Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

I am starting this post/thread for the purpose of promoting personal safety and for the general safety of everyone at the field.  The subject matter will focus on two useful tips each week.  The tips will be brief and to the point.

Everyone is welcome to share their comments and experiences involving each of the subject matters based on their own experiences and knowledge. I think everyone who follows this thread regularly in the futue will benefit from the experiences of our many TEMAC Friends.

TIP #1   Respect the dangers of each aircraft's' propeller(s).
1) A loose collet will cause a prop to fly off
2) Assume the prop can start spinning anytime due to many reasons (bumping the transmitter, clothing catching on throttle, failsafe not setup properly or even ESC malfunction),
3) Always use an arming switch - mechanical and or logical (at radio and/or controller)
4) Every time you finish flying disarm the aircraft and disconnect the battery
5) Take the propeller off when setting up the radio or testing the controls in your workshop or living room.

TIP #2 Always loudly call out your intentions on the flight line.
1) Save your plane or prevent an injury by calling out loudly important points like  'Landing', 'Taking Off', 'On the Field', 'Clear', 'Low pass', 'Launching', 'Taxiing'
2) If the farthest person from you doesn't acknowledge, they likely didn't hear you.
3) Don't assume everyone on the flight line can read your mind.

Don't be afraid to share your experiences and comments pertaining to these first two tips.  Don't be afraid to try them out as well.

Two new safety tips will be forthcoming next week. 

(There nothing more enjoyable than receiving free unsolicited advice, is there?)  ;D

This is a great idea - thanks Bruce.

On the subject of props - I've sometimes had them fly off with collet type adapters. You should always check they are tight!

Especially when Simon is flying someone else's plane who hasn't tightened the collet enough!! (I blame myself for that!!)

Another is assume that the prop can start spinning anytime in the pits due to many reasons (bumping the transmitter, failsafe not setup properly or even ESC malfunction), I have experienced all these myself!! And Eric got a dozen stitches because his ESC got a bit wet and went full power!

Quote from: sihinch on May 03, 2018, 10:42:32 AM
This is a great idea - thanks Bruce.

On the subject of props - I've sometimes had them fly off with collet type adapters. You should always check they are tight!

Tip #1  ::) It was in the fall and a bit cool out
so I donned on my sweater.  :D
the sleeves on the sweater were a bit stretched... as I reached to plug in my battery the sleeve on my sweater caught the transmitter speed control and moved it up to half.  :'(
as I plugged in  :o  the engine revived up  :-[ the prop just nicked my arm...  ???
now I have a fail safe set up on my transmitters ;D

Tip #2  the line was full of flyers I was at the end of the line
I called out "Landing"  :D... I did not hear the call  "Taxing"  ???
to my surprise :o there was a plane on the runway taxiing  :o
I pulled up and over with a kiss  :-* to the plane under me.  8)
all was good this time. ;D
please speak in a solid voice so all can hear when on the line.   :)
specially when the line is full and lots of people around and windy  ::)   

Tip 1. Always close your flight before leaving the field.

If you have an arming switch - mechanical and or logical ( at radio and/or controller) always use it. If you do not have one, program one in the radio if possible. Every time you finish your flight disarm the aircraft and disconnect the battery. !!!

At one time, during some testing of INAV, I got distracted by a request from a peer and left the plane with the battery plugged in after I finished the flight.

When I came back to attend my plane (2-4 minutes had passed), I've lost the awareness of the status of the plane. I turned off the radio and the fail-safe took over. The motor started spinning (it was a plane). Fortunately, the  programmed amount of thrust was minimal and I was able to safely (with a help) control the plane and disconnect the battery.

Never leave your aircraft with the switch armed and with the battery plugged in if you are not going to fly immediately. !!!

Thanks for everyone's comments, experiences and suggestions addressing with the subject matter of the first two safety tips. 

I have summarized/plagiarized the comments submitted and consolidated them in bold and italics for ease of reference under each tip. http://temac.ca/smf/index.php/topic,6588.msg43185.html#msg43185  This way people can quickly review the post for the safety tips and relevant factors relating to them.

Tomorrow, two new safety tips will be added to this post.  Your input relating to these safety matters is valued and truly important. 

Everyone will benefit by understanding and practicing these two tips.

Tip # 3: Routinely preflight 'check', 'inspect' and 'test' your aircraft to minimize risks and crashes,  as circumstances warrant.

