Safety Comes First
THINGS THAT GO BOOM: While scanning the local newspaper, I noted a story about a grain elevator that exploded, and several people died. One might assume that there was a gas leak, a buildup of sewer gas, or possibly stored chemicals that sparked the deadly explosion, but no; I'll bet my next airplane that the cause was airborne grain dust! How could grain dust create an explosion? When too much of any type of flammable material becomes airborne and trapped in a closed environment, it creates a concentrated mixture that needs only a source of ignition to burn-very, very rapidly (boom!). If grain dust and air mix in a closed environment (such as a grain silo), the mixture can be just as deadly as gas fumes waiting for a spark.
Safety Comes First
NI-CD KNOWLEDGE: I can't tell you how many times I've been asked questions related to Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) battery use and management. One would think that after answering the same questions time and time again, something would stick and the answers would come easy. Since I don't think of the subject often (I'm programmed), and I'm not blessed with gray matter that accommodates theory, formulas, etc., I usually refer to what those who know have written. I was asked how to tell if a receiver battery is safe to use, and what needs to be done to keep batteries healthy. I've learned to follow a monthly protocol, and often have to refer to literature when figuring out capacities or available power/demand (varies with size of pack and demand placed on it). My routine requires that I cycle receiver and transmitter packs monthly. To accomplish this I've purchased additional chargers and cyclers; however, even though I go through the routine religiously, I'm not convinced that my batteries live longer because of it.
Safety Comes First
MERRY CHRISTMAS! It's that time of year again; time to tear shopping hints from modeling magazines and leave them posted in obvious places around the house! If you really want attention, try sticking the ad for something you want for Christmas on the bathroom mirror; trust me, your "better half" will get the message! On the top of my wish list this year is a computer flight simulator program (keeps winter rust off of the flying skills), a new Radio Glove to protect hands from frostbite, or a foam glider (grin). Okay, maybe I'll settle for a few of my favorite glow plugs, a couple of propellers, and a case or two of reliable fuel. Guess I'm just an optimist! Who knows, maybe I can count on glow plugs?
Safety Comes First
TAXI IN the Pits? In contrast to recent summers, I spent a fair amount of time at the field this year, with a number of new student pilots. When teaching another to fly, my style has always been to set a good example through adherence to field rules and the AMA Safety Code. During several recent trips to the field, I've noticed that it's become somewhat standard practice to land a model and taxi it back to the car. The field I commonly go to has a paved runway to which vehicles can pull up. It's convenient and safe, provided pilots respect a yellow line that runs near the center line that separates runway from pits. If you cross that line, it puts you behind the flightline-a no-no in most clubs.
Safety Comes First
WINTER BATTERY WOES: By the time this column arrives, many of us will be hibernating next to a furnace, reading a book, or making progress on a long-lost project rediscovered in the basement. Although most will stay inside during the winter, many will charge up and venture out for a little fun. Before you go packing everything up and heading to the field, you should remember a few winter flying basics:
