Hirobo field reps, Tom McAteer and John
D'Archangelo.The Hirobo Cup was held again this year at Dorbrook Park, on September 13th and 14th. The event was hosted by Altech Marketing the importers of Hirobo to the U.S. Billed as a funfly with no competitive events, the emphasis was on flying. The majority of the models presented were, naturally enough, Hirobo machines: a fair number of GHP 346s, the ever popular Shuttles, Tsurugis, and a surprising number of Eagles. The balance of the flyers brought X-Cells, and a handful of Vario and Robbe machines.
Hirobo field reps, Tom McAteer and John
D'Archangelo.
Both Mike Swift and Ray St.Onge were present for both days giving demonstrations of their unique flying style. Mike and Ray were flying X-Cell custom graphites with several mods. Actually, several of their mods would be more appropriately called downgrades. For instance, Ray's machine uses no push-pull on either the elevator or collective. He got rid of it because he says it is easier to set up the mechanics without it, and it is only something else to replace when you crash. Ray also uses the slow tail gear ratios and a 9.0:1 engine:main rotor gear ratio.
It is truly inspiring to watch these two guys flying. The YS 61ST engines used in their models are burning 30% nitro and turning with an almost lazy head speed. I did not have a tach with me, but they looked to be turning 1600-1650 rpm. The power they had was phenomenal.
Ray mentioned that his flying style is especially hard on the collective/engine, and as a result is getting around 50 flights before replacing the rear bearing.
Hirobo Tow cobra on the left, the Army National Guard visitor, on the right.
Ray is fortunate in that he apparently is a fully sponsored Miniature Aircraft pilot, plus, he has both radio and fuel sponsorships. If you were capable of burning the 200 gallons of fuel a year that Ray does, a fuel sponsorship would be really nice.
One of the most popular goings on at the event was the Clinic! Yes, a doctors office of sorts for sick helis. I was unsure how this idea would work out, whether people would actually show up, heli in hand, looking for someone to help them out. Imagine my surprise when during the two day period I aided approximately ten people while each of the other reps helped a similar number. Most of the "patients"
Tom McAteer working in the clinic.
were novice to intermediate pilots who either had a new model or radio and wanted setup assistance, or they just needed someone to give their machine a once over prior to giving some forward flight instruction. It was my impression that every attendant at the clinic went away with a smile on their face; amply aided by a fair dose of gratis Hirobo parts supplied by Jeff Green of Altech Marketing.
If you get chance, come to the Hirobo Cup next year, meet other pilots, swap fishing tales, and make new friends.
