RE: AMA Forum Regulars. Where are they now?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Stickbuilder Bob, If warm weather is your goal, you could include Sunny Florida in your road trip. Bill, AMA 4720 [/quote] If I get that far south it would probably be the panhandle area where my daughter lives. Don't have any firm plans yet and it may not happen. I've got one stop in mind and that's in the mountains on the TN/NC border southeast of Knoxville
Posted on: 10/14/2009 11:09 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9174272

RE: AMA Forum Regulars. Where are they now?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RobotechMore serious note: Hope it all works out for you. [/quote] Thanks. I'm not looking forward to going through this again. It's been very badly mismanaged from the git-go. The 23rd is my last day. On the bright side.......The weather may still be warm enough to allow me to head out on a 5-6 day road trip on the motorcycle. In any event I'll be fine. This is just a minor blip in the scheme of things. I've got too much else in my life that is good to let it really get me down.
Posted on: 10/10/2009 10:22 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9162701

RE: AMA Forum Regulars. Where are they now?
[quote]ORIGINAL: combatpigg Good point Hoss... Wasn't his brief insertion [[8D]] here predicted by someone? [/quote] Actually it's not. I'm doing quite well, thank you. Haven't been posting much but still actively involved. Other things just have been taking much of my time. New motorcycle and getting established with a couple of local riding clubs, training night every week, impending loss of job and job hunting, and other activities of daily living.
Posted on: 10/10/2009 10:41 AM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9161477

RE: And still a Bottom Feeder
Well, since this is a "shoot the breeze" thread, I'll change direction a bit and post some pictures of the "new to me" ride that I picked up last week. It's a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic, with only about 6K on the odometer. Cobra Speedster pipes, windshield with lowers, Pro grips, engine guard, bags, Mustang seat, sissy bar with luggage rack and pad. Fuel injected, water cooled, shaft drive. The bike is in great condition and is a joy to ride. I've ridden off and on for 45 years, but haven't owned a bike since we had our first child. We now have 5 (and counting) grandchildren......that will give you some idea of how long it's been since I've owned. I've continued to ride, though, either on borrowed or rented machines. My wife has a cousin nearby who owns a Heritage Softail and an Electra Glide Classic and I've riden his Heritage several times. The pics below were taken while the bike was parked at the flying field on Tuesday training night this week.
Posted on: 8/28/2009 9:06 AM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9051551

RE: Did AMA's term limits start something?
[quote]ORIGINAL: The Toolman Hoss, I believe they have to have a constitutional convention to do anything like that. And I also believe one of those would not be a good idea, because they end up trying to change a lot of other things at the same time, while they have everybody together at one of'em....[:'(] [/quote] .......trying to remember my high school civics lessons, been a long time. [8|] I don't think a constitutional convention is required. If the resolution passes congress with the required majorities, it then goes to the several state legislatures for ratification. If enough states ratify within the alloted time period, then the ammendment goes into effect. I think. [:)]
Posted on: 8/25/2009 1:09 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9043791

RE: OS 75AX Cylinder Head Bolts
[quote]ORIGINAL: Bax Cylinder head bolts need to be tightened when the engine is at ''room'' temperature. If you tighten them when the engine is warm or hot, they'll just loosen-up again. [/quote] Bax: Thanks to you and the others for the advice. It's appreciated.
Posted on: 8/12/2009 12:47 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9010547

OS 75AX Cylinder Head Bolts
I've got a relatively new OS 75AX, and a couple of the socket head capscrews that hold the head in place have vibrated loose. Should I be using blue thread lock on these? Given the amount of heat involved I'm not sure if it's appropriate. Thanks,
Posted on: 8/11/2009 12:45 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9007702

