Safety Comes First

U Gary Shaw SINGLE-STICK vs Dual-Stick November 1996 column printed letter Reg Hinnant Corpus Christi TX pointed out hand prop stories past columns revolved around two-stick transmitters falling over pushing throttle forward explained using single-stick transmitter injuries caused tipped bumped transmitters throttle gets nudged causing airplane surge could have avoided indicated anxious hear reason fliers would choose single-stick transmitters instead dual-stick transmitters 11 letters received nothing substantial regarding safety mentioned two common reasons transmitter choice emerged first reason apparent ease use physically disabled hence safer flying second simply revolved around personal preference ie people started particular type stuck Ive asked point out manufacturers too few single-stick choices exist prefer Although some companies did produce various single-stick models past apparently Ace continues soat prohibitively high price Enter article old-time modeler Clayton Berry offers possible solution price shortage right arm paralyzed now single-stick radio seemed way go remembered seeing kid knew out typical Tower add doesnt list settled Futaba Skysport figured having things hard way learned fly via trainer cable good friend Landing problem chopping throttle last minute palm hand usually resulted unwanted movement either rudder elevator ailerons Less-than-graceful landings product Y-cabled ailerons rudder together allowed steer ground right stick clearly having difficult time started seriously looking single stick bought eight-channel Futaba looked promising throttle designed used non-stick hand rigged bellcrank system top radio allow two-inch throttle arm extend up near stick could use little finger act serious movement stick works okay still use today joined new club brought radio show off handiwork elder members Ed Gerber asked about old radio Hes big fan Ace equipment some disdain about working Futaba took Skysport see about making single stick used Ace pot knob top new right stick hollow conceal wires rudder top knob mounted plastic bottle cap same diameter Another pot resides letter moving aft throttle trim adjustments same location before hole left stick blanked off What Cadillac eight-channel having provision trainer cord can used another transmitter same type Skysport Im teaching friend fly can safely say would seriously curtailed still using two-stick transmitter Other notes flying hand Du-Bro transmitter tray must also carry length rope flying retrieve plane field after dead-stick landing loop around prop drag back like Im walking dog also rigged starter flight box flying alone have since dismantled dont want think about driving hospital hand sliced up Claytons efforts determination fly safely have paid off despite lack ready-made equipment available manufacturers challenges faces efforts friends highlight what keeps hobby going teamwork success face adversityor better yet detennination make hobby work safely transmitter business might noting Claytons improvements should perhaps contact him via E-mail can reached irclay@mnsinccom would willing provide pictures further detail Avoid Fog Several years ago some friends received invite fly exclusive flying site know type fieldpaved fenced has high membership dues initiation fees locked gates etc gets invite he/she doesnt like go home having opportunity get model air particular morning fog thick hard see cars parked 50 feet pits No need worry fog would lift soon wed go up right Wrongfour hours later still sipping coffee wondering weather would finally clear up guys ran out patience started up model taxied out commented about go IFR Instrument Flight Rules fly full-scale As lifted off turned hard left airplane suddenly disappeared Nothing sound engine indicated model air until suddenly emerged fog hard bank ground level headed straight toward us no time maneuver model run cover pilot decided right thing buried model runway rest us jumped avoid being smacked pieces wing fuselage radio engine etc tumbled past pilot stood sad face transmitter hand apologizing observing what left wonderful model As spring rolls around its foggy head field fly wait clear up come back another day Theres no need lose model injure someone because youve become little impatient saw similar story scanning Internet As novice RCer couple landings under belt confidently drove field Goldberg Anniversary Edition Piper Cub about worst possible first planeof course picked Since absolutely no wind Saturday morning couldnt figure out life no else field Usually Saturdays always busy especially calm day Okay hadnt soloed yet calm day no other planes air distract driven long way get field Takeoff perfect climbed out shallow angle Just made first turn airplane completely disappeared could hear engine noise getting softer softer plane flew off through layer fog began 100 200 feet altitude Lesson though good visibility ground level does guarantee visibility airplane height Using engine noise alone able bring airplane back field under fog ceiling Unfortunately limp adrenaline time got back made high-angle landing taking out gear airplane eventually lived fly again until . continued next month 1997 61