Safety Comes First
SINGLE-STICK vs. Dual-Stick: In my November 1996 column I printed a letter from Reg Hinnant of Corpus Christi TX; he pointed out that many of the "hand in the prop" stories in past columns had revolved around two-stick transmitters falling over and pushing the throttle forward. He explained that by using a single-stick transmitter, many (or all) of the injuries caused by tipped or bumped transmitters (the throttle gets nudged, causing the airplane to surge) could have been avoided. I indicated that I was anxious to hear the reason why fliers would choose single-stick transmitters instead of dual-stick transmitters. In the 11 letters I received, nothing substantial regarding safety was mentioned, but two common reasons for transmitter choice emerged. The first reason was apparent ease of use by the physically disabled (hence, safer flying), while the second simply revolved around personal preference, i. e., people started with a particular type and stuck with it.
Safety Comes First
John Kimsey forwarded a safety alert via the Internet: "Do Not Fill Gas Cans in Pickup Trucks with Bed Liners." Chevron USA has reported several instances of metal cans exploding at service stations, resulting in at least 23 injuries or deaths. A warning in Chevron's Marketing Bulletin 36-1904 stated that the insulating effect of the trucks' plastic liners prevents grounding of the static charge that is generated by gasoline flowing into a metal can. As the charge builds, it can create a static spark between the can and the gas nozzle that could result in an explosion or fire.
Safety Comes First
LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS: I remember standing in a Florida clubhouse waiting for a thunderstorm to pass, when a bolt of blue nailed the side of the building - the boom was deafening and sparks shot from screens covering the windows! Thank goodness no one was hurt. Although most modelers in the US deal with the threat of lightning throughout most of the year, I've noticed that few understand when to take shelter, and many ignore the danger altogether. I witnessed a Pattern competitor flying a routine during a thunderstorm while another modeler held an umbrella over his head; or how about a few years ago when the US Pattern team flew during a thunderstorm in the Austrian foothills? I'm not picking on Pattern fliers; I was a little more active in the hobby then, so I had multiple opportunities for observation.
Safety Comes First
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW About Using Paint Strippers: I made a trip to a dermatologist to get help for a stubborn skin condition that I had developed on my hands. For months prior to the visit, my fingers felt swollen, they itched continuously, they cracked, and they peeled. Despite using lotions and creams to treat what I though was dry skin, nothing seemed to provide any relief. The doctor asked me several questions about my occupation, activities, hobbies, etc., and the conclusion was that I might be sensitive to paint strippers that I used on my Pattern airplane and coffee table during the winter. I used appropriate protection (gloves) when doing the work, but what apparently irritated my hands was collecting and throwing out (without using gloves) rags that were soaked with stripper.
Safety Comes First
THE WEATHER'S PERFECT in Florida as I write this in early May, and many clubs are taking advantage of cool temperatures by conducting scheduled and unscheduled events throughout the state; I had an opportunity to judge Pattern events during a contest at Pensacola. There's nothing like sharp pilots demonstrating what Precision Aerobatic flying is all about: grace, power, beauty, agility, and money were a few thoughts traveling through my brain as I watched several contestants. What a graceful sport! With all of the high-tech equipment, not much is left to chance - just to skill!