RE: AMA Buddy-Box Rule
[quote]ORIGINAL: combatpigg If the AMA was to provide the whole set-up ready to fly, then it would be THEIR program. Until that day comes about, they don't have a program. All they have is a policy. It's OK for the insurance company to tell the AMA what the limit shall be, 1 flight is enough. It's not supposed to be a free training program. I'll bet the rule gets fudged daily with no dire consequences, but there still needs to be a rule established to appease the insurance company. [/quote] I'm not even sure I see a need for that, CP. The pilot with the master has control of the flight, and assuming that he's AMA, why should it matter how many times someone goes on the buddy box? They aren't in control. If the PIC's insurance is good for one flight why not 2, 5 or 15? IMO it's a local issue that the club should decide. As someone else says below.....rules that can't really be enforced are pretty much a waste of time.
Posted on: 7/26/2009 6:19 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8965730

RE: Aeromodeling Tiers, OK cause voluntary?
[quote]ORIGINAL: abel_pranger Amen to that, mongo. FAA's position toward model aircraft and their operation has been laissez-faire for decades, and nothing that a few special interests represented in the ARC have conjured up is likely to change that [/quote] Abel, Are you saying that you think we would be better off without any AMA involvement? That left to their own devices the FAA would just ignore model aviation and we wouldn't end up with a set of restrictive limits such as 400' max, no turbines, weight and speed limits, etc.?
Posted on: 6/26/2009 9:35 AM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8882487

RE: Aeromodeling Tiers, OK cause voluntary?
[quote]ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf IMO the AMA should be working hard to maintain as much latitude of airspace for the model aviation community as possible........ [/quote] I believe that they are indeed doing that. [quote]ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf .......while working hard to [b]absolve[/b] themselves as the CBO that oversees [b]ALL[/b] of model aviation IMO. [/quote] I don't want a situation to develop where anyone who wants to fly a model plane MUST be a member of some organization, be it AMA or any other group. I think we agree on that. IMO, though, SOME organization is going to end up setting regulations/guidelines (or whatever you want to call them) under which model aviation will be conducted. At this point I see only two organizations that may be in a position to do that. The FAA or AMA. Further, I can't see the FAA buying off on multiple organizations setting guidelines which may or may not be compatible, and I agree with the AMA that multiple guidelines is NOT a good idea. If AMA allows a "guideline vacuum" to develop, the FAA will fill that vacuum and set regulations/guidelines themselves. I don't want that to happen. In taking the lead to promote a set of user defined guidelines the AMA is working to keep FAA out of that business. So....let me ask again. What is the alternative? If SOME organization doesn't take the lead, FAA will. If there is another organization which can do so with credibility who and where are they? How do you want AMA to proceed here so that we end up with user (and NOT FAA) defined guidelines? You and others are concerned that they are trying to become the only game in town. In your opinion how should AMA proceed to prevent the creation of potentially highly restrictive modeling guidelines while at the same time addressing your concern? What should their specific approach be that they aren't already doing? I guess what I'm saying here is that if you don't like what they are doing, then you really ought to have some alternative in mind. Lacking that, ongoing criticism is rather empty, IMO.
Posted on: 6/25/2009 7:05 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8880940

RE: Aeromodeling Tiers, OK cause voluntary?
[quote]ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf This one sentance sums it up......"AMA would prefer to see a single set of guidelines managed by [b]a[/b] community-based organization that establishes the standards for [b]all[/b] of model aviation." [/quote] Given that it appears inevitable that the FAA [b]IS[/b] going to get in the business of regulating model aviation, what alternative would you prefer to the above? It seems to me that multiple sets of guidelines are going to be confusing and difficult to administer, and because of that probably not acceptable to FAA. I understand your concern, but wonder what you would propose in it's place? If not "[b]a[/b] community based organization.", then what? Where would these guidelines come from? The FAA itself? What organization other than AMA is in a position to do such?
Posted on: 6/25/2009 4:21 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8880551

RE: Welcomed?
KE: I'm not going to get in a discussion with you about whether either one of you did or did not attack the other. Not much point to that, and this section has seen enough of such discussions. [quote]ORIGINAL: KidEpoxy In context, it says that if what you want is a censored onesided discussion, you wont find that here [/quote] There was nothing in the OP in this thread about wanting only "one sided" discussions, or about not wanting to hear opposing viewpoints. It's my opinion that what he was talking about is the [b][u]manner[/u][/b] in which those viewpoints are often expressed. As I told him, I agree with the basic message in his first posting. It's obvious that there are in fact any number of folks who share his underlying opinion of the content here. If asked they may not express it exactly as he did, but agree with the basic premise. What we've heard from both Ken and Nathan seem to bare that out, IMO.
Posted on: 6/24/2009 4:26 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8877743

