in by the AIR’s lure. Flying the Trex 700n and Torsion blades Chris hopes that this year will bring him some success. Flying in the deepest darkest depths of Devon, he doesnt get chance to speak to many people so if you see him maybe stop for a quick chat ”

Richie says: ”Chris is a very nice young man, but I do think he should spend more money on laces…. and I do worry when I see Matt Lodge between his legs – see pic!”

Chris flies for KaoS-RC, Torsion blades

Grant Cooper tries on ‘AIR’ for size

Mattie says: “The Weston Park ‘Heli Fest’ event organiser Grant Cooper dips his foot in and tries out the ‘AIR’ competition. Grant is a seasoned competitor and has been on the circuit for a number of years. Always keen to help anybody out, Grant is a top bloke and an asset to the hobby Flying the V-barred Trex 700e he is known for his low and exciting flying style so he’s well worth keeping an eye on ”

Richie says: ”For those of you that don’t know Grant he is the hobby’s resident name dropper. ‘Oh ya I was filming with Pollyanna last tuesday, yah… on location with Jason Bradbury next week, yah.’

So I speak to him tonight and what do I get? “Well I was on the 5th gear set on location…. yeah really high budget shoot… ya!’ In fact as it turned out he was covered in petrol all day and had to sleep in a van (well maybe it was a travel lodge….same thing really. )

On a more serious note, respect to Grant for bringing Mattie and I in to let us run riot at “Heli Fest”. Dude it’s gonna be good!! ”

Grant flies for Align, MKS Servo Tech UK, Kontronik Drives, CSM

Richard Anderson competes in ‘AIR’

Mattie says: “Richard Anderson flies into the ‘AIR’ competition. Richard has been flying helis for a little over 4 years now and has entered competition life before, winning the Park Hall cup 2011 in the grass roots class. This was a great victory for him and now we believe he is seeking further success. Flying the Trex 700e with a Beast X controller he hopes to do well in ‘AIR’”

Richie says: “Clearly Richard’s mother has great taste in names as she named him after me Therefore you have been let off any rudeness ‘”

Richard flies for his pride at the moment!

Rob Bingham take’s on the ‘AIR’competition

Mattie says: “Rob Bingham ‘Bingers’ is another one of our ‘AIR’ pilots with a strange vocal accent Living in Gloucestershire Rob started flyng over 20 years ago with a MFA 500. So as you can imagine he has his building down to a fine art (the flying is not bad either!!) Rob will be flying the super smooth TDR in the competition.”

Richie says: “Apart from helis Rob is a plumber, so while he’s not competing during the weekend he will be available for local work in the Telford area, no job too small, Rob takes cash only OK!”

Rob flies for his wife so he says

Tony Street enters ‘AIR’

Mattie says : “Tony Street or ‘Sesame’ as everybody knows him joins the ever growing list of ‘AIR’ pilots. Tony has competed in a number of Grass roots events and from what I can see enjoys every minute of them!!! Coming 6th place last in 2011, he hopes to improve on it this year. Mikado Logo 6003D on 12s is what Tony will be flying in the competition….Good choice mate ”

Richie says : “Few know this but Tony is has a secret life away from Helicopters. He won’t thank me for for telling you but he is actually an amateur mud wrestler. The only type I know is the one you search for on Youtube invloving girls and bikinis, but apparently there’s another type practiced by middle aged men in their ‘midlife crisis’. I know, I know, not right is it? Especially when you find out they wear pink thongs…”

Tony flies for His own sanity and pride !

Matt Gill enters the ‘AIR’

Mattie says: “Matt Gill is rapidly cementing himself at the top of the UK’s 3D pilots table. Another Mikado Fanboy Matt has two Logo 600 3D machines which is enough to satisfy his heli passion when fuelled by the ever popular Opti-power. Currently ranked 4th, Matt is on a mission to make a ‘Good Appearance’ where ever he goes ”

Richie says: “Matt is fantastic pilot, good fun, but let’s be honest a little bit precious about himself. I am sworn to secrecy on this so don’t tell anyone but Matt has “special” dreams about Jamie Robertson.”

Matt flies for Fast Lad Performance, Edge Rotorblades, Opti-fuel/power

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Are you ready for the new KDE Direct TREX 700 Series XT Main Rotor Head System?

No more broken bolts, no more boom strikes, no more worry – fly with confidence to the ultimate extreme.

Coming soon, get ready…”

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Greggor McGrath, A Main Hobbies customer service rep and helicopter team pilot, reviews the new Rave Ballistic FSO helicopter kit from Curtis Youngblood Enterprises.

Curtis Youngblood Rave Ballistic FSO Electric Helicopter Kit w/Plastic Gears
[YEI-ND-YR7-K1006]
$848.99

(Click thumbnail for full-size image)

This is the Curtis Youngblood Rave Ballistic FSO Electric Helicopter Kit (K1006). The long awaited special edition version of the popular Rave ENV 700 is here! In addition to the standard ENV features, The Rave Ballistic FSO features an electric specific design, sliding battery tray, direct servo drive and several other performance enhancements that take the Rave ENV to the next level of electric 3D performance.

Features:

● Electric specific design
● Sliding battery tray
● Direct servo drive
● Standard straight cut main gears
● Standard straight cut plastic tail gears

Specifications:

Length: 1340mm
Height: 420mm
Main Blade Length: 690-710mm
Main Rotor Diameter: 1,531-1,571mm
Tail Blade Length: 105-110mm
Tail Rotor Diameter: 294.5mm
Main Gear: Helical 130 Tooth Mod 1
Autorotation Tail Drive Gear: 118 Tooth Mod 1
Tail Miter Gears: Steel Helical 19 Tooth Mod 1

Includes:

● Carbon Fiber Frames
● Painted Fiberglass Canopy
● Aluminum Tail Boom
● Carbon Tail Gear Box
● Sliding Battery Tray
● Boom Support Bridge
● Velcro Straps
● ESC Front/Top Mount
● Boom-Mounted Tail Servo Mount
● Dual-Support Tail Control Arm

FAQ:

● What is FSO? FSO is a “Factory Special Order” special edition machine.
● Do the FSO and the ENV share parts? Yes! These helis share a majority of the same parts and will be inter-changeable. That being said, the ENV and Ballistic will continue to be supported with consistent parts availability.
● Will the Ballistic be available for a limited time only? No! The Ballistic is here to stay!
● What are the kit differences? The K1005 has helical cut main gears and has helical steel tail gears. The K1006 has the standard plastic gear set, identical to the ENV.

Needed to Complete:

● Helicopter Transmitter & Receiver
● (3) Cyclic Servos
● (1) Tail Servo
● 700 Class Helicopter ESC & Motor
● 690 – 710mm FBL Main Blades
● (2) 6s 4000-6000mAh LiPo Batteries & Charger
● Flybarless Control Unit
● Pinion Gear

Please visit the A Main Hobbies webstore for this product or to browse for other helicopter products you may need.

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EDGE Rotorblades team pilot Martin Larsen with Logo 600
Edge 623mm Flybarless
Edge 95mm on tail
Voltz 10s 65c 4500mAh batteries
Scorpion HKIII-4035-560
Mikado Logo 600
Mikado Full Size Vbar 5.2 pro
Kontronik Jive 80HV
Futaba servos

(Click thumbnail for full-size image)

This is a ProTek R/C 2S – 7.4 Volt, 3800mAh Li-Poly transmitter battery pack. This battery has been developed specifically for the Spektrum DX8 transmitter. This light weight Li-Poly transmitter battery will help to dramatically extend the run time that your transmitter can offer, which is great for long days at the field! The overall weight will only be affected slightly when compared to a typical NiMH transmitter pack as this battery weighs 143 grams, whereas your typical 4.8V NiMH AA battery pack weighs approximately 112 grams. This battery will not reduce the weight of your transmitter, but will provide you with an incredible 9 to 10 hours of run time!

How should the battery be inserted into the transmitter?
A suitable foam should be used to pad the battery in the transmitter battery compartment to help hold the battery in place and prevent it from moving around. Place a piece similar in size to the battery into the transmitter battery housing under the battery, and then while pressing lightly on the battery, slide the cover over the battery.

