Indoor Free Flight
By Don Slusarczyk | [email protected]
A STEERING OR RETRIEVAL BALLOON SETUP should be standard equipment for any seasoned Indoor Free Flight (FF) modeler. Having the ability to retrieve your model from a girder if it gets hung up should be enough of an incentive to make owning retrieval equipment as common as owning a winder.
I typically use the same balloon for steering and for retrieval; however, in the past few years, I have found that a star-shaped Mylar balloon works well for retrieval. The star needs to be at least 24 inches in size to have enough lift to get to the ceiling. These can be purchased at a party store, and they fold down to a small size after use. Because of the limited lift, a lightweight fishing line needs to be used. Crappie fishing reels are perfect for this because they are low cost and typically come with a light, 6-pound line that is already on the reel.
For those who intend to steer their models, a different setup is required— mainly, a larger balloon is needed that has more lifting capacity. Successful steering requires a balloon that does not lag way behind you as you move it around. It needs to have enough lift to keep the fishing line fairly vertical while you are steering, so a larger capacity balloon is required.
A steering balloon can either be latex rubber or Mylar. For many years, I used 30-inch latex balloons for steering and never had issues with them. On occasion, however, if you are steering near the ceiling, a balloon can hit something sharp on a light fixture or girder and pop and possibly damage your model. For years, latex was the only option, and anyone who had a Mylar steering balloon made it by hand.
Fortunately, Indoor Free Flight Supply is now selling a Mylar steering balloon made just for steering purposes. The main benefit of a Mylar balloon is that it will not pop when it’s bumped on the ceiling because the helium is not under pressure like a latex balloon. A few years ago, I switched to the Mylar steering balloon and really like it.
For the rod, there are a few options available. I have a collapsible rod that opens to approximately 24 inches. Other options include ice fishing rods, children’s rods, or just a cut-down fishing rod. Some fliers do not even use a rod; they hold the reel in their hand. I prefer a rod length of about 24 to 30 inches. When I steer, I tend to point the rod straight up when I’m catching the model then, when releasing it, I quickly point the rod horizontally. Having some rod length helps the balloon move out of the way when you are making this move. If there was no rod length, I would have to physically move to the side to get the same effect.
The reels that are used for steering are a bit of a personal preference. I have always used deep-sea fishing-style reels made by PENN. I like that all I have to do is flip a lever to release out the line. Baitcasting-type reels will release the line while your thumb is holding down the release button. I learned to steer with a Penn reel, so it is most comfortable for me. I suggest going to a local fishing store and trying the different reels to see what you like best and to see how they fit into your hand.
The next item needed for a steering setup is the fishing line. Since the balloon has to lift the line, you want a lightweight, strong line. I like to use approximately 20-pound test line. This is mainly because a steering setup can be accidentally dropped or tripped over and that quick-jerking load can cause a weak line to break. The last thing you want to see is your balloon floating up to the ceiling. You should also consider buying a bright yellow or orange line. This helps you see where it is during steering and whether your line is getting close to another model.
The last essential item on a steering rig is the foam backer rod. Plain fishing line is too thin for successful steering because it can get caught up in the propeller near the hub or in the thrust bearing, so a foam backer rod is used the first 20 feet (or longer) below the balloon. It is very lightweight and is available in 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch diameters. The 3/8 inch can be used as-is without any internal support, but the 1/4 inch requires internal support.
A section of fishing line down the center of the backer will give it the required support. To do this, a slot is made in the foam rod with a slitting tool then the foam rod is slid over a 25-foot segment of fishing line that has been stretched between two vertical poles. Once the entire backer rod is centered on the line, the seam is glued with Deluxe Materials Super ’Phatic Glue, which keeps it flexible once it’s dry. The process might seem involved, but it does not take too much time and will be long lasting.
Connecting the foam backer to the reel line can be done with a regular fishing swivel so that it can be taken off easily. The other end of the backer is usually attached to a plug that goes into a balloon fitting. The balloon fitting has one end attached to the balloon and the other end is where the helium enters when it’s filled. Once full, the plug is installed to close the fitting and attached to the fishing line. These fittings are also available from Indoor Free Flight Supply.
I highly suggest taking the time to create yourself a retrieval and/or steering balloon setup. It is easy to go to contests and ask to borrow one from someone, but you might find resistance when asking. Throughout the years, I have experienced damaged balloons, tangled lines, and damaged reels from those who have borrowed my equipment, so it’s best to invest in your own. For those who often fly to contests, a community steering balloon is a viable option as well so that you are not relying on borrowing someone else’s equipment after you’re on-site.
SOURCES:
National Free Flight Society (NFFS)
Deluxe Materials
Indoor Free Flight Supply
PENN
(800) 892-5444
Comments
This is great information. I…
This is great information. I bought a long pole to get planes out of trees, but I never thought about a balloon retrieval system.
I would watch a video where steering was demonstrated.
Also, indoor FF guys carry around their own tanks of helium?? Where do you get THAT??
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