RE: Welcomed?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Mode One I see a point of view about my position on this topic, which I want to comment on. My opinion on what people think about the AMA forum is based on what I've heard from others here on RCU, the other forums I visit and members of my club and other clubs I have talked to about it. So it's not simply a sweeping generalization I have come up with, all on my own. [/quote] IMO there is little doubt that a number of folks who post/lurk here share your feelings.....if not word for word then at least in the spirit of your description. In the recent past RCKen has commented that was receiving complaints from individuals who either had or were thinking of ending their participation here because of the nature of much of the content, ie: squabbling, personal comments and insults, incessant beating of the same old dead horses, potentially interesting threads degrading to such withing a half dozen postings or so, etc. etc. Just a few weeks ago, Nathan (RCU Administrartor), in a thread he started titled "What's The Point", posted about the same problems. I don't see your comments as "trolling" or trying to start an argumentative topic, rather just your observations as to the condition of this section of the message board. I think you are neither alone, nor off base.
Posted on: 6/24/2009 12:25 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8877140

RE: AMA Website...it is official
[quote]ORIGINAL: Hossfly Hey, they don't really "compete" with the advertising in "MA". Why should they really compete in a computer forum? Why should they not simply raise the dues and let you pay for their forum, like you pay for MA, et.al. You all wanted a forum, now you have one, so pay up. You pay for MA and all those other magazines. No diff. here. [/quote] Whatever floats your boat, Horrace. If you want to send 'em a check earmarked to support the forum, then by all means do so. Personally, it seems to me to be a good idea to put some paying ads on the forum if they can do so. As I told LCS, if the content is going to be member to member discussion of AMA related issues, then I don't really see it as a competitor to RCU or RCG or whatever. I hope their efforts with the forum prove successful.
Posted on: 6/17/2009 4:41 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8859921

RE: AMA Website...it is official
[quote]ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf Just read this at the other "AMA forum"..."We have resized the ads per your suggestions. We hope to have paying advertisers in the near future." It seems RCU has pegged it correctly...the new "AMA forum" is a competitor. I hope RCU doesn't go the way of RCM... [/quote] It looks like they are going to try to offset some of the costs of operating the forum through advertising revenue, so from that standpoint they will be "competing" for advertising dollars. That seems like a fairly logical step and I suspect that they would be subject to criticism were they not to do so. Based on what's been said, though, it doesn't appear as if the content of the forum will compete with RCU's content, other than perhaps this AMA section. Here's what Dave had to say when I asked about the purpose of the new forum. Sounds like the intent is to discuss AMA related stuff, and not general issues such as engines, radios, giant scale, jets, etc: "This forum is not intended to compete with the other popular, more traditional model aviation related forums. Those forums play an important role in the modeling community and are a good resource for model aviation related information. Our AMA forum will be dedicated to an exchange of AMA related information. It will be another conduit that we can use to share information with our members as well as a place where AMA relevant questions can be asked and answered." Hope this helps........ Dave "
Posted on: 6/17/2009 12:15 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8859301

RE: Well I just read Dave's article on the new FAA proposals.
[quote]ORIGINAL: KidEpoxy Seems muncie chose to spend $X on a internet message board. Does anyone know if $X is more or less than what muncie is spending on lobbying this year (this and the next few very important SUAS SFAR ARC lobby years) We hear that AMA could lobby if they wanted to, looking at the budget and new programs, we see how much they want to. [/quote] Sounds like a perfect question for you to ask them on that new message board, KE. You could find out if any lobbying is going on, what is being spent....if any, and maybe even what is budgeted for the new message board.
Posted on: 6/10/2009 1:01 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8841270

