Well I had fuel starvation on my first flight as owner, but fortunately it was only 3 feet off the ground and pretty much a non-event regards to the autorotation, but I wouldn't want to have to choose a landing spot because I have to. My faith would be at its greatest strength about then. I have to say I really appreciate Bayard Dupont at Enstrom. He has been an excellent resource for all my issues. Regarding the collective trim he has confirmed that the adjustment was way off, thanks JL the A&P, again. He apparently didn't have a clue.
Here is what Bayard told me:
The collectively will pop up when the blades are not up to RPM as the spring is to off set the downwards forces of the blades during flight. When the blades aren't turning, the forces aren't there so the collective jumps up.
That said, the proper way to adjust it is to turn the link rod until the bell crank just goes over center. The collective should just stay down (doesn't work if you have a throttle correlator).
Then hover the helicopter and adjust the spring capsule so the force to pull the collective up is the same as to push it down
I recommend you start by adjusting the tie rod so there are about 1/2 of threads showing and the capsule so the threads are about even at the top and bottom. Then adjust the tie rod until the collective will stay down on its own by a little bit.
Then fly it. Hover and pull straight up about 15.feet, pause and push down.
Adjust the capsule so that the up and down forces you have to exert are the same.
Let me know how you make out.
Best regards,
Pierre duPont by Windows Phone
(M) 9203710982
bdupont,@enstromhelicopter.com