The WindSock QCRCC's Monthly News Letter

Question of the month: How do I know what is the right engine for my airframe?

Answer: Most, approximately 85% of the aircraft bought and flown today are ARF’s (Almost Ready to Fly). These aircraft usually come with the engine recommendations readily available on the side of the box. Although an underpowered airplane can be a handful, it can be just as dangerous to overpower your new airplane. It is unwise to go outside the recommended engine range for most of today’s aircraft. You will here some pilots say “I had rather have more power when I need it than not enough”. Many things have to be considered. These aircraft are built to be light, since lighter wing loading is what makes them more forgiving and easier to fly. These aircraft are usually constructed of light ply and balsa to keep the weight down. Overpowering an aircraft can cause a firewall to pull out of the fuselage, which could cause serious injuries to those in close proximity to the aircraft or loss of the aircraft if it is in the air at the time. Most “sport” servos can be unduly stressed causing plastic gears to strip or flight surfaces to flutter. In most cases it is not as simple as just “putting” a larger engine on your plane to increase the performance, there are many variables that have to be considered. Doing so can cost you the loss of your plane, or possibly an injury to yourself or someone nearby. Next month we will discuss four strokes vs. two stroke engines and how to make your selection. Don’t be dismayed, some of us have been doing this for a while and have either seen it happen or happen to us. We will be glad to help you and make recommendations, although the final decision is always yours.

Safety Rules Review:

How many of us have seen or heard of some hurt by a model aircraft? Today’s engines and electric motors are powerful and when paired with high performance propeller they can cut through flesh like an electric knife. Recently, two people were killed in Hungary when a large scale aircraft went out of control and crashed into a crowd. Since the Fall flying sessions tends to be more active than the hot summer months, let’s review a few safety rules that QCRCC implements for the safety of its members and visitors to the field.

1. You must secure a frequency pin prior to turning on your radio at the field. (If you are unsure about what to do, ask, remember we were all beginners at one point and time).
2. Start your aircraft using one of the field starting stations, or at the runway edge, try not to start planes in the pit area.
3. Please keep young children and pets out of the pit area, props and debris can be dangerous.
4. Know the location of the fire extinguisher.
5. Do not fly over the pit area, and keep all low level stationary maneuvers to the far side of the runway, away from fellow pilots and out of the traffic pattern.
6. Try not to fly alone, take a friend. If you are injured it is beneficial to have someone there to help you and administer first aid.
7. Know where the first aid kit is located, and how to use it.
8. Do not reach over the prop to adjust engine settings, it is best to approach this from the rear on most aircraft.

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