On the Fly — Late-breaking news from Headquarters
Safety Alert
Do not use conventional Nickel-Cadmium battery chargers of any type to charge lithium batteries. This can be hazardous to your health!
Lithium batteries are becoming an increasingly popular choice for powering electric models and for radio control systems. They offer dramatically improved energy density compared to commonly used Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. One can save as much as half the weight of conventional batteries and/or greatly increase operating time. Lithium Metal, Lithium Ion, and Lithium Polymer batteries are now on the market.
Increased performance comes with an increase in potential hazard in their use, and old methods of handling and charging batteries will not suffice. These batteries can rupture if overcharged or shorted, and if this happens, fire may result if the lithium is exposed to the atmosphere.
There have been reports of fire with each of those battery types. The root causes of the failures have been improper charging and battery shorting.
The safest approach is to use only prepackaged battery packs assembled by reputable vendors with the appropriate protective devices installed, and use only chargers designed for this purpose. Buying individual cells that are not protected and charging them with conventional chargers is discouraged. MA
—AMA Safety Committee
AMA Announces New Liability Insurance Carrier
On March 24, 2003, the AMA Executive Council reviewed several liability quotes offered for consideration. It approved an offer from Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company, AM Best rated as A IX.
This coverage is identical to the expiring 2002 policy with another company. The annual premium compared to last year went up 70%. There will be no lapse in liability coverage for clubs that have rechartered. Coverage will continue for additional insureds (site owners).
AMA Headquarters operations are focusing on getting various documents printed and customized for club and property owners. MA
—Carl Maroney Special Services Director
New Life Members
The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently welcomed new Life Members:
- Lester F. Wetzel III (L673)
- David B. Mattingly (L413)
- Tim Pazara (L368)
- Michael Cummins (L508)
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-9262. MA
—Membership Department
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