IMPORTANT:

1. You will need a Li-Poly specific charger to charge the pack (NiMH or NiCD only chargers WILL NOT WORK!)
2. You must not over discharge the Li-Poly battery pack below 9.0V.
3. Read the instructions carefully before operating this battery.

CRASH Protection Guarantee!

ProTek RC offers a 50% Damage Replacement program for one (1) year after original purchase date on all batteries that have been damaged due to impact, over-discharging, or improper charging that have not been modified or disassembled. The damaged battery will be replaced by a comparable battery at 50% off of its retail cost.

Click Here To Download Product Manual

Specifications:

● Voltage: 7.4V
● Capacity: 3800mah
● Chemistry: Lithium Polymer
● Balance Charge Plug: XH
● Charge Rate: 1C
● Discharge Plug: JR/Futaba
● Dimension (LxWxH): 56.5x72x18.8mm
● Weight: 143g

Click Here For Warranty Information

ProTek R/C Li-Poly MT-4/M11X Transmitter Battery Pack (7.4V/2800mAh)
[PTK-LP-TXA2800-2S]
$48.99

(Click thumbnail for full-size image)

This is a ProTek R/C 2S – 7.4 Volt, 2800mAh Li-Poly transmitter battery pack. This battery has been developed specifically for the Airtronics MT-4 and M11X transmitters. This light weight Li-Poly transmitter battery will help to reduce the overall weight of your transmitter, which is great for long main events! The overall weight will be significantly reduced when compared to a typical NiMH transmitter pack as this battery weighs a scant 105 grams! (Six typical NiMH AA batteries weigh approximately 168 grams). This battery will not only reduce the weight of your transmitter, you also get an incredible 9 to 10 hours of run time!

How should the battery be inserted into the transmitter?
A suitable foam should be used to pad the battery in the transmitter battery compartment to help hold the battery in place and prevent it from moving around. Place a piece similar in size to the battery into the transmitter battery housing under the battery, and then while pressing lightly on the battery, slide the cover over the battery.

IMPORTANT:

1. You will need a Li-Poly specific charger to charge the pack (NiMH or NiCD only chargers WILL NOT WORK!)
2. You must not over discharge the Li-Poly battery pack below 9.0V.
3. Read the instructions carefully before operating this battery.

CRASH Protection Guarantee!
ProTek RC offers a 50% Damage Replacement program for one (1) year after original purchase date on all batteries that have been damaged due to impact, over-discharging, or improper charging that have not been modified or disassembled. The damaged battery will be replaced by a comparable battery at 50% off of its retail cost.

Click Here To Download Product Manual

Specifications:

● Voltage: 7.4V
● Capacity: 2800mah
● Chemistry: Lithium Polymer
● Balance Charge Plug: XH
● Charge Rate: 1C
● Discharge Plug: JR/Futaba
● Dimension (LxWxH): 99.2x31x17.9mm
● Weight: 105g

Click Here For Warranty Information

Please visit the A Main Hobbies webstore for these products or browse for other products you may need by clicking HERE.

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Gaui team 2012.

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DHK 490KV Brushless Motor
Specification:
●Input voltage:DC11.1V-50.4V
●Max continuous current:90A/180A(5sec)
●Max output power:4000W/8500W(5sec)
●KV value:490KV
●Stator Arms:12
●Magnet Poles:14
●Dimension: spindle Φ6xΦ46x60mm
●Weight: 445g

For: Atom 7HV / SAB GOBLIN 700

SAB GOBLIN 700 & DHK 530KV Brushless Motor

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DHK 530KV Brushless Motor
Specification:
●Input voltage:DC11.1V-50.4V
●Max continuous current:90A/180A(5sec)
●Max output power:4000W/8500W(5sec)
●KV value:500KV
●Stator Arms:12
●Magnet Poles:14
●Dimension: spindle Φ6xΦ46x60mm
●Weight: 445g

For: Atom 7HV / SAB GOBLIN 700

Please visit Century-RC.com to browse for these and other products you might need, click HERE.