Check means visual observation to ensure the device or system is in place and is not obviously damaged or obstructed.

Inspection means physical examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function.

Test means the operation of a device or system to ensure that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.

(Definitions are from the Ontario Fire Code - Yes safety is practiced at places other than just at the flying field)

(Example A) After cartwheeling your aircraft while landing or taking off, don't just fly off again if aircraft miraculously lands on its wheels!  (It's surprising how many people do.)

Check your aircraft for
-apparent damage,
-proper alignment of wings, tail surfaces, landing gear, control surfaces, etc.,
-missing pieces,
-new creases or folds in foam surfaces, film-covered surfaces,
Anything that is discovered out of the ordinary during the check needs further inspection.

In addition inspect the aircraft physically before flying again.  The inspection should include;
-all control surfaces and other appendages including landing gear are secure and not loose,
-all hinges/hinging remains in tact and is functional,
-all pushrods, clevises and control horns are in place and undamaged (clevis may have a damaged pin and the control horn may have become loose and ready to fall off. Only a physical Inspection will reveal damage.)
-the battery securing mechanism remains in tact,
-the servos remain intact and are not loose.
If you have a electronic stabilizing device, ensure it remains secure where it should be.

Test all control surfaces to ensure proper functionality.  (Pushrods may have become jammed or severely restricted in their ability to move.) A ground test will identify this.

(Example B) Before flying an aircraft that seems fine since its last flight(s)

Check the voltage or battery indicator on your transmitter.
Check the aircraft for damage, hanger rash etc.  Should damage be apparent, inspect the damaged area more thoroughly.
Test the flight battery(s) to determine estimated flight duration, etc.
Range test the aircraft.
Test all control surfaces for proper functionality coordinated with the appropriate transmitter movements.

Tip # 4: Take care while conducting hand and bungee launches to minimize risks and crashes.

Adhere to TEMACs Safety Rules and Field Rules in this regard.

(Example A) Hand launching or maidening a new aircraft.

Preflight check, inspect and test all components as necessary before bringing the aircraft to the field. 
At the field the conduct necessary flight station checks inspections and tests.
Check to ensure others present at the field are safe.  Consider having the new plane fly alone, thus giving everyone the opportunity to watch and if necessary take evasive action.
Check the wind direction.  Be prepared to compensate for a cross wind if the hand launch is not being made directly into the wind.
Discuss with with the hand-launcher what the expectations are for the hand launch.


Note to anyone wishing to contribute to this post – Your contributions are important.  If you are self conscious about an incident and wish to remain anonymous, send me a personal message through the forum containing your safety related specifics. I will anonymously post your submission on your behalf and never reveal the source.  (I promise) Please be advised that I may do some minor editing were I feel it is necessary for clarity purposes. 

Dear Bruce

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to get these incidents off my chest.  I know I couldn't do it without the anonymity you are offering.  I know I can trust you in this regard, I think.

I am afraid to identify myself in this post for fear that I might loose the respect from my TEMAC peers and friends.  I know they revere my flying, building and aircraft repair skills and hold me in high esteem for my apparent abilities to fly model aircraft routinely without apparent incident.   I know for a fact that members of the club would look at me differently, if I were to make this nature under my name.

My first incident/crash resulted from my failure to TEST the functionality of my control surfaces before taking off for the first time that fateful day.  To be concise, there was more than one control surface that was reversed.  If only I had conducted that simple TEST before taking off.  I really did like that plane.  No, I couldn't fly it  with two control surfaces reversed.

In my second incident, (which was not my fault), I was hand launching someone else's plane.  I was nearly hurt doing so, because I had to promptly retreat after the hand launch, as the plane quickly careened back at me after I released it.  It wasn't until after hand launching it a second time and luckily escaping injury again, that it was realized that the motor was running in reverse.  I truly believe that the person who owned this plane should have made this post.  This was another incident where clearly failure to TEST the airplanes throttle before offering the plane to me to hand launch contributed to these incidents.

Thanks for allowing me to share these important messages relating to safety that I would have otherwise liked to keep to myself.

Yours truly, 

Anonymous

Regarding the anonymous post I made on your behalf above, while other club members will still look at you the same way, I sure won't.  But trust me I will never reveal your identity. 

I have to admit flying my apprentice after changing the radio receiver with reversed ailerons. I noticed the error after taking off, I was able to control the plane for a time enough to bring it back to the landing field, but the weird condition prevailed and I crashed, not too bad but it was a crash.

