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Flight Safety

 

For Responsible and Safe Flying Please Review

 

Editor's Comments

When reviewing these articles, please allow for the many years that have passed since they were first written. Some sources of equipment and products mentioned may have changed. The messages about "SAFE OPERATION" remains the same.

 

Gyro Sense


  While still in your shop, check that the control surfaces move in accordance with the transmitter stick commands with the gyro “OFF”. Now, check that the gyro corrective action is in the proper direction on all 3 axes. Check with the gyro selected to the low rate and high rate condition. Move the models nose to the left, as if you were sitting in the cockpit, and the rudder should correct with a movement to the right. Check also the correct gyro action in the roll and pitch axes.
  It is BVM’s practice on a first gyro assisted flight to take-off with the transmitter 3 position gyro assigned switch in the “OFF” position. Climb to a safe altitude and trim the model for the various flight configurations and speed. Then, at a medium speed, turn the gyro “ON” to the “Low Rate” position and check the trims and gyro for correct sensing and flight stability. If anything is not right, immediately select the “OFF” position with the transmitter 3 position switch. You may even brief your “caller” to do so if you prefer.
  If all is good in the “Low Rate (gain)”, you can try the “High Rate” operation. Fine adjustment of the “Low Rate” and “High Rate” percentages can be dialed in after a few flights in various wind conditions.
We generally utilize the “High Rate” selection for landing, especially if the wind is a bit gusty and crossed. As is always good practice in aviation; “err on the safe side”.


 

Disciplined Jet Flying
A challenge to apply our skills.

Article by Bob Violett

 

Notice to all pilots of turbine powered aircraft.

The safe operation of turbine powered model aircraft requires a higher level of experience in building, installation of equipment and flying than other types of R/C models.
   This is because a turbine powered model is more likely to burn as a result of a high energy crash than a ducted fan or propeller powered model. The myriad of reasons that cause other types of R/C models to crash should be eliminated in a properly prepared turbine powered model. Please exercise the utmost responsibility in this regard.
   Should you not have the necessary experience, consult with a BVM rep or other qualified jet modeler to have your model checked before flight and get piloting assistance if required.
   The most important emergency procedure to be prepared for is to shut down the engine at the first sign of a control problem. Brief your helper/caller to do this for you if you get too busy trying to fly the model. Shutting down the engine, even just a few seconds prior to impact, greatly reduces the chances of ignition.
   All turbine flyers should be aware of the local conditions in regards to their sensitivity to ignite. You should have water fire extinguishing equipment on hand and be able to get it to a crash site quickly. You should also have the local fire department telephone number preset into a cell phone and call them immediately upon the first sign of smoke or fire.
   It is a requirement of the Academy of Model Aeronautics that you have a current AMA license and Turbine Waiver.
  Please conduct all model turbine operations in a mature and responsible manner.

Sincerely,
Bob Violett

A.M.A. vs. F.A.A. - Common Sense and Some Good News

A.M.A. vs. F.A.A. - Required Reading
 

●  Good News  May 2016  
●  Things Still Come Loose  June 2015
●  BV's Letter to the F.A.A.  July 2014
●  BV's Letter to the F.A.A. Concerning the F.A.A.'s Model Aircraft Rule Interpretation  July 2014
●  Wing Stress Cracks  June 2013 
●  How to deal with "Bumpy Air"  June 2013 
●  Air Speed Limits  August 2012 
●  Flying Season 2013  April 2013
●  Fun or Fire  October 2012
●  Flight Safety  January 2012
●  Safety Especially Now  November 2011
●  Freedom and Jets December 2010
●  Water fire extinguishing equipment
●  In Defense Of Our Sport
●  Test Pilot February 2010
●  Air Showitis  October 2009
●  Speed Control Devices  September 2008
●  High Speed and Glue Joints  February 2008
●  Please Stay Out Of The Clouds November 2007
●  Safety Brief - Stop the crashing PLEASE!  June 2007
●  Safety Reminders   March 2007
●  Servo Output Arm    June 2006
●  Pre-Flight Checks    November 2005
●  New Turbine Rules    February 2004
●  The 55 pound rule - more discussion   May 2003
●  Heavy Jets    March 2003
●  Turbine Safety Observation Performance vs. Experience   November 2002
●  Guidelines for safe operations at R/C club fields   March 2002
●  A manual fuel shut-off valve is required for safe operations   August 2001
●  Too much speed in inexperienced hands   May 2001
●  Fuel Tank Reinforcement
●  Extra Dry Climatic Conditions command extra precautions   January 2001
●  Engine Shutdown   December 2000
●  Lessons learned this year   October 2000
●  To All Jet Modelers   August 16, 2000
●  How important is this sport to you?   August 10, 2000
●  Safety Equipment
 

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