General question - FBL system

[lrogers]

How tight should the blades be in the grips when using a FBL system? Loose, like with a flybar or tight enough NOT to move easily? Any other items to be aware of?

[dwdw910]

This may be an opinionated type of question...

But I always run my blades loose enough where if you spin the blades by hand and they were to touch your finger- they would fold up at least 45 degrees or more.

The most important thing is that they are evenly tight. If one is more than the other- it can cause the shakes and shudders.

I fly 3D and have never had a problem with my blades so loose.

The reason being- is that in a crash- the folding up of the main and tail rotor blades will save your drivetrain from damage.

If your blades are tight and won't give... expect more damage.

[Jon Sands]

decently tight enough so there's no play, but not so tight to the point you can't move them easily by hand

[jcwing123]

I heard Finless say once that if you were to hold the heli nose pointed to the ground, then give it a quick shake, the blades should move at least 45 degrees evenly.

[Bonkievan]

Originally Posted by jcwing123

I heard Finless say once that if you were to hold the heli nose pointed to the ground, then give it a quick shake, the blades should move at least 45 degrees evenly.

Yes, but on a DFC head for example, I personally run them slightly tighter.

[lrogers]

Thanks guys. I won't be doing any 3D since this is going to be an AH-1 Cobra (the Align fuse is very nice). So tight, but not to tight it is!