After that event, I searched for a rule that allowed me to remember without difficulty, how to check the control surfaces without making abstractions about the physics of how the control surface affects the plane. I found the Rule of Five, easy to remember and nicely explained here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf74geZyKYk

Thanks for reporting the incident you experienced @Palkina .  I know for a fact there have been many more club members who have experienced incidents just like this.

And now words of advice from our technical adviser @Oscar that sent me this morning.  He hasn't asked for anonymity, so none is offered.  But there's nothing in what he sent me that would be embarrassing, just helpful for those owning a Sprectrum DXe transmitter. 

Thanks Oscar.  I have inserted your guidance in its entirety below.

Range Test

Before each flying session, and especially with a new model, you should perform a range check. The DXe incorporates a range testing system. Placing the transmitter in RANGE CHECK mode reduces the output power, allowing a range check.

1. Power on the transmitter for 5 seconds or more with the throttle stick and trim low. Plug in the aircraft battery and keep the aircraft immobile for 5 seconds.

2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position. Toggle the HI/LO Rate switch four times then press and hold the BIND/Panic button. The LED's will flash and the alarm will sound. The system is in range check mode.
IMPORTANT: You must hold the BIND/Panic button during the entire range check process. Releasing the button will exit the range check mode.

3. With the system powered on and the model restrained on the ground*, stand 28 meters (90 feet) away from the model.

4. Move the transmitter rudder, elevator, aileron, and throttle controls to ensure they operate smoothly at 28 meters (90 feet).

5. If control issues exist, do not attempt to fly. Refer to the contact table at the end of this manual to contact Horizon Hobby product support. Also, see the Spektrum website for more information.

Failure to pre-flight 'check' that my CS Switch was in the 'ACTIVATED' mode before trying to fly a few new maneuvers with my relatively new Fairchild PT 19, resulted in this crash (refer to photo below). 

I usually take more care to ensure this switch is not in the 'INHIBIT' mode before flying.

The plane is repairable; but in hindsight, had the CS Switch been taken out of the 'INHIBIT' mode, this outcome could have been different. 

(Safety First.  Live and learn.  One of the most important switches to engage.)

Sorry to ask but what is a CS switch?

Same.  What's a CS Switch?  Do I have one of those?

@sihinch  and @piker, you asked what is the CS Switch, or do you have one? Everyone has a CS Switch when flying. 

When your CS Switch is in the 'INHIBIT' mode you will be flying your plane in the Completely Stupid mode.  When your CS Switch is 'ACTIVATED', you are flying in the Common Sense mode. 

Considering the circumstances of this crash, had my CS Switch been 'ACTIVATED', I would have only attempted this flight maneuver at a minimum of 3, probably 4 mistakes high, rather than just the two, I was flying at, because I was not yet fully familiar with the flight characteristics of this new aircraft. 

Let me explain what happened.  After coming out of a poorly performed loop (an otherwise simple stunt), First Mistake: I increased the throttle significantly and the plane lurched over into a rapid left-hand spin. Second mistake: While reducing the throttle I tried to recover from the spin using ailerons only to correct it.  Third Mistake: Now I promptly applied right rudder.  The left-handed spin slowed quickly and the plane went into a right-handed spin after a slight recovery.  There was no opportunity to try anything further.

Shortly after the plane hit the ground, my CS Switch started to auto-default into the 'ACTIVATED' mode. (Too late for the plane.) This has subsequently allowed me to reflect and explain to others and to myself, what happened. 

Ahh, now things get cleared up. I didn't know it was even possible to switch the 'INHIBIT' mode off!!
I will have to try that next time  ;D

Refer to updates to Rules #3 and #4 at http://temac.ca/smf/index.php/topic,6588.msg43229.html#msg43229

Tomorrow, two new safety tips will appear under this topic.

Hi @bweaver ,

I am SO very sorry to hear of this mishap.  Wishing you and your beautiful PT-19 a full and speedy recovery.  Is it only a nose-job as appears in your photo?  Wings and fuse othewise OK?

Sincerely,

Andy Hoffer

Quote from: Andy Hoffer on May 18, 2018, 02:31:03 PM
Hi @bweaver ,

I am SO very sorry to hear of this mishap.  Wishing you and your beautiful PT-19 a full and speedy recovery.  Is it only a nose-job as appears in your photo?  Wings and fuse othewise OK?

