-The September Meeting-

The meeting was called to order on September 7 by Pres. Jim Rhodes at 7 PM. There were 22 members present. Three guests arrived after the meeting started. Guests were Rob Holmes, William Kong and David Shelton. Welcome Rob and William who joined SCRC after the meeting!

1. Minutes - The minutes of the August 4 meeting were approved as written.

2. Treasurer's Report

Treasurer George Gurney reported expenses of $108 for the new fence posts used for the Air Show and $76 for food and supplies for the Air Show.  The Air Show sales took in $202.30.  Even with the new fence posts, the Air Show ended up with $17.93.  His report was approved.

3. Old Business

            Jim Rhodes expressed his thanks to everyone for the success of the Air Show.

            Nothing has been heard about the Frequency Board Project since the last meeting. Al Niessner will contact Ellis Dunklebarger to check on the project.

              After much discussion, a motion was approved that all engines must be started across the road in the pit area, however exceptions can be made in case of disability. There were 14 in favor, 6 opposed, and 2 abstentions.

            Hugh Zinsmeister announced that all planes must be tethered when starting, where possible.

            Jon Polay made a motion that was unanimously approved, to allocate $1200 for a shed on the field as soon as possible. The $1200 includes delivery fees and $25 for a permit. John Warner and Jim Rhodes volunteered to find one.

Sandy Jaffe reported that the helicopter training area is working out well.

4. New Business

            Jim Rhodes announced the next meeting will be at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology. A specific room cannot be reserved because they are undergoing remodeling.

            There was discussion of using a combination lock on the shed and only giving out the new combination to members after they renew their membership.

A guest, David Shelton, described his project building both a full scale and 1/3 scaled composite airplane and asked for mentoring help from the club.

5. 50/50 Drawing

The 50-50 raffle was won by John Ream, who split $23 with the club.

The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.

   Here's an article from the AMA National Newsletter which ties in well with our recent discussions about tethering planes and starting engines:

Sage safety sayings about propellers

By VIC BUNZE

Propellers! Those cute things spinning on the front of the airplane. They put food processors to shame. Those whirling beauties can do a number on you, and if you are alone at the time, there is a danger of passing out or worse.

Here are some tips. An entire class of accidents can be avoided by properly restraining your airplane. It's best to have someone hold the airplane. Short of that, get a restraining gizmo from your local hobby shop.

Why? One way an accident can occur is because the transmitter is sitting on the ground. You are cranking away to start the engine and the throttle is set on low, as it should be. The engine starts and Murphy strikes! The transmitter falls over and the throttle goes to “full on.” The airplane lunges forward and gets you. It happens.

Another variation is the airplane is new and the throttle is reversed. You think it's on low but it's wide open. When the engine is cowled, you cannot see inside.

When the airplane is restrained by the elevator, it is possible that the thrust is so great that the tails pulls loose and the rest of the airplane comes at you. That's why I prefer to have someone hold onto the aircraft, with fingers wrapped around the leading edge of the wing. This is a must when working with large gas engines with enough power to pull stumps out of the ground. Don't count on the tail to hold that airplane in place when it's being pulled by an eight horsepower engine swinging a 26-inch propeller. Use a helper.

What else? Propellers come loose and fly into space. Backfiring four-stroke engines are known for throwing propellers, especially when too lean. Don't throttle up until the area in front of the propeller is clear. Keep people from standing in line with the propeller arc. When you throttle up, you need to be behind the airplane and others should be behind you.

APC propellers are a wonder of efficiency. They really cut through the air and perform. They are also very nasty if you get in the way. They have sharp edges and are stiff and strong. They won't break away like a wooden propeller.

Sometimes you just put your hand into the propeller. How? You could be fiddling with a needle valve or something and you touch a hot muffler. Bingo! You jerk your hand back and your fingers hit the propeller.

Be safe and fly like you mean it.

From Flight Lines

The Spirits of St. Louis R/C Flying Club, Inc.

Walt Wilson, editor

St. Louis MO

   Here is a photo of Sandy Jaffe's twin rotor Boeing chopper in flight. Very realistic!  Notice how the rotors intermesh. That timing belt better not slip!

 That's all for now.  Don't forget that we will return to indoor meetings in October.

Sam Stitzer  814‑364‑9530

samstitz@yahoo.com