District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members! As you read this, April is here and many of us will have taken to the outdoors for our first flights of the new season. This winter, the weather was strange. It went from extreme cold to springlike temperatures.
I know I am looking for consistency in the weather, but those who took advantage of indoor flying had the ideal weather conditions—zero wind and nice, comfortable temperatures!
I haven’t had the chance to take advantage of the many indoor events, but thanks to a couple of clubs that sent in reports, I have some events that I want to share with you all.
John Smith, of the Capital Area Radio Drone Society (C.A.R.D.S.), sent in a report about the club’s indoor sessions, Flying Mondays, at the Lansing City Arena, in Lansing, Michigan..
By the time you read this article, the indoor season will have ended. For those in the area, check it out next year. Likewise, visit the C.A.R.D.S. website at www.cardsrc.com. The members have many events planned for the upcoming season.
The Cadillac Area Modelers Society (CAMS) also held some indoor flying sessions at the Mackinaw Trail Middle School on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. CAMS also hosts RC 101 building sessions, where novice fliers, or those who have never built anything, are invited to participate and learn more about the hobby.
As I wrap up this month’s column, I want to take a moment to discuss safety. Because we get used to things working well, we become comfortable and might take them for granted. Unfortunately, for a friend and fellow District VII member, it came at a significant cost. Properly charging a LiPo battery that was in a LiPo-safe bag, he turned his back for a minute and before he knew it, something happened and the battery caught fire.
The LiPo bag did nothing to contain the fire, and as a result, the garage was set on fire. There was significant damage to the garage, and he lost many models, electronics, supplies, etc.
We should all take this as a lesson. Regardless of storing your batteries in the correct manner or charging or discharging them in a LiPo-safe container, never turn your back on them, even for a second (take that telephone call later). Take it a step further and charge them outside.
I admit that I thought that I always did things properly, but I will also admit to being distracted while charging batteries (walking away or talking to friends at a flying field, for example). But my friend’s tragedy should be a reminder, if not a wake-up call, for us all.
Until next month, share the passion!