Sincerely,

Andy Hoffer

Thanks Andy,  I am sure that it will fully recover to fly again.  Repairs will be made as time permits.  There is some internal fuselage but the wing looks good.  I will know for sure once I place on my priority list.

Tip #5: Respect all flight lines for the most obvious reasons. (Refer to the photos below.)


Tip #6: Tables are for assembly only. Do not start motors, with propellers installed, on the tables. Properly restrain the model on the ground. (I couldn't paraphrase this TEMAC rule any better than the way it is written.)

This is another safety tip from @Oscar  that is most fitting respecting Tips #6 and #1 .  I have inserted below a copy of sent a personal message he sent me.

Hello Bruce,

I thought this is another good safety tip for others.  Always do pre-flight check before flying.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=32&v=xgCqKN8xjM4

I am lucky that I did a pre-flight check prior my flight.  When I throttle over 65%, the motor starts failing.

Cheers,
Oscar

Thanks again for another valuable contribution to this topic Oscar. 

I would like to add that your video highlights one of the correct ways people could test-run their model's motor(s) with the airplane well restrained from potentially lurching forward. 

Testing the throttle on a worktable is asking for trouble.

 "DO AS I SAY!   NOT AS I DO!"

I failed to comply with Tip #3. Yes, the other day and today my CS Switch was left in INHIBIT mode.

Let me explain...  This morning I was challenged by Vic, Athol and Jim to fly a round of combat. Unfortunately I new that my Warwing was slightly damaged in the motor mount vicinity, due to an incident the other day, where I planted it into the South taxi way during an unsuccessful hand launch. 

I new there was damage to the front end, because as I was walking back shamefully to the assembly table the other day, I was inspecting the motor mount area noticing that the prop was broken and there was a crack identified in the foam, when I exerted some pressure in the area, to find if there was unforeseen damage.  (Anyways to my benefit at the time, my competitors couldn't observe this walk of shame, because their hand launches were successful and they were still flying. Ahhhh! #$@%%$)

Well, after discovering this front end damage, I promptly dropped the Warwing on the assembly table so that I could divert my attention to watch the combat challenge continuing to occur without my further participation. 

Anyways, that brings us back to this morning; when I received the Morning Crew's combat challenge. 

When I explained to them that my Warwing was damaged, Andy C. (commonly referred to as the Vice) kindly offered to help me repair the damage with five minute epoxy. The repairs were promptly made in just over 5 minutes (did you get that @Frank v B?).  The ribbons were attached and we were well into the challenge when unceremoniously, I was unable to pull out fast enough from a dive as my Warwing hurtled into the ground.  (By the way it looks like the farmer has planted beans.) 

While once again shamefully walking back to the assembly table, carrying with both hands the pieces of my Warwing; I was checking out the likely cause of the crash.  (If one of my hands were free, I could have been scratching my head to demonstrate to the others watching me that I was trying to determine the cause of the crash.) Why would it not pull out in time before hitting the ground?

As usually happens after a crash, my CS Switch started defaulting into ACTIVATE mode)   I visually checked the elevons and servos observing that everything appeared in tact including pushrods, control horns, linkages etc.  However as I physically inspected the elevons by flexing them, sure enough, there obviously was the cause of the crash.  One of the elevon servos, originally secured to the wing with a generous quantity of hot glue was loose in its saddle.  This loose servo would move when the servo was retracted to raise the elevon. Thus little to no movement of the elevon would occur when it was needed. Simply put, the servo would move but the elevon wouldn't.  The hot glue must have given way in the original incident occurring the other day. Duh... Stupid me.

So what did I learn? (1)  I failed to thoroughly inspect my plane after the initial crash the other day and also failed to thoroughly inspect it today before taking off for this latest challenge, and (2) I have had hot glue failures before. CS Switch issue again.

Will I learn now?  Time will tell.

Bruce,

re: your quote "Duh... Stupid me"

Yep! ;D

Frank

ps: are you trying to teach us what to do... or what not to do? ;)

@Frank v B - Re your comment "ps: are you trying to teach us what to do... or what not to do? ;)"

Very good point Frank. In your case I really don't know?   :-* 

In my experience in trying to encourage safety, awareness of risks, good behaviors, bad behaviors and behaviors like yours and mine is very important to enhancing the learning experiences of others. 

Also as I understand it, there is a common phenomena that many people believe it won't happen to them. It only happens to other people.[/b] Giving this view more thought; for example, if people were to think of themselves individually as being only one in 7 billion people -- then realistically as individuals we really make up the group of 'other people'[/i]. 

