Hey SEFSD team! As the days get cooler we have been seeing more of you at the field. I have been enjoying catching up with some, and seeing the projects you have been working on while enjoying your air conditioned homes!
One thing I have noticed while watching folks returning to the flying field after a break is a rash of crashes that can be attributed to failing to pre-flight your aircraft. Just because you have not flown it in a few months doesn’t mean it is in the exact condition as your last flight prior to putting it into “Lay up”.
A couple of things to check every time you take a plane to the field are the condition of your clevises, and clevis keepers holding the clevis shut. Take a look at each control horn and ensure it is properly connected to the control surface, and tug firmly on each control surface to ensure the hinges are still attached as you expect. Also, give your battery connectors a good visual inspection. As you go up in voltage on bigger planes, there is an initial spark while connecting that will eventually cause failure – sometimes in flight.
When I bring planes out of a longer storage, I go through every nut and bolt to ensure it is how I expect. I check each hinge/clevis/and control horn. I look at glue joints visible in the airframe and add adhesive where necessary. I look at each servo to ensure there is no damage to the control arm and the screw is tight. Also I will carefully study the servo as it rotates for sign of gear slop or missing teeth.
Finally, I see people put planes on the runway and listen for servo noise while walking back to the gate. Then they take off without visually verifying each surface is moving as it should. Then they crash because something is reversed or not working. Your eyes are your best tool! Ensure it looks right before taking off!
Quan is looking at options for our end-of-year banquet. We missed out last year as the virus was limiting gatherings over 10 people.
As Quan is looking for banquet sites for our event, he is hearing that venues are limiting attendance to 100 people. That may change, but my advice to you is not to dawdle when we announce tickets for sale – as they will go quickly! For newer members who have never been to a SEFSD Banquet – you get major bang for your buck! Quan is still setting up, so prices/venue/menu is still TBD, but in 2019, club members purchased a 20$ ticket for each family member attending, which got them a raffle ticket ( one per purchased meal ) for a chance at $1600 in prizes, and a sit down meal valued at around $55 per person.
We will have a few openings on the Board of Directors for 2022. If you are interested in assisting with the guidance of the club, we are looking for new blood and fresh ideas. Our next BOD meeting will be held on Oct 6th. If you would like to attend – either in person, or via ZOOM, please let a board member know.
This months club meeting at the field will be on the 25th, with the fun fly event starting at 10am and the meeting to follow around 12pm. This months event is a club favorite – Bomb Drop. Compete for your chance at $150 dollars’ worth of gift certificates to Discount Hobby Warehouse – and Bragging rights! One year, Eric and I were less than one inch from the center of the circle. We are all rusty now, let’s see how you do!
Fly safe,
Brad.
