Tag Archives: blade cx3

CX3 repaired and flying again!

The Blade CX3 is repaired and flying again! The $22 aluminum swash plate repair, actually has the thing flying better than it did right out of the box!

E-Flight OEM Plastic Swashplate E-Flight Upgrade Aluminum Swashplate

Here is a 3 min video of first test flights in the studio, and finally my 8 year old attempting to fly it, for the first time, outside! The crosswind was playing havoc but he did a pretty good job of keeping things together. I think he’s going to be a good pilot some day.

Even though it’s a Toy Co-Axial helicopter (a $200 “toy” to be exact), with the upgraded part, it’s a joy to fly. There is something so therapeutic about an activity that puts nice big genuine smile on your face. And in the end, what price is too high a price to pay for some joy? 🙂 Even though I’ve “outgrown” this helicopter in about 1 week of intense practice, I still want to keep it around, and even put some more upgrades on it! Such as this cool LED strobe kit I’ve seen on the web. Here is a video from a guy that I think, sells the best of them:

Here are a few pics flying it outside, just before dark. Shot with an f2.8 200mm lens, 50D camera set at ISO1600 and roughly 1/30th second shutter speed. Despite the slow speed and high ISO, I think the shots are work posting.

Blade CX3 spooled up and ready for takeoff.

Blade CX3 spooled up and moving out. Still in ground effect.
Blade CX3 after battery change, ready to go again.
Blade CX3 in flight.
Blade CX3 flies overhead.