NFFS has partnered with Science Olympiad to sponsor and support the Indoor Flying Events for the B and C divisions.
These resources will continue to grow as we develop materials.
2024–2025 Helicopter ‘B’ Rules available here, Helicopter ‘C’ Rules available here.
Here are some things to consider when selecting a kit, or if planning to build from scratch, construction tips, and rules related discussions to help you in the process of building a helicopter. Great information from a variety of experienced sources.
Note: Many more videos are available in the NFFS Video Library on YouTube, or the Video Catalog tab, above, on this page.
You’ve finished building, and you are eager to start flying. It is pretty easy to be successful, but equally easy to end up frustrated, if you don’t know what to do. Take a look at these resources, which will guide you through the process of getting your bird up into the air!
Next Level Helicopter Flying – A more sophisticated approach, with advanced rubber management techniques, which will enable you to push your helicopter flights to new heights!
Let’s say you have your helicopters flying consistently well. Or, you want to incorporate advanced building techniques into your helicopter. Here are some things you can try in order to add a few more seconds to your flight times, or to scratch build your own helicopter or modify your kit.
A collection of videos that support this year’s SO Flight event and other helpful NFFS Free Flight videos can be found on this page.
A collection of good stuff from a wide variety of sources. There is something here that will help your flying, regardless of your current level of expertise.
Science Olympiad Student Center Forum – Ask questions, discuss problems, connect with students and experienced coaches. Navigate to Build Events, then Flight.
Laser Cut Planes – Simple build, interlocking assembly
Freedom Flight Models – Advanced kits, excellent build manuals, many materials incl. custom cut rubber
J&H Aerospace – Excellent kits, manuals, and online videos. Many parts and tools as well
Retro RC – choose “Scholastic Kits and Accessories” from menu
Guru Engineering Tech – Planes from a winning coach
Ward Scientific – A basic kit including a plan, wood, covering, tools
2025 NFFS Plan – A simple, full-size (11×17), plan by Dave Aronstein, uses a minimum of different balsa stock.
River City Rocket – A simple X-rotor design from 2011, modify diameter to fit box.
Jim Richmond’s AMA Design – A complex 0.373g heli for ideas. From Winning Indoor Designs 2002–2005.
Bill Silin’s AMA Design – A complex 0.835g heli, for ideas
Indoor Free Flight Supply – Basic and advanced tools for building and flying, rubber
FAI Model Supply – Stock rubber sizes in bulk, Ikara props, other parts
Indoor Specialties – Tools, prop hangers, covering. Currently closed for Covid, but has some resource articles available
Volare Products – Tools, wood, rubber, props, and other supplies
Coaches’ Clinic – A presentation that reviews the Helicopter event, changes from last year, and tips and tricks.
Building
Flying
Advanced Topics
Additional Resources
Aircraft Forces, Moments, and Stability – Aerodynamic principles and discussion of airplane stability
Bucket Prop – Forming prop blades on a cone or cylinder, Search for “bucket” in the HPA library
Wright Stuff Paper – A comprehensive guide to Flight planes, written by former SO competitor Patrick Schwartz.