Safety Issues for Turbine Flyers
I must urge all who fly turbine models to consider the
consequences of a serious accident or forest fire. As the size, weight,
fuel-on-board and speed of the models increases, so does the potential to do
harm. If we are to continue to enjoy this exciting era of jet modeling we must
understand and accept the responsibility that goes with it.
We
must substantially reduce the number of crashes.
No one wants to destroy their model - but we are having
far too many unnecessary crashes. Here are just two of the reasons why.
1. Control surface flutter and/or failure. 2. Lack of good
judgment, i.e. flying the model before it is totally checked out or flying it
beyond its structural capabilities.
Control surface flutter and or failure.
The increase in size, weight and speed of the models
dictates the use of correct hinging, (control surface attachment), stronger
servos (and servo mounts), stronger connecting push rods, control horns,
clevises, cables, etc.
If your model is built from a kit, hopefully the instructions are
sufficient and the control surface rigging shown has been thoroughly tested.
Even if the kit has a good performance record, the builder can still be
delinquent in his experience and knowledge of proper gluing, soldering and wire
bending techniques. If your experience is lacking, call for help from the
manufacturer or other experienced jet modelers.
All control surfaces (including the flaps)
must be rigged properly. Should an aerodynamic flutter occur and your model
doesn't crash instantly, consider yourself very lucky and land immediately.
Good judgment
This is not easy to define but it is obvious when it's
lacking. People are always asking me "when is your new model xxx going to fly?"
My answer - the day after I am sure that it is 100% ready.
We
must take the time to check everything at least twice. We also suggest the use of a smart battery charger like the Graupner MC Ultra
Duo plus.
Should
a control problem develop in flight it is paramount that the engine be shut
down prior to impact. A few seconds of cooling will substantially reduce the
possibility of a fire. Good judgment comes with experience, a commodity that
money can't buy, so lets all error on the safe side and stay within the
boundaries of our experience and equipment.
Fire suppression equipment and techniques
A few jet flyers have made it a practice to carry along a
hand pump water fire extinguisher on all flying sessions. The presence of two
of these devices at a recent jet fly-in prevented a crash incident from
becoming a major forest fire; these devices are used by professional firemen on
controlled burns. One must be in reasonably good physical condition to get the
5-gallon backpack to the crash site quickly. Apply the water stream to the
downwind area of the burn first. Do not waste the water supply on the Kerosene
spill area until the periphery of the burn is suppressed. The stronger the
wind, the less time you have to get to and control the fire.
Use a cell phone to call
the local fire department even if you think you have it under control. They can
apply a lot more water to the area and be certain that it does not rekindle.
CO², Halon
or chemical extinguishers are great to douse a fire in your model but are
practically useless against a brush fire.
We tried an inexpensive garden type of water
sprayer but it is less effective than the product shown below.
![BV and Rafale](../Safety/firepack.jpg) The Indian® Series 90 Fire Pump
Available at
www.forestry-suppliers.com or
at www.benmeadows.com
We thank Gordon Dickens for this
info and product source.
This device could be part of your club's field
equipment or make it your personal contribution to safe operations and keep it
in your jet-hauling vehicle.
The CD's of "Superman" and "Florida Jets"
arranged to have water pump trucks on site during the event just in case. This
practice should be part of any jet event, the cost is minimum, the reward - we
will be able to continue enjoying our sport.
Bob Violett |