Safety: As Simple as ABC
Hi! I’ve been in this hobby a long time (forever), and I guess I’ve
seen about everything happen in model flying that’s possible. However, I
wonder if there is some method of operation that might help preclude
crashes and unsafe operations.
I’ve written about safety many times in past columns for RCM and, of
course, I chaired AMA’s Safety Committee for many years. One thing
I’ve learned is that you can have all the safety rules that you want,
but if fliers don’t conscientiously observe these rules, then what good
are the rules?
Fortunately most fliers exercise common sense in their flight
operations, and their airplanes survive to fly another day.
Some say that man is a creature of habit. If you can, in some magical
way, coach that creature to use common sense and to follow a set of safety
guidelines, then you have accomplished something.
Models come in all shapes and sizes. Some have such low-energy content
in their flight operations that they are not much of a threat. By and
large, the typical model airplane flown by the average modeler is of a
size, weight, speed, and complication that logical care in flight
operations is mandatory otherwise serious damage can occur to people or
property and none of us wants that to happen.
Several weeks ago a friend of mine crashed a gorgeous and expensive
Aerobatics (Pattern) model at a contest because of a momentary lapse of
attention and adherence to important safety practices. The model was a
typical F3A Pattern aircraft with a plug-in wing and tail. In his haste to
fly, he forgot to physically secure the wing halves into position and plug
in the aileron servos.
This inattention to flight procedure was followed by a failure to
exercise the control system prior to flight to observe normal operation. A
takeoff and the resultant crash occurred. Fortunately no one was hit, but
the beautiful aircraft—and his ego—were severely damaged.
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How do we improve our chances of safe flight? In mulling over this on the
way home I thought about our flight training in the Air Force. We used a
check system prior to flight that was simple and easy to remember. Each
check list was particular to an individual aircraft design; such check
lists are used by full-scale pilots today.
The code I used at that time was CIGFTPR, and I will never forget it.
It followed the usual walk-around—inspecting the exterior to see that
everything was in place and kicking the tires. Then in the cockpit I went
through the list. It goes something like this:
- C
(controls):
Operate the flight controls to observe for motion and direction
- I
(instruments):
Check the instruments to be sure all are functional
- G
(gear):
Landing gear lever down and locked
- F
(flaps):
Flaps are set to proper position
- T
(trims):
Control trims are set properly for takeoff
- P
(propeller):
Propeller controls are set for startupand takeoff
- R
(run-up):
Engine run-up to check proper operation
This system worked well and I’m sure the precheck saved many an
aborted takeoff.
Okay, such a system works for full scale, but is there a system that is
easy to use for model fliers that will be remembered and may be used to
prevent disaster down the road? How about using ABC? It’s simple and
easy to remember. The check would go like this:
- A
(assembly):
Check that everything is in its proper place, controls are still
intact as installed and securely fastened, and all assembly fasteners
are in place.
- B
(batteries):
Must be fully charged—very critical to safe flying.
- C
(controls):
Controls checked for deflection, without evidence of servo
malfunction, and operate in the proper direction.
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Have you ever taken off with the ailerons running backwards? The average
flier will not survive this error, and many models have been lost because
of reversed ailerons. Remember, make sure they are operating and in the
proper direction. Just stare at the aileron; did the right aileron deflect
up when I commanded right aileron?
Simply observing motion is not enough; you must check direction. You
probably would be unable to execute a takeoff if any other control is
backward, but the ailerons are another story! When I taxi I am consciously
flipping the ailerons to make sure they are working correctly. When I flew
full scale I always checked controls one last time before initiating
takeoff.
Will you do your ABCs? I sure hope so since it hurts to see a gorgeous
airplane in pieces and maybe someone hurt. Let this little memory jogger
help save your beautiful aircraft. Yes, safety is common sense, and for
some it is habitual. Be sure and practice safe flight.
Happy
flying!
by
Don Lowe
The
AMA Insider
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