RE: Protect you club !
[quote]ORIGINAL: Chip_Mull 65CC sounds a bit restrictive but there has to be a stop to some of these UAVs being built as Models. Who needs a 3/4 scale Cub and why. It will soon be adjucated by the FAA if we don't police ourselves. Believe me that is the last thing this hobby needs. Under Robert's Rules, you can go back and revisit the ruling and modify it to a more reasonable restriction. [/quote] I took the time to read a few of the messages posted on the link provided in one of the early messages, and based on what one of the club officers posted you seem to be entirely correct in your comment above about the ability ot change the rule back at some future meeting. To me, that is the fundamental issue underlying the whole situation. It seems to me that something as potentially restrictive as a change in the type of airplanes that the club will allow to be flown should not something that can be brought to the floor for a vote without notice going out to the membership. Rather, something this fundamental in the club's operation should be a part of the bylaws. Most clubs are set up so that a potential change to the bylaws must first be brought to the floor well before any vote is taken, and that notification to the membership of a pending change to the bylaws is required. This allows plenty of time for discussion, and puts members on notice that a fundamental change in the clubs operation will be voted on at such and such a date a month or more in the future. I hope the club is able to work through this without fragmenting itself.
Posted on: 6/9/2009 1:02 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8838549

RE: Pulse XT 1.25!
[quote]ORIGINAL: foresterxt So I have no clue how long this has been out, but I just saw it on Horizion's site. Does anyone have one of these?! Any flight reports? http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN5170 Thanks, Dave [/quote] Probably not. The link you posted indicates that it's not yet available.
Posted on: 6/3/2009 7:54 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8823469

RE: EC Votes In Term Limits
[quote]ORIGINAL: Hossfly [quote] BM: "It was approved by the leader members." [/quote] Not ALL Leader Members. [/quote] Thanks, Horace...I really appreciate you're taking the time to clarify that for the 0.000001% of readers who might have thought that I was indicating that it was approved unanimously. I'm sure that I will sleep more easily tonight.
Posted on: 6/3/2009 12:25 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8822302

RE: EC Votes In Term Limits
[quote]ORIGINAL: Kemosobie What happened with this? [/quote] It was approved by the leader members. Here's a cut and paste from the latest EC meeting minutes: MOTION VII: Moved by A. Argenio (I) and seconded by J. Giffin (X) to adopt and implement as of April 25, 2009 the Bylaw Amendment (MOTION VII) dealing with Term Limitation for AMA elected officers that was passed by the Executive Council at the January 11, 2009 meeting, amended by the Executive Council on January 22, 2009 by conference call, and ratified by Leader Member vote on April 17, 2009. MOTION passed: Y-10; N-3 (III, IV and VII).
Posted on: 6/2/2009 4:27 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8820252

RE: CA Hinge Removal
[quote]ORIGINAL: CastorTroy2150 So I am not new to building or flying, but I am new to removing CA hinges. I have removed them like 3 minutes after they were installed with debonder, but never longer then that..... How the heck can I get them out, taking my old Trainer making her a taildragger and covering her in fabric. Will paint her in Olive Drab like some sort of Scout plane... I need to get the stupid Hinges out. Should I replace with the nylong hinges after? Any help would be great :) [/quote] Most recommendations I've seen call for you to just cut them and leave them in due to the high probability of damaging the wings and/or control surfaces trying to get them out. Cut them flush, and then cut new slots just next to them for the new hinges.
Posted on: 5/26/2009 4:25 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8800384

RE: Building the Hangar 9 Cessna 182 Skylane
[quote]ORIGINAL: nyuballer Problem with the ROBART C182HA9 ROBOSTRUT....i just got my strut but the axle diameter is too big for the stock hangar 9 wheels...also...the fork in narrower than the factory hangar nine fork.....how are u guys getting around this problem?.....what nose wheels are using (diameter)? thanks in advance, Tom [/quote] I just drilled out the center hole a bit in the stock wheel. Worked like a charm.
Posted on: 5/15/2009 12:42 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8771271

