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Buzzard Droppings March 2007
Text Box: It is that time year when the weather is getting a little warmer, but not hot by any means. There is not too much chance of sun stroke or frost bite. What can get us in trouble is the life blood of our hobby. No, not the fuel, but the batteries. I hear all the time “I’ve use these batteries for 27 seasons and they are just fine.” Well they may not be just fine for the 28th season. With all the neat stuff we have to test the condition of the batteries, there is no excuse not to test the batteries and determine what life is left in them. I personally discard battery packs when they get down to about 75% of their rated capacity as tested when they were new. The new life is not necessarily the number that is stamped on the label. Remember that the manufacturer of the battery rates their batteries at much lower current drain than we typically use them, hence there may be a delta right from the get go. Keeping good records will go a long way to not getting to the field with dead batteries. The worst thing is they are usually all right for the first or second flight and give out next flight. You can guess what happens when the batteries give out. Let’s all make the commitment to check our batteries, and be a little safer. Don’t forget to test the transmitter battery, too. While you are checking everything in the aircraft, check the condition of all of the wiring. We don’t want to use wiring that the insulation is in bad shape or connectors that are loose and worn. Sometime rodents move in and make homes in our models over the winter—storing their food and adding tail weight (it happened, really!) A little off the subject of flying safety is the well being of you and your family in the event of disaster—whether it is natural or man made. No matter what you the think of the department of homeland security, they have recommendations for a survival kit to keep in the home and in the car that will carry you for a few days in the event of a disaster. Fred told me that Costco sells a kit. I don’t know anything about it, it is something you may want to check into. You can get by for several days without food, but only a couple without water, things go south. UNTIL NEXT TIME, BE SAFE, BE COURTEOUS Vince Bell, Safety Officer

Builder’s Competition 2006-2007 Rules

· Entries can be made by any club member in good standing.

· Each model is considered an entry and will have a $10.00 fee.

· Payment along with the name of the model can be submitted to any board member or event judge.

· Unstarted kit must be brought to a club meeting or seen by another club member.

· Event judges and ruling body will be comprised of 4 members.  These members are Dave Bell, Vince Bell and Dick Ovrid

· Judges cannot judge their own plane.

· You must build the model yourself.

· Two main categories:

à ARF

à Stick build (plans or kits)

· You must beat someone to win (must have other entries in the category).

· You can finish the model you previously entered but didn’t complete.

· New models must have been started after the October club meeting.

· Two special awards voted on by the attendees of the May meeting:

à In the Bones award to the best model started, but not finished

à Members Choice Award

· Prizes will be club checks to the winners.

· You must have fun!

· Questions should be directed to any one of the judges or Club Officers
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