Safety Comes First
TAXI IN the Pits? In contrast to recent summers, I spent a fair amount of time at the field this year, with a number of new student pilots. When teaching another to fly, my style has always been to set a good example through adherence to field rules and the AMA Safety Code. During several recent trips to the field, I've noticed that it's become somewhat standard practice to land a model and taxi it back to the car. The field I commonly go to has a paved runway to which vehicles can pull up. It's convenient and safe, provided pilots respect a yellow line that runs near the center line that separates runway from pits. If you cross that line, it puts you behind the flightline-a no-no in most clubs.
Safety Comes First
WINTER BATTERY WOES: By the time this column arrives, many of us will be hibernating next to a furnace, reading a book, or making progress on a long-lost project rediscovered in the basement. Although most will stay inside during the winter, many will charge up and venture out for a little fun. Before you go packing everything up and heading to the field, you should remember a few winter flying basics:
Safety Comes First
HOBBY KNIFE PRECAUTIONS: To get back into the building swing after a long sabbatical, I agreed to assist a friend with the construction of a nice .60-size airplane. I was looking forward to the project. When I received the kit, I set out to put things in order in the shop, i.e. building board on the workbench, glues, sanders, pins, X-Acto blades, etc. on top. Satisfied that all was in place, I grabbed a cup of coffee and returned to the garage to spread the plans on the board for review. When I sat down on a shop stool, I leaned forward and placed my elbows on the board. Almost immediately, the board tilted up and slapped me in the forehead, dumping everything on top into my lap.
Safety Comes First
"An AMA member was recently severely burned when a model fuel can exploded as it was being opened. He received very severe burns, requiring extensive grafting, and is facing a long recovery period. "The metal can he was trying to open had been in storage for over 20 years. There is no evidence of an external spark or ignition source other than the container itself. Consultation with experts in the field indicates that materials, such as ether, propylene oxide and nitromethane, commonly used in model fuels may become destabilized and shock sensitive over a period of time.
Safety Comes First
CHECKLISTS: The weather report predicts that the day will be calm and sunny-check! The wife says she'll be out most of the day with the kids-check! The airplane is charged and loaded in the car-check! A quick call to your ol' flying buddy reveals that he'll be at the field by the time you get there-check! Ahh-life's good! Before leaving home, you conduct a quick mental review to make sure that you have everything: model, radio, flight box, cleaning equipment, tools, everything charged. Rats! You remember the flight box gel cell and Ni-Cd starter could use some topping off, so "just in case," you grab chargers for both.
