Safety Comes First
When I started writing this column several years ago, I remember telling the editor that I'd do my best to make "safety" a subject that was both factual and informative, yet fun to read. A tall order, unless you look at the diversity of what we do and ponder the relationship of safety and activities we sometimes take for granted. I've found several new facets over the years, most recently when I made a visit to a local SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) National Championships in Pensacola, Florida. While watching Free Flight models cruise effortlessly up above, I couldn't help but notice a variety of ATVs and mopeds cruising by to retrieve those models that had already come back to Earth.
Safety Comes First
It's fun to go to the flying field to see what's whipping through the air, or what's static between fuel refills. Although if I had to pick something I enjoy most about a day of flying, checking out aircraft setups comes close to the top of my list. I know what you're probably thinking: Most people arrive, unload, fly, chat a little, load everything back up, and head for home - not me. Lately I find myself seeking out newcomers to the hobby and offering them a helping hand, unless it's obviously not wanted. Yes, there are those who don't want help unless they ask for it, and I try to respect that.
Safety Comes First
SINGLE-STICK vs. Dual-Stick: In my November 1996 column I printed a letter from Reg Hinnant of Corpus Christi TX; he pointed out that many of the "hand in the prop" stories in past columns had revolved around two-stick transmitters falling over and pushing the throttle forward. He explained that by using a single-stick transmitter, many (or all) of the injuries caused by tipped or bumped transmitters (the throttle gets nudged, causing the airplane to surge) could have been avoided. I indicated that I was anxious to hear the reason why fliers would choose single-stick transmitters instead of dual-stick transmitters. In the 11 letters I received, nothing substantial regarding safety was mentioned, but two common reasons for transmitter choice emerged. The first reason was apparent ease of use by the physically disabled (hence, safer flying), while the second simply revolved around personal preference, i. e., people started with a particular type and stuck with it.
Safety Comes First
John Kimsey forwarded a safety alert via the Internet: "Do Not Fill Gas Cans in Pickup Trucks with Bed Liners." Chevron USA has reported several instances of metal cans exploding at service stations, resulting in at least 23 injuries or deaths. A warning in Chevron's Marketing Bulletin 36-1904 stated that the insulating effect of the trucks' plastic liners prevents grounding of the static charge that is generated by gasoline flowing into a metal can. As the charge builds, it can create a static spark between the can and the gas nozzle that could result in an explosion or fire.
Safety Comes First
LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS: I remember standing in a Florida clubhouse waiting for a thunderstorm to pass, when a bolt of blue nailed the side of the building - the boom was deafening and sparks shot from screens covering the windows! Thank goodness no one was hurt. Although most modelers in the US deal with the threat of lightning throughout most of the year, I've noticed that few understand when to take shelter, and many ignore the danger altogether. I witnessed a Pattern competitor flying a routine during a thunderstorm while another modeler held an umbrella over his head; or how about a few years ago when the US Pattern team flew during a thunderstorm in the Austrian foothills? I'm not picking on Pattern fliers; I was a little more active in the hobby then, so I had multiple opportunities for observation.