So yes, understand that things (good or bad) may happen to us. 

Regardless of what topic or circumstance I use to get the risk factors across to people involved in this hobby, it all just comes down to awareness... 

How one uses or applies this awareness, is up to them.  Personally, I hope it promotes good behaviors, because that way it will ultimately make it safer for everyone.

This leads to

Tip # 7: Manage your lipo batteries safely.

Tip # 8: Fly FPV safely.

Lipos. They will kill you!

Bruce,

re: your PT 19 "The plane is repairable; but in hindsight....."

To quote Monty Python  "merely a flesh wound" ;D ;D

Frank



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAW6D21ICdg

Regarding @sihinch Simon's comment "Lipos. They will kill you!"

A lipo battery could kill you, but with a little awareness, we could prevent that from happening to a TEMAC member (I hope).

For example, if a lipo battery (especially a big one) is not well secured in an aircraft, it could fall out and hit someone and hurt or kill them.  This could happen if the aircraft is flying over the flight line or to a person who is recovering an aircraft from out in the field. (It could happen.)

So what do we know for sure?

1)Really, lipo batteries can be very dangerous, causing serious fires in circumstances where people fail to adhere to the manufacturers instructions when charging, or discharging their batteries.  TEMAC is a club of about 100 members.  2 of our members have experienced house fires resulting from charging/discharging a lipo battery.  I also know of another club member who experienced a lipo battery fire occurring in his garage.  In this instance the fire was promptly extinguished and no damage resulted.  (3% odds in this situation unfortunately resulting in better odds than playing the lottery.)
Don't gamble with your home and family safety.
2) Don't leave batteries unattended when charging or discharging.  If you can't or don't do this, make sure your insurance is up to date and/or charge your batteries out side or in a bunker, or something like that.
3) Place a potentially damaged battery in safe place and monitor it for at least 15 minutes after it has experienced a crash.  (I personally have seen 3 fires resulting from crashes.)
4) While charging or discharging your batteries at the field do this in a safe place, not in your car.
5) Don't let a lipo battery short out on your wedding ring, nose ring or any other ring you may be wearing.  (It really can happen and hurt, can't it Simon?)

@Frank v B - thanks for the Monty Pithon clip.  One's determination of the extent of a 'flesh-wound" is truly subjective.

Ouch. Yes - a lipo short circuit across a wedding ring does hurt. I could never claim not to have been married at some point!

(For the record, I am happily married and do not have any intention to change that.)  ;D

I have only two more tips for TEMAC members to consider.  They are quite simple, but keep in mind what the club motto is: 

"Have fun, be safe, be courteous."

Tip # 9 - I am TEMAC's current Chief Flying Instructor.  I am not the 'safety police'. 

While at the field, please don't expect me to resolve safety matters you have observed involving another TEMAC club member, or a guest. (Unless of course it is me personally, who is responsible for the circumstances involving the safety concern you have.) 

Believe me, I am not perfect.  Please feel free to discuss with me circumstances where you see me posing a risk to myself or to others.  I want to be safe and I don't wish to cause any grief or injury to others.

Tip # 10 - Be responsible for your own safety and help to make the environment safe for those at TEMAC.

Please practice personal safety for your sake and for the sake of your family.  Many practices within this hobby can have serious consequences if not managed properly.  Hobbies are supposed to be fun, not dangerous. Make the most fun out of your hobby, but do it safely.

Please be aware and observant of safety matters and rule infractions that can negatively impact members and guests at the field and to our neighbors around the field. 

Finally, when you observe serious unsafe practices, please approach the individual(s) responsible in a courteous manner to discuss it.  Be tactful, (unlike me). 

Respect your TEMAC friends and help to ensure everyone's safety, but don't forget to have fun and be courteous. We are all friends in this club.  If you happen to be approached about a concern, consider the rationale behind the subject matter. The concern is being brought to your attention for safety's sake.  Let's maintain our civility and our friendships.

Thanks for contributing and following.

Bruce (TEMAC's current CFI)

I have brought this Forum topic back into circulation at this time for instructional purposes, to help new students and other TEMAC members understand that flight and field safety is everyone's responsibility.

Thanks for those of you for taking the time to review the entire contents of this post, as your time permits.  As you will see as you read the subject matter in this post, no one is infallible (even me as the prime example).

Remember what Smokey the bear used to say, "Only you can prevent forest fires".