DETAILS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE FOR CHOPPER EXPERT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 4, 1993                   TAG: 9302040428
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: N-6   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: By JESSICA MARTIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
DETAILS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE FOR CHOPPER EXPERT
Fred Dennis had been interested in remote-controlled cars, but after seeing Tony Britton fly a helicopter five years ago, he saw flying remote-controlled helicopters as a bigger challenge. That became his new hobby.
Dennis bought a helicopter body, and through the grapevine, let Britton know he could use some guidance. Britton helped Dennis build his first chopper, which has since been passed between them and used for parts.
He orders the bodies - empty, clear plastic shells - for his aircraft from a factory, but does all the other handiwork himself. He makes propellers, designs and builds cockpits, installs remote controls and a motor that runs on batteries and nitromethane fuel, and paints the choppers.
Dennis gives his complete attention to minute details. He uses specialized tools for fine-tuning the balance that is demonstrated through his helicopters. He has special tools to make sure the helicopter propellers are rounded and even in length, and a balance machine to make sure one side is not heavier than another. He electrically grounds them so they won't catch on fire.
In addition to his specialized tools, Dennis has an array of small-scale tools to work on the miniature chopper pieces.
He spends about 25 hours a week working on the retractable wheels or the fully detailed cockpit or strobe lights needed for flying at dusk.
He refers to pictures of real helicopters to make his models as accurate as possible. Dennis said that, although the work is tedious at times, on the whole it is relaxing.
Even painting a completed helicopter is not as easy as it may appear.
Dennis paints each helicopter with as many as five colors of automotive paint - two coats of each color - at a garage. Once the paint is applied, Dennis has to make sure that it does not throw of the helicopter's balance or add extra stress to the motor.
Dennis painted his second helicopter to look like Life-Guard 10, Roanoke Memorial Hospital's rescue helicopter.
He said that after three years he is still challenged to learn new techniques about building and flying his aircraft.
Usually, Dennis said, a helicopter is flown with its front end charting the course. However, he has learned to fly his helicopters with the tail end maneuvering its course. He said this is "like learning to walk before you crawl," he said.
Dennis also is working on the aesthetic quality of his helicopters. He has entered several shows in the Roanoke Valley, including one on March 6 at Lord Botetourt High School.
Judges of the shows usually are members of clubs that sponsor the competition. An average of 30 participants enter each show, in which judges evaluate the tiny aircraft's appearance and detail.
Dennis hasn't won any awards, but he is encouraged by compliments from judges and competitors.
But compliments are not enough to finance his hobby. Dennis estimates that each helicopter costs around $2,000 to build. That does not include the special equipment and tools he uses.
Dennis' helicopters will be on display at Crossroads Hobbies and Crafts, 1104 W. South Main St., Salem, through Feb. 16.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB