92 MODEL AVIATION
DO YOU THINK that the big Hollywood
movies are violent and gory? Wait until you
get a load of this real-life adventure from
Dale Gunter.
“I’m sending this story while it is fresh in
my mind, whatever is left of it. I had spent the
morning shooting the breeze and putting my
airplane together; then it was time to fly. I
was down on my knees and doing the enginechoke
thing. It popped and it was ‘choke off.’
“After it started and warmed up, I wanted
to lean the idle a bit. I closed the throttle and
hit the kill switch. It was hard to see into the
front of the engine because of the screen I
always put in the cowl openings.
“At my field they use in-ground sockets as
plane holders. You just put a steel post with a
foam bumper into the sockets. These go in
front of the stab to hold the plane. I couldn’t
see well so I picked up the plane and turned it
into the sun. Here is where things went bad.
“I finished my adjustment and the 4.8 cubic-inch twin Brison
started on the first flip of the 24 x 10 prop. I was surprised when it
started to come after me and I put my left hand out to stop it. That had
never happened to me before.
“You see, I neglected to put the plane back in the chocks before
starting it. Oh, and yes you can stop a big twin with your hand—once.
“Never once got hurt before, but today I got my first ambulance
ride, first visit to the emergency room, and my first amputation. I lost
the tip of my left pinkie at the first knuckle.
“My ring finger looks like it might survive but it broke the bone in
two at the tip. Both fingers were badly mangled. No finger print left on
the ring finger and the doctor had to put a pin in it so it wouldn’t move
around for a while. Lesson learned: $16K for the hospital, doctor,
anesthesiologist, ambulance, etc.
“My advice is to take a deep breath when you’re looking at that
prop and make sure that you stick to your routine. Do things the same
way, in the correct order and you’ll do them right.”
Dale’s day ended differently from the relaxing time at the field he
Dave Gee | Safety Comes First [email protected]
Leaking phalanges: a touching propeller story
Also included in this column:
• Flying yard birds in a yard?
• A big airplane and a little
girl
• Club members meet the
public
The Antelope Valley Tailwinds showed the public how cool their airplanes were. Smaller
models did indoor flight demos while the big airplanes relaxed outside.
Emma with her dad’s giant electric Emmaselle. Damon Atwood followed the AMA
Experimental Aircraft Rules and has a great-flying airplane.
Remember how Joe Van Meter was taking
model-building lessons from Ralph Gee?
This is the result, and its flight performance
was pleasing.
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:44 AM Page 92
had planned. A moment’s distraction from
his routine made a difference.
He is correct that a safe routine is a
lifesaver. Full-scale pilots use written
checklists to ensure that they don’t skip a
step. Our aircraft are smaller and less
complex, but that routine is just as vital.
Model fliers frequently make written
checklists and keep a laminated copy handy
in the pit area. I think this started with the jet
pilots, but it can be a useful tool for
everyone, especially a beginner or any pilot
with a large or complex flying machine.
At the field we are usually with our pals,
having a fine time and chatting or kidding
around as we prep our models. Having a
procedure, written or not, can be a big help.
In my case it would read, “Start, launch,
duck, fetch dustpan.”
The AMA staff in Muncie, Indiana,
forwarded me another e-mail regarding the
ParkZone advertisement in the May 2010
MA on pages 118-119. This eye-catching but
controversial ad has provoked much
discussion.
I guess that’s what the ParkZone people
wanted, but I’m surprised by people’s
opinions. Some experienced fliers have
weighed in on opposite sides of the
discussion.
The e-mail I was forwarded came from
Brian Chan. He wrote a well-considered
statement of concern about the image within
the ad. It shows the line of ParkZone Ultra
Micro RC models and a suburban home with
the words, “They see a sidewalk. You see a
runway.”
Brian had researched and discussed the
matter carefully and wrote, “I think this
advertisement gives people the wrong idea
that we can fly our models anywhere and
everywhere we see fit.”
Disclaimer time! Before I shoot my
mouth off, understand that stuff in this
column is not official AMA policy unless I
specifically note that it is. My opinions are
my own and do not necessarily match those
of our leadership.
Brian and I corresponded briefly, and I
could see that he had been thoughtful about
this and that he had a valid point. An ad that
mentions flying RC aircraft from
“backyards, picnic tables, parking lots and,
yes, even your own sidewalk” might give
the wrong impression about proper locations
for safe flying, but he and I disagreed
slightly about this particular spread.
I admit to being a huge fan of the little
RTFs that ParkZone and others sell. My
Vapor often travels with me and I’ve flown
it in classrooms, schoolyards, convention
centers, gyms, auditoriums, and, yes, in my
front yard.
The airplanes in the ad weigh less than
an ounce and have little kinetic energy in
flight. I think that they are suitable for
sidewalk flying, if there are no people or
vehicles nearby.
The difference between Brian’s position
and mine might be because of our different
experiences and backgrounds. He sees
things from the runway of his home field,
where the aircraft are absolutely not right for
neighborhood use. If a newbie bought a
model second-hand and read that ad, it is
possible that he or she might indeed get the
wrong idea about where to fly.
On the other hand, I grew up with
rubber-powered FF models, which never
flew anywhere but front lawns and
schoolyards. They weighed roughly the
same as the ParkZone aircraft, but they
carried higher wing loadings because then
(as now) my building skills were lacking.
If reasonable care is taken to keep such
small, lightweight models away from people
and moving vehicles, I think that the danger
is minimal. Brian responded that the issue
might not be the actual injury from an
impact, but the distraction to a driver.
He asked, “Were you ever hit by a fly or
a bug when you were riding a bicycle?” A
valid point, but again I say that
neighborhood flying must be done away
from pedestrians, vehicles, pets, etc.
Those little airplanes would be hazardous
at most RC fields because of their slow-andclose
flight envelopes. They are designed to
fly indoors or in calm weather at small,
informal fields.
My part of California offers enough open
space for “park flyers” to live up to the
name. Brian wrote from San Mateo, which
is in a somewhat more congested area, and
August 2010 93
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:45 AM Page 93
that also might lead to our viewpoints being
different.
My Air Hogs Aero Ace remains stuck in
a tree near my daughter’s place,
coincidentally also in San Mateo, which
seems to validate Brian’s position. Maybe
I’d better drop the matter after all …
I sure appreciate it when readers contact
me. There are many wise and experienced
94 MODEL AVIATION
people in our hobby, but the new fliers often
see an issue that gets past us old-timers. If
you have a question, comment, or safety
story, please drop me a line.
Damon Atwood sent some great photos of
his newly test-flown model. He began the
project many years ago, and after many
adventures it has finally taken flight.
Damon designed an old-timey-looking
model for a 150cc gas engine he had, but
after he was well into construction he
realized that the airframe was unsuitable for
the vibrations of that power plant. The big
model, with its 193-inch wingspan, went into
storage.
Time passed, and Damon realized that
technology had come to the rescue. Motor
development had caught up to the large,
unfinished airplane in his attic, and a
smooth-running electric power system had
become available for the 70-pound aircraft.
The airframe acquired a motor and the
name Emmaselle, after the charming young
lady in the photo. Damon’s daughter, Emma,
looks pleased to have such a fine aircraft
named after her.
The model was well above the 55-pound
limit, so Damon knew it would have to fly
under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
He said that some of his buddies suggested
that he just say it was under the limit, but he
is a stand-up guy and wanted to do things
right.
In the end it was all worthwhile, and he
said that inspector Ron Ballard found a
couple of loose bolts that could have made
trouble. I saw video of this beautiful model
in flight. What an achievement!
The Antelope Valley Tailwinds club in
California operates within sight of Edwards
Air Force Base—a scene of many famous
test flights. Tim Williams got in touch with
me about his club’s opportunity to display
and demonstrate models at the local
fairground during a well-attended swap meet.
He had arranged for a large room where
we could fly RC and FF models, and a
shaded area outside for showing off larger
aircraft. What a great time we had!
The highlight for me was a pylon race
using ParkZone Vapor RTFs. They are not
exactly speedy; the spectators needed a
calendar to track the race. At the last moment
the leaders got into a massive midair, and
two laps later I chugged past for the win.
Tim ran his flight-safety plan past me
beforehand, and his careful planning made
the event a success.
Club members met the public and
answered questions during the day. We had
balsa gliders for the kids to decorate and fly.
This was a win/win for the club and the
event sponsors, because the modelers served
as an added attraction for the public and had
a chance to make a good impression on the
community for their club and hobby.
My wife, Sweet Diedra, did her part to
make the swap meet a success by buying a
bunch of junk while I was having fun flying.
Remember the story some months ago
about my father Ralph and new builder Joe
Van Meter working together on a scratchbuilt
indoor model? Well, the airplane was
finally finished after 21 weeks of sessions.
Best of all, it flew perfectly and got
rousing applause from the excited crowd. MA
Sources:
Dave Gee
Box 7081
Van Nuys CA 91409
ParkZone
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
AMA Insider
http://modelaircraft.org/insider/index.html
AMA Safety Code:
http://modelaircraft.org/files/105.pdf
TIRED OF PAYING
$1.29 FOR 6 SCREWS?
Our 4-40x1/2 socket
caps sell for $4.35/100
for alloy steel, or
$6.65/100 stainless, or $7.50/50 aluminum.
For fair prices on sensible quantities of the fasteners
you need for model building, call, write or
fax for our free catalog!
Micro Fasteners 800-892-6917
24 Cokesbury Rd., Suite 2 908-236-8120
Lebanon, NJ 08833 fax 908-236-8721
e-mail: [email protected] Internet: http://microfasteners.com
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:46 AM Page 94
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 92,93,94
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 92,93,94
92 MODEL AVIATION
DO YOU THINK that the big Hollywood
movies are violent and gory? Wait until you
get a load of this real-life adventure from
Dale Gunter.
“I’m sending this story while it is fresh in
my mind, whatever is left of it. I had spent the
morning shooting the breeze and putting my
airplane together; then it was time to fly. I
was down on my knees and doing the enginechoke
thing. It popped and it was ‘choke off.’
“After it started and warmed up, I wanted
to lean the idle a bit. I closed the throttle and
hit the kill switch. It was hard to see into the
front of the engine because of the screen I
always put in the cowl openings.
“At my field they use in-ground sockets as
plane holders. You just put a steel post with a
foam bumper into the sockets. These go in
front of the stab to hold the plane. I couldn’t
see well so I picked up the plane and turned it
into the sun. Here is where things went bad.
“I finished my adjustment and the 4.8 cubic-inch twin Brison
started on the first flip of the 24 x 10 prop. I was surprised when it
started to come after me and I put my left hand out to stop it. That had
never happened to me before.
“You see, I neglected to put the plane back in the chocks before
starting it. Oh, and yes you can stop a big twin with your hand—once.
“Never once got hurt before, but today I got my first ambulance
ride, first visit to the emergency room, and my first amputation. I lost
the tip of my left pinkie at the first knuckle.
“My ring finger looks like it might survive but it broke the bone in
two at the tip. Both fingers were badly mangled. No finger print left on
the ring finger and the doctor had to put a pin in it so it wouldn’t move
around for a while. Lesson learned: $16K for the hospital, doctor,
anesthesiologist, ambulance, etc.
“My advice is to take a deep breath when you’re looking at that
prop and make sure that you stick to your routine. Do things the same
way, in the correct order and you’ll do them right.”
Dale’s day ended differently from the relaxing time at the field he
Dave Gee | Safety Comes First [email protected]
Leaking phalanges: a touching propeller story
Also included in this column:
• Flying yard birds in a yard?
• A big airplane and a little
girl
• Club members meet the
public
The Antelope Valley Tailwinds showed the public how cool their airplanes were. Smaller
models did indoor flight demos while the big airplanes relaxed outside.
Emma with her dad’s giant electric Emmaselle. Damon Atwood followed the AMA
Experimental Aircraft Rules and has a great-flying airplane.
Remember how Joe Van Meter was taking
model-building lessons from Ralph Gee?
This is the result, and its flight performance
was pleasing.
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:44 AM Page 92
had planned. A moment’s distraction from
his routine made a difference.
He is correct that a safe routine is a
lifesaver. Full-scale pilots use written
checklists to ensure that they don’t skip a
step. Our aircraft are smaller and less
complex, but that routine is just as vital.
Model fliers frequently make written
checklists and keep a laminated copy handy
in the pit area. I think this started with the jet
pilots, but it can be a useful tool for
everyone, especially a beginner or any pilot
with a large or complex flying machine.
At the field we are usually with our pals,
having a fine time and chatting or kidding
around as we prep our models. Having a
procedure, written or not, can be a big help.
In my case it would read, “Start, launch,
duck, fetch dustpan.”
The AMA staff in Muncie, Indiana,
forwarded me another e-mail regarding the
ParkZone advertisement in the May 2010
MA on pages 118-119. This eye-catching but
controversial ad has provoked much
discussion.
I guess that’s what the ParkZone people
wanted, but I’m surprised by people’s
opinions. Some experienced fliers have
weighed in on opposite sides of the
discussion.
The e-mail I was forwarded came from
Brian Chan. He wrote a well-considered
statement of concern about the image within
the ad. It shows the line of ParkZone Ultra
Micro RC models and a suburban home with
the words, “They see a sidewalk. You see a
runway.”
Brian had researched and discussed the
matter carefully and wrote, “I think this
advertisement gives people the wrong idea
that we can fly our models anywhere and
everywhere we see fit.”
Disclaimer time! Before I shoot my
mouth off, understand that stuff in this
column is not official AMA policy unless I
specifically note that it is. My opinions are
my own and do not necessarily match those
of our leadership.
Brian and I corresponded briefly, and I
could see that he had been thoughtful about
this and that he had a valid point. An ad that
mentions flying RC aircraft from
“backyards, picnic tables, parking lots and,
yes, even your own sidewalk” might give
the wrong impression about proper locations
for safe flying, but he and I disagreed
slightly about this particular spread.
I admit to being a huge fan of the little
RTFs that ParkZone and others sell. My
Vapor often travels with me and I’ve flown
it in classrooms, schoolyards, convention
centers, gyms, auditoriums, and, yes, in my
front yard.
The airplanes in the ad weigh less than
an ounce and have little kinetic energy in
flight. I think that they are suitable for
sidewalk flying, if there are no people or
vehicles nearby.
The difference between Brian’s position
and mine might be because of our different
experiences and backgrounds. He sees
things from the runway of his home field,
where the aircraft are absolutely not right for
neighborhood use. If a newbie bought a
model second-hand and read that ad, it is
possible that he or she might indeed get the
wrong idea about where to fly.
On the other hand, I grew up with
rubber-powered FF models, which never
flew anywhere but front lawns and
schoolyards. They weighed roughly the
same as the ParkZone aircraft, but they
carried higher wing loadings because then
(as now) my building skills were lacking.
If reasonable care is taken to keep such
small, lightweight models away from people
and moving vehicles, I think that the danger
is minimal. Brian responded that the issue
might not be the actual injury from an
impact, but the distraction to a driver.
He asked, “Were you ever hit by a fly or
a bug when you were riding a bicycle?” A
valid point, but again I say that
neighborhood flying must be done away
from pedestrians, vehicles, pets, etc.
Those little airplanes would be hazardous
at most RC fields because of their slow-andclose
flight envelopes. They are designed to
fly indoors or in calm weather at small,
informal fields.
My part of California offers enough open
space for “park flyers” to live up to the
name. Brian wrote from San Mateo, which
is in a somewhat more congested area, and
August 2010 93
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:45 AM Page 93
that also might lead to our viewpoints being
different.
My Air Hogs Aero Ace remains stuck in
a tree near my daughter’s place,
coincidentally also in San Mateo, which
seems to validate Brian’s position. Maybe
I’d better drop the matter after all …
I sure appreciate it when readers contact
me. There are many wise and experienced
94 MODEL AVIATION
people in our hobby, but the new fliers often
see an issue that gets past us old-timers. If
you have a question, comment, or safety
story, please drop me a line.
Damon Atwood sent some great photos of
his newly test-flown model. He began the
project many years ago, and after many
adventures it has finally taken flight.
Damon designed an old-timey-looking
model for a 150cc gas engine he had, but
after he was well into construction he
realized that the airframe was unsuitable for
the vibrations of that power plant. The big
model, with its 193-inch wingspan, went into
storage.
Time passed, and Damon realized that
technology had come to the rescue. Motor
development had caught up to the large,
unfinished airplane in his attic, and a
smooth-running electric power system had
become available for the 70-pound aircraft.
The airframe acquired a motor and the
name Emmaselle, after the charming young
lady in the photo. Damon’s daughter, Emma,
looks pleased to have such a fine aircraft
named after her.
The model was well above the 55-pound
limit, so Damon knew it would have to fly
under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
He said that some of his buddies suggested
that he just say it was under the limit, but he
is a stand-up guy and wanted to do things
right.
In the end it was all worthwhile, and he
said that inspector Ron Ballard found a
couple of loose bolts that could have made
trouble. I saw video of this beautiful model
in flight. What an achievement!
The Antelope Valley Tailwinds club in
California operates within sight of Edwards
Air Force Base—a scene of many famous
test flights. Tim Williams got in touch with
me about his club’s opportunity to display
and demonstrate models at the local
fairground during a well-attended swap meet.
He had arranged for a large room where
we could fly RC and FF models, and a
shaded area outside for showing off larger
aircraft. What a great time we had!
The highlight for me was a pylon race
using ParkZone Vapor RTFs. They are not
exactly speedy; the spectators needed a
calendar to track the race. At the last moment
the leaders got into a massive midair, and
two laps later I chugged past for the win.
Tim ran his flight-safety plan past me
beforehand, and his careful planning made
the event a success.
Club members met the public and
answered questions during the day. We had
balsa gliders for the kids to decorate and fly.
This was a win/win for the club and the
event sponsors, because the modelers served
as an added attraction for the public and had
a chance to make a good impression on the
community for their club and hobby.
My wife, Sweet Diedra, did her part to
make the swap meet a success by buying a
bunch of junk while I was having fun flying.
Remember the story some months ago
about my father Ralph and new builder Joe
Van Meter working together on a scratchbuilt
indoor model? Well, the airplane was
finally finished after 21 weeks of sessions.
Best of all, it flew perfectly and got
rousing applause from the excited crowd. MA
Sources:
Dave Gee
Box 7081
Van Nuys CA 91409
ParkZone
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
AMA Insider
http://modelaircraft.org/insider/index.html
AMA Safety Code:
http://modelaircraft.org/files/105.pdf
TIRED OF PAYING
$1.29 FOR 6 SCREWS?
Our 4-40x1/2 socket
caps sell for $4.35/100
for alloy steel, or
$6.65/100 stainless, or $7.50/50 aluminum.
For fair prices on sensible quantities of the fasteners
you need for model building, call, write or
fax for our free catalog!
Micro Fasteners 800-892-6917
24 Cokesbury Rd., Suite 2 908-236-8120
Lebanon, NJ 08833 fax 908-236-8721
e-mail: [email protected] Internet: http://microfasteners.com
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:46 AM Page 94
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 92,93,94
92 MODEL AVIATION
DO YOU THINK that the big Hollywood
movies are violent and gory? Wait until you
get a load of this real-life adventure from
Dale Gunter.
“I’m sending this story while it is fresh in
my mind, whatever is left of it. I had spent the
morning shooting the breeze and putting my
airplane together; then it was time to fly. I
was down on my knees and doing the enginechoke
thing. It popped and it was ‘choke off.’
“After it started and warmed up, I wanted
to lean the idle a bit. I closed the throttle and
hit the kill switch. It was hard to see into the
front of the engine because of the screen I
always put in the cowl openings.
“At my field they use in-ground sockets as
plane holders. You just put a steel post with a
foam bumper into the sockets. These go in
front of the stab to hold the plane. I couldn’t
see well so I picked up the plane and turned it
into the sun. Here is where things went bad.
“I finished my adjustment and the 4.8 cubic-inch twin Brison
started on the first flip of the 24 x 10 prop. I was surprised when it
started to come after me and I put my left hand out to stop it. That had
never happened to me before.
“You see, I neglected to put the plane back in the chocks before
starting it. Oh, and yes you can stop a big twin with your hand—once.
“Never once got hurt before, but today I got my first ambulance
ride, first visit to the emergency room, and my first amputation. I lost
the tip of my left pinkie at the first knuckle.
“My ring finger looks like it might survive but it broke the bone in
two at the tip. Both fingers were badly mangled. No finger print left on
the ring finger and the doctor had to put a pin in it so it wouldn’t move
around for a while. Lesson learned: $16K for the hospital, doctor,
anesthesiologist, ambulance, etc.
“My advice is to take a deep breath when you’re looking at that
prop and make sure that you stick to your routine. Do things the same
way, in the correct order and you’ll do them right.”
Dale’s day ended differently from the relaxing time at the field he
Dave Gee | Safety Comes First [email protected]
Leaking phalanges: a touching propeller story
Also included in this column:
• Flying yard birds in a yard?
• A big airplane and a little
girl
• Club members meet the
public
The Antelope Valley Tailwinds showed the public how cool their airplanes were. Smaller
models did indoor flight demos while the big airplanes relaxed outside.
Emma with her dad’s giant electric Emmaselle. Damon Atwood followed the AMA
Experimental Aircraft Rules and has a great-flying airplane.
Remember how Joe Van Meter was taking
model-building lessons from Ralph Gee?
This is the result, and its flight performance
was pleasing.
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:44 AM Page 92
had planned. A moment’s distraction from
his routine made a difference.
He is correct that a safe routine is a
lifesaver. Full-scale pilots use written
checklists to ensure that they don’t skip a
step. Our aircraft are smaller and less
complex, but that routine is just as vital.
Model fliers frequently make written
checklists and keep a laminated copy handy
in the pit area. I think this started with the jet
pilots, but it can be a useful tool for
everyone, especially a beginner or any pilot
with a large or complex flying machine.
At the field we are usually with our pals,
having a fine time and chatting or kidding
around as we prep our models. Having a
procedure, written or not, can be a big help.
In my case it would read, “Start, launch,
duck, fetch dustpan.”
The AMA staff in Muncie, Indiana,
forwarded me another e-mail regarding the
ParkZone advertisement in the May 2010
MA on pages 118-119. This eye-catching but
controversial ad has provoked much
discussion.
I guess that’s what the ParkZone people
wanted, but I’m surprised by people’s
opinions. Some experienced fliers have
weighed in on opposite sides of the
discussion.
The e-mail I was forwarded came from
Brian Chan. He wrote a well-considered
statement of concern about the image within
the ad. It shows the line of ParkZone Ultra
Micro RC models and a suburban home with
the words, “They see a sidewalk. You see a
runway.”
Brian had researched and discussed the
matter carefully and wrote, “I think this
advertisement gives people the wrong idea
that we can fly our models anywhere and
everywhere we see fit.”
Disclaimer time! Before I shoot my
mouth off, understand that stuff in this
column is not official AMA policy unless I
specifically note that it is. My opinions are
my own and do not necessarily match those
of our leadership.
Brian and I corresponded briefly, and I
could see that he had been thoughtful about
this and that he had a valid point. An ad that
mentions flying RC aircraft from
“backyards, picnic tables, parking lots and,
yes, even your own sidewalk” might give
the wrong impression about proper locations
for safe flying, but he and I disagreed
slightly about this particular spread.
I admit to being a huge fan of the little
RTFs that ParkZone and others sell. My
Vapor often travels with me and I’ve flown
it in classrooms, schoolyards, convention
centers, gyms, auditoriums, and, yes, in my
front yard.
The airplanes in the ad weigh less than
an ounce and have little kinetic energy in
flight. I think that they are suitable for
sidewalk flying, if there are no people or
vehicles nearby.
The difference between Brian’s position
and mine might be because of our different
experiences and backgrounds. He sees
things from the runway of his home field,
where the aircraft are absolutely not right for
neighborhood use. If a newbie bought a
model second-hand and read that ad, it is
possible that he or she might indeed get the
wrong idea about where to fly.