RE: what is te faa up to, rules for us?
[quote]ORIGINAL: combatpigg Bob, give up your search and give Yukon Jack a try. Sooo smooth until the last few drops....I guess because pure alcohol gathers at the bottom. [;)] [/quote] Give up the search? Never! [quote] I agree with KE and anyone else who thinks that the AMA could use this as a golden opportunity to push through regulations that favor their own job security rather than
Posted on: 5/14/2009 4:38 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8769038

RE: what is te faa up to, rules for us?
[quote]ORIGINAL: DocYates I agree with you. [b]IF [/b]this is true, it would appear that they are recognizing the AMA as a leader and representative for the modeling community. Much like the AARP apparently represents "all" of those age 55 and above, whther you agree with them or not. [b]IF[/b] this is true it may turn out that in order to fly turbines, or above a certain altitude, or a large model, you will have to maintain an AMA membership since it would likely require some sort of verification process if it were ever questioned. As much as one may not like it, at least they are allowing some sort of representation at the table before any substanial legislation is passed. [/quote] There's a similar thread going in the Jet forum, and in one post there is a list of the group makes up the ARC. I didn't see anyone other than AMA that could be construed as a speaking voice for the modeling community. It's going to come down to how much of a voice the AMA really has in the matters under discussion, and whether FAA is really listening or not. I hope they are indeed listening and that AMA's involvement is not just one of lip service. Some of the limitations underdiscussion are draconian, to say the least.
Posted on: 5/13/2009 1:28 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8765751

RE: what is te faa up to, rules for us?
[quote]ORIGINAL: bkdavy The FAA is part of the executive branch. It resides in the Department of Transportation, and as such reports to the Secretary of Transportation. Lots of luck getting any politicians to listen. Should the FAA implement an overly restrictive rule, you might try challenging it in court, but then you have to show that the rule has caused you damage. Given the liberal nature of courts in recent years - lots of luck convincing them that your individual right to enjoy your property outweighs the public fear. Like it or not, at this juncture the AMA is our best advocate. They have credibility with the FAA, and are working actively to support our interests. I personally think its critical that we NOT do anything that would undermine that credibility (e.g., letters to the FAA telling them that the AMA doesn't represent a large number of modelers). Brad [/quote] I've got to agree with you on this. IMO When FAA speaks of a "community based organization" they're speaking of an large national organization with a long history of expertise in all types of model aviation. AFAIK AMA is really the only game in town. Like it or not, AMA IS speaking for all participants at this point. One may not agree with what AMA is saying, but the FAA is listening to them, not you, me or whoever. I'm not aware of any other organization that may have enough clout with FAA to prevent an across the board 400' altitude limit, a ban on turbine powered models, 100 mph speed limits, etc. It seems to me that the best play here is to support AMA's efforts rether than undermine them.
Posted on: 5/13/2009 12:38 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8765635

RE: Used or not used prop 3 blade for flight in twins ?
[quote]ORIGINAL: sergio luiz Hi All, Am I finishing the construction of an airplane twin engines and will I use two engines OS46 AX, would he like to know if it is possible to use two prop 3 blade that is used in the engines EVOLUTION for flight or if it is more correct to use two prop MASTER AIRSCREW 3 blade? or 2 blade ?????..................... Sergio Luiz (JOCA) [/quote] I may not be understanding you correctly. Are you asking about using the 3 blade prop that is supplied with the Evolution 46 size eingine? I'm not a twin flyer, but if that is your question then I'm almost sure the answer is no. That particular prop is supplied for training purposes for new flyers, and is a very ineffecient design so as to keep speed down on training planes. Most pilots, myself included, fly with it once or twice and then quickly discard it for a more efficient 2 blade prop. I can't imagine that it would be appropriate for your project.
Posted on: 5/8/2009 1:28 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8751655

