Post by coyote on Aug 15, 2018 11:45:54 GMT -4
Hi folks -
Well I guess we can say half the RC flying season is over, regrettably
So far we have not had any major issues or injuries
One of the issues I've noticed lately is that flyers just assume their plane will work out of their vehicles. It is important for everyone's safety, that all pilots thoroughly go over all the flying surfaces prior to a first daily flight or after a "hard landing"
Transporting planes in a vehicle is as unnatural as it sounds, lots of opportunities for something to get mixed up, thus the requirement to check and make sure everything is still anchored/strapped down inside the plane, no twisted parts, that all flying surfaces respond in the direction they should, etc.
It's all about having fun and enjoying the hobby in a safe manner.
I'm asking all flyers to double check all airframes at the field. If something is not right - don't fly it until you fix what is not working properly. The faster and/or larger the airframe, the more damage it can do to property or worse, injure someone. Check your gear the day before and the morning of, and the more fun you'll have flying.
Two other points if I may -
1) If a pilot is having issues with an aircraft, ask for assistance or yell out if you're in trouble. This way pilots can look out for each other. Also absolutely no flying over the pits - think of it as a zone with anti-aircraft guns. In same spirit, if a senior RC pilot sees another pilot who is having issues, please feel free to offer assistance keeping safety in mind.
2) A reminder for everyone to go over the club's Flight Operations Guidelines. All pilots should be made aware of any planes about to fly for first time (maidens). This is also true for planes that have not flown in some time. Flight Guidelines encourages all pilots get a second pilot to look over their planes before first flight to ensure the obvious is not over looked (See Item 4 in Guidelines).
Have fun but be safe!
Marc "Coyote" Cayouette
RC Club Operations and Safety