Inspect your radio installation and confirm that all
the control surfaces respond correctly to the
transmitter inputs. The engine operation must also
be checked by confirming that the engine idles
reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly to full
power and maintains full power, indefinitely. The
engine must be “broken-in” on the ground by running
it for at least two tanks of fuel. Follow the engine
manufacturer’s recommendations for break-in.
Make sure that all screws remain tight, that the
hinges are secure and that the prop is on tight.
Whenever you go to the flying field, check the
operational range of the radio before the first flight
of the day. First, make sure no one else is on your
frequency (channel). With your transmitter on, you
should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from
the model and still have control. While you work the
controls, have a helper stand by your model and
tell you what the control surfaces are doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at various
speeds with a helper holding the model. If the
control surfaces are not always responding
correctly, do not fly! Find and correct the problem
first. Look for loose servo connections or corrosion,
loose bolts that may cause vibration, a defective
on/off switch, low battery voltage or a defective
receiver battery, a damaged receiver antenna, or a
receiver crystal that may have been damaged from
a previous crash.
Note: Failure to follow these safety precautions
may result in severe injury to yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high
heat, sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable.
Do not smoke near the engine or fuel; and
remember that the engine exhaust gives off a great
deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Do not run the
engine in a closed room or garage.
Get help from an experienced pilot when learning
to operate engines.
Use safety glasses when starting or running
engines. Do not run the engine in an area of loose
gravel or sand; the propeller may throw such
material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators
away from the plane of rotation of the propeller as
you start and run the engine.
Keep these items away from the prop: loose
clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or
loose objects such as pencils or screwdrivers that
may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.
Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the
engine. Do not use your fingers to flip the propeller.
Make certain the glow plug clip or connector is
secure so that it will not pop off or otherwise get
into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the
rotating propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or right
after operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good
condition so fuel will not leak onto a hot engine,
causing a fire.
To stop a glow engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing
off the fuel line or following the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations. Do not use hands, fingers or any
other body part to try to stop the engine. Do not throw
anything into the propeller of a running engine.
Read and abide by the following Academy of
Model Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
General
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned
events, air shows, or model flying demonstrations
until it has been proven to be airworthy by having
been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than
approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport
without notifying the airport operator. I will give
right of way to and avoid flying in the proximity of
full-scale aircraft. Where necessary an observer
AMA Safety Code (excerpt)
Engine Safety Precautions
Range Check Your Radio
Ground Check the Model
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