Hi Guys, here is another thread on the PCA-2 build.

My wife bought this awesome model for me as a Christmas gift! I have never owned an Auto Gyro so there will be a learning curve thanks for all of your comments and help.

Just started to build the model yesterday. I laminated the rotor blades per the plan. Can anyone tell exactly where to drill the holes in the blade for the attachment bolts? On a few videos they appear to be forward of center.

Thanks,
Matt

cool ! another one

Owl

Subscribed!!!!!

Did you get the SIG airfoil balsa?

Yep got them Tue.
I finished them last night. Where is the hole to be drilled for the attachment of the blades?
Thanks,
Matt

Should say on the plans on how to find the balancing point to drill the hole. I believe the hole is 1.5 inches in from the end. Dave, can you verify this?
Joe

I thought for sure we had it on there. Anyway, yes it is 1.5" from the root of the blade to the hole. That dimension intersects the balance point of the length wise CG of the blade.

Thanks,
I will recheck the plans i did not notice anything about it. 1.5 from the root and how far from the leading edge of the shaped rotor?(That dimension intersects the balance point of the length wise CG of the blade). Sorry, Not sure what you mean by that. The centerline would be 1.5 as well...3" wide 36" long...., correct?

"I'm not a smart man"
Thanks
Matt

Hey Matt,
Sorry buddy, let me explain. Lengthwise CG is simply balancing the full length of the cord. By placing the blade in a straight edge finding the cord's CG, that line will intersect your 1.5 line and that is your drilling location.

This should clear it up.....

Wow Matt!

You've chosen an incredibly advanced level build for your first autogyro project, and I respect that type of motivation. Stick to the plan, and resist the urge to deviate like some of the trouble makers have been doing. I'm not sure what your build experience is, but anyone can complete the PCA-2 because it's a good design, and there's tons of support here in the forum.

I would highly encourage you to look into a trainer gyro to cut your teeth on instead of your PCA-2. You wouldn't start with a scale fixed wing or heli if you hadn't flown them before, the gyros are the same story man.

I'll be watching with interest, and will be willing to help any way I can.
Good luck,
-Mike

Thanks for the CG explaination perfectly clear now.

Mike,

Thanks for the advice! I am trying to learn aerodynamics for auto gyros as quickly as I can. In the mean time I have a little OCD, if I don't go full force into the project it my never get finished. I choose this project based on the build thread and videos.
I have always loved the Golden Age of aviation. The design is what motivates me. I took my first trip to the Dayton Air force Museum last month and I believe that is where I saw a PCA-2. When I saw the ad in AMA in November that was it!

Now I spent most of the night last night toiling over how I was going to finish it. Iron on film or fabric and dope. Since it is my first Auto Gyro it may have to be film

I should have the airframe finished today started it yesterday

Cheers,
Matt

Matt,
Nice work my friend its coming together swiftly

Mike,
Although I deviated from the plan slightly regarding UC and a 4 bladed head I do not class myself as a 'trouble maker'. I have flown it using the 3 blade head and it flies very well set up to Joe's instructions which I strongly recommend everyone should do.


Rich

Lol Rich,
I didn't mean you Buddy! I was talking about myself...and all the changes I've made. I was attempting to be funny.

Regards,
-Mike