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The new model section. |
| The new model section will hopefully help some newer members to
understand the dangers of models when they are new !! Take the model on the right, it is a lovely model to fly, but if you built it and forgot to tighten a clevis, it just might fail on the first maiden flight. As with all models at each flying session all moving parts must be checked, But with a model that has just been built or purchased the radio equipment will have just been fitted !! Even if the radio gear has been in another model it STILL MUST be range tested. After you have done all the normal checks, (links, servos, all every clevis, even the engine mount you must then do a range test. The range test MUST be done with the Arial retracted (down) and without starting the engine walk approximately 40/50 foot away from the model and move the sticks on the transmitter. If you can get someone to watch the model for you so they can tell you if the elevator or any other surface is twitching or moving smoothly. If you do not have any movement at 40 foot away you must check the radio equipment and retest before the first flight. |
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| It's not just the radio equipment that can cause an accident, Yes if
the model does loose the radio signal it will crash !! maybe hitting someone. One check that does need to be done and most of the time isn't, is the engine and propeller. I have seen an engine fall out of a plane that is in flight ! most people at some time have what's called a hydraulic lock when the engine locks due to flooding and the prop spins of the front of the engine. props can come loose without a lockup so check them on a regular basis. If you bring a new model to the field and you haven't been flying that long ask an experienced pilot to test fly it for you, It could just save your model if something does go wrong. |
| As with all models of all kinds, planes, Heli's, gliders ect most of
the safety aspects are common sense , don't fly that plane if the wings don't fit properly ! oh dear the undercarriage is loose but it will fly ok !!! this type of thing is more common than you think. Just don't risk it ! |
| With a Helicopter it can be a lot worse, imagine a
heli ready to lift off, the main rotors spinning at 1800 revolutions a minuet (that's fast) and part of one of the main blades shears off !! that would be like a wild bullet going in any direction!! safety checks must be done on new models as much as on older ones. Just because it is new does not mean it's safe. |
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