RE: Barrel Retaining or throttle stop screw question.
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer Brad is correct. But the channel that the screw rides in only goes so far. So when the screw comes to the end of the channel (or more accurately, when the end of the channel reaches the screw) the screw prevents the barrel from turning any further. So this keeps the throttle from going past the "full open" position. So the screw actually preforms three functions: 1) It prevents the barrel from coming out 2) It acts as a cam follower to slide the barrel side to side as you open and close the throttle 3) It limits or stops the barrel to keep it from over-rotating [/quote] I'm having trouble getting my Evolution 61 set up so that I can kill the engine with either the trim setting or the throttle cut function on my transmitter. From what I've read here I suspect that the "throttle stop screw" may be the reason. Not having fooled with it before I'm not even sure which is the correct direction to adjust it.
Posted on: 5/5/2009 12:46 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8742722

RE: How to trim out a plane?
[quote]ORIGINAL: quore Just got my Hangar 9 Pulse XT 40 built and I am working on breaking in the engine. I figure i will get it in the air by next weekend, and I was curious how trimming everything out is supposed to be done. When you get the plane into the air, do you adjust the trim when at full throttle? [/quote] One thing to add to what has been said above........ If you set your linkages up properly, with the servos centered, the surfaces themselves centered and the trims on your Tx centered, hopefully the in-flight trim adjustments will be minimal. If I have to make significant trim adjustment in the air, I usually readjust my control surfaces so that they are at their trimmed position with the Tx trim settings near neutral. This will require noting the relative position of the surface, neutralizing the trim control and then adjusting the clevis to put the surface back at it's noted relative position where it needs to be for straight and level flight. It's not absolutely necessary, but I prefer to have my trim settings within a few clicks of neutral with the plane properly trimmed. If you're way out near the end of the trim adjustment you're probably better off making the mechanical adjusment and then flying the plane again to finalize your trim settings. I think it's a good habit to get into. Good luck with your plane.
Posted on: 5/4/2009 12:50 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8739650

RE: Gasoline powered aircraft
[quote]ORIGINAL: The Toolman One little spark from a broken servo or batt, glow fuel doesn't seem to ignite as easy as gas Ron [/quote] Ron: It's not, and won't......you are correct. The flashpoints of gasoline, methanol and nitromethane are quite different. Gasoline ~ -45 to -50 F Methanol 52 F Nitromethane 95 F Flashpoint is the lowest temperature where the liquid CAN give off enough vapors to ignite. Doesn't mean it WILL ignite at that temp, but that's the lowest temp where it CAN. There are a couple of different ways to measure flashpoint, so reported values will vary a bit, but obviously gasoline represents a far greater hazard than does either methanol or nitromethane. The OP asked if extinguishers were REQUIRED by AMA for gas fueled airplanes and that question has been answered. That said, I agree that having an extinguisher as part of your field gear is a great idea. I also have to agree with other comments about rushing off to put out a fire in a field of dry grass or corn. That's not necessarily a good idea and one must exercise some decent judgement.
Posted on: 4/22/2009 9:59 AM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8704796

RE: When are you good enough to teach?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Adui Let me start by saying I know I am not the best pilot out there. However, I am more available than the old timers that do teach on occasion in my club, and have my son, and now a friend wanting to learn. I have taken it upon myself to try and teach them, on my gear of course! No way do i think I am good enough to train someone on there own aircraft, if we crash it on the box its my fault and I dont want it to be the students aircraft that goes in for my error. All that said, when do you know you are ready to pass on some knowlege and help other new flyers come into the addiction? [/quote] This is my second season flying, and I've volunteered to be part of our training program. I don't feel I'm experienced enough to maiden somone else's plane, nor would I be comfortable buddy boxing someone. What I can do, though, is "ground school" part of the program. Checking over someone's plane making sure it's ready to fly.......linkages, servo binding, surfaces at neutral with radio on and trims centered, throttle linkage, CG, screws tight and thread locked, control throw direction and amount, nose wheel setup, etc, etc, etc. The folks that are doing the actual flying part of the training are glad to have someone doing the basic stuff because it gives them more time in the air with other students, and it gives me a way to help even though I'm still relatively inexperienced myself. Good luck!!
Posted on: 4/20/2009 12:51 PM by Author "Bob Mitchell" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8698712