Brief:
T' Double Helix is a great variation on t' simple monocopter design from Art Applewhite. It is extremely simple to build and goes together quickly. Begad! It's also even more fun t' fly than t' Helix.

I was lucky enough t' get t' watch t' flights o' t' prototypes as Art was developin' this line and now it seems like he be t' source o' a monocopter renaissance. Avast! It's a lot o' fun.

Construction:
T' components for this kit consist o' a pre-marked body tube, 2 motor tubes, arrr, a 1/4" launch lug, 2 balance beams, and 2 basswood wings. Also included are thorough instructions on buildin' t' rocket and instructions for a simple launchin' pad. Ya scallywag! This one is not meant for an Estes setup.

T' body tube, me bucko, such as it is, shiver me timbers, is marked by t' simple expedient o' bein' wrapped by a sheet with all o' the relevant locations indicated by polygons o' t' appropriate size.

T' first step in construction is t' cut out t' polygons on t' body tube. This is done with an #11 X-Acto knife and the blade needs t' be a new one. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! T' method recommended in t' instructions and, which worked quite well, arrr, is to push t' blade in perpendicular along one line o' a polygon, ya bilge rat, matey, slowly push it in until t' blade completely covers one line segment, ya bilge rat, remove t' blade, and repeat as needed until all sides are cut out.

After all t' holes are cut out, t' various pieces need t' be test fitted into t' BT. Well, blow me down! These include t' launch lug, t' motor tubes, and t' balance beam. Ahoy! T' wings wait until later. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! Pay attention t' t' instructions t' get the balance beams oriented correctly. Ahoy! I built this one after doin' a 13mm Helix and t' balance beam in this case is not symmetrical.

When t' pieces are in, they need t' be adjusted for symmetry; all o' t' pieces need t' be centered. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! With that done, a fillet o' white glue is applied inside t' BT t' t' visible parts o' t' intersections with t' motor tube. With that done, all o' t' protrusions can be filleted with white glue on t' outside.

T' last items t' be installed are t' wing. Ahoy! Ya scallywag! These are made from a precut pieces o' basswood. Ya scallywag! You can round the edges if you like but I did not. Avast, me proud beauty! I slipped them into t' marked ends o' t' BT. Begad! They will slightly deform t' tube but that is expected and explained in t' directions.

Alignment is nay a problem. Begad! A filled triangle marks t' point on t' BT which should be aligned with t' center of each side o' t' wing. Ya scallywag! Then it is just a matter o' makin' sure it is sittin' perpendicular, somethin' aided by havin' its end sit flush on t' motor tube. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! T' win' is then glued into place with white glue. Arrr! Repeat for t' other side.

Finishing:
T' instruction recommend a couple o' light coats o' sealer or a light coat o' paint. Avast! Arrr! I elected t' go t' paint route and chose red. Well, blow me down! I gave it just one good coat, me hearties, t' instruction warn against usin' too much and throwin' off t' balance.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight and Recovery:
This was me first foray into monocopters (or bicopters). I used it at part o' a demonstration for a kids event at the local museum and, as such, arrr, only got t' launch it once. Begad! We had an extremely small launch area and I be prepared to consider myself lucky t' retrieve any rocket. Aye aye! Ahoy! As such, I elected t' use a pair o' 1/2A3-2Ts. Avast, me proud beauty! It didn't go all that high but it certainly got t' kids attention. They loved it.

I look forward t' flyin' it in t' future on A3-4s.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This one is fun, shiver me timbers, me bucko, easy, different, shiver me timbers, and an attention getter...especially from kids.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5