Barnyard Buzzards Newsletter December 2007 Page 5

Buzzard Droppings December 2007

Text Box: Here it is December already, what happened to summer? Oh yes, I remember that day. Now that the hot day is behind us. It is time again to think about cold weather and how it will effect us. There is a thing called Wind Chill. You say “I don’t fly in winter with the wind blowing because it is too cold” that maybe true, however there is a chart called Wind Chill Chart (WCC)--Funny how that works. The WCC tells us if it 35°F and the wind is blowing 10mph it will feel like 27°F. OK that’s not too bad, however your fingers will get really cold in a 10 minute flight assuming no protection (gloves). I personally find it hard to fly while wearing gloves. Thin silk gloves work very well, In the past you could get them at an army surplus store. The Air Force issued them as glove liners. Maybe there is something available at REI or ski shops. You guys tell me if you know of something that you have tried and like. OK back to the Wind Chill Chart. Lets say it is real cold and nice clear day, of course you have to go flying. Let’s say it’s 10°F with a 10 mph wind it is going to fell like it is -4°F. Then you reach back to adjust the high speed needle valve and wind from the prop is 60 MPH. This is going to be down right uncomfortable the WCC indicates. –19°F and you have about 10 minutes before frostbite sets in. When your fingers thaw-out you will wish they were still frozen sorta feels like you have put your fingers in a pan of hot oil. Remember to dress in layers, wear gloves, wear a hat. A lot of body heat is lost from your head (about 60%) and wear shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry. A lot of the time in this area just wearing a wind breaker, a light sweater and of course a hat is all takes to be comfortable. Still ,it is probably a good idea to wear pants, too. One more quick thing for you electric guys. Please - when you have the battery connected to the ESC and motor, treat the aircraft and motor just as you would if it were running! Because it might be at any time whether you intended it to run or not. Bad things can happen if you come in contact with the prop. An electric motor will just keep spinning away, where a glow or gas engine may quit. UNTIL NEXT TIME, BE SAFE BE COURTEOUS Vince Bell, SO

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