On the other hand, I grew up with
rubber-powered FF models, which never
flew anywhere but front lawns and
schoolyards. They weighed roughly the
same as the ParkZone aircraft, but they
carried higher wing loadings because then
(as now) my building skills were lacking.
If reasonable care is taken to keep such
small, lightweight models away from people
and moving vehicles, I think that the danger
is minimal. Brian responded that the issue
might not be the actual injury from an
impact, but the distraction to a driver.
He asked, “Were you ever hit by a fly or
a bug when you were riding a bicycle?” A
valid point, but again I say that
neighborhood flying must be done away
from pedestrians, vehicles, pets, etc.
Those little airplanes would be hazardous
at most RC fields because of their slow-andclose
flight envelopes. They are designed to
fly indoors or in calm weather at small,
informal fields.
My part of California offers enough open
space for “park flyers” to live up to the
name. Brian wrote from San Mateo, which
is in a somewhat more congested area, and
August 2010 93
08sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/25/10 9:45 AM Page 93
that also might lead to our viewpoints being
different.
My Air Hogs Aero Ace remains stuck in
a tree near my daughter’s place,
coincidentally also in San Mateo, which
seems to validate Brian’s position. Maybe
I’d better drop the matter after all …
I sure appreciate it when readers contact
me. There are many wise and experienced
94 MODEL AVIATION
people in our hobby, but the new fliers often
see an issue that gets past us old-timers. If
you have a question, comment, or safety
story, please drop me a line.
Damon Atwood sent some great photos of
his newly test-flown model. He began the
project many years ago, and after many
adventures it has finally taken flight.
Damon designed an old-timey-looking
model for a 150cc gas engine he had, but
after he was well into construction he
realized that the airframe was unsuitable for
the vibrations of that power plant. The big
model, with its 193-inch wingspan, went into
storage.
Time passed, and Damon realized that
technology had come to the rescue. Motor
development had caught up to the large,
unfinished airplane in his attic, and a
smooth-running electric power system had
become available for the 70-pound aircraft.
The airframe acquired a motor and the
name Emmaselle, after the charming young
lady in the photo. Damon’s daughter, Emma,
looks pleased to have such a fine aircraft
named after her.
The model was well above the 55-pound
limit, so Damon knew it would have to fly
under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
He said that some of his buddies suggested
that he just say it was under the limit, but he
is a stand-up guy and wanted to do things
right.
In the end it was all worthwhile, and he
said that inspector Ron Ballard found a
couple of loose bolts that could have made
trouble. I saw video of this beautiful model
in flight. What an achievement!
The Antelope Valley Tailwinds club in
California operates within sight of Edwards
Air Force Base—a scene of many famous
test flights. Tim Williams got in touch with
me about his club’s opportunity to display
and demonstrate models at the local
fairground during a well-attended swap meet.
He had arranged for a large room where
we could fly RC and FF models, and a
shaded area outside for showing off larger
aircraft. What a great time we had!
The highlight for me was a pylon race
using ParkZone Vapor RTFs. They are not
exactly speedy; the spectators needed a
calendar to track the race. At the last moment
the leaders got into a massive midair, and
two laps later I chugged past for the win.
Tim ran his flight-safety plan past me
beforehand, and his careful planning made
the event a success.
Club members met the public and
answered questions during the day. We had
balsa gliders for the kids to decorate and fly.
This was a win/win for the club and the
event sponsors, because the modelers served
as an added attraction for the public and had
a chance to make a good impression on the
community for their club and hobby.
My wife, Sweet Diedra, did her part to
make the swap meet a success by buying a
bunch of junk while I was having fun flying.
Remember the story some months ago
about my father Ralph and new builder Joe
Van Meter working together on a scratchbuilt
indoor model? Well, the airplane was
finally finished after 21 weeks of sessions.
Best of all, it flew perfectly and got
rousing applause from the excited crowd. MA
Sources:
Dave Gee
Box 7081
Van Nuys CA 91409
ParkZone
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
AMA Insider
http://modelaircraft.org/insider/index.html
AMA Safety Code:
http://modelaircraft.org/files/105.pdf
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