 June 06
BMFA club affiliation No 0340
FLY SAFE - Fly Again
Next gathering at St Andrews Rugby Club June 5th - Monday.
AGM JUNE 26th AGM JUNE 26th AGM JUNE 26th
Don't forget Lads, check the website frequently (those of you who can) for any breaking news and info. http://www.fennisflyers.org.uk/ or http://fennisflyers.org.uk
There was a no fly day on Wednesday May 24th at the request of the Farmer. I do hope you all heeded this.
Another important date for you all. The AGM is looming. It should be in July, but the best date any of your committee can be available is JUNE 26th. So the AGM is set to happen on JUNE 26th. Any agenda points you wish raised should be e-mailed to Mike or me or posted direct to Mike. This will be an important AGM so please attend if you can. High on the agenda will be the cost of membership with the recent rise in the mowing costs. Also, how do we attract more members to help spread the costs of running the club? As many of you know I am presently spending a lot of time in France. As Safety officer it is difficult for me to carry out my duties on the ground so I will be standing down from this post as long as someone can be found to step into this role. I do hold a recognised safety qualification so can of course offer any help or assistance to the new post holder if required. As a personal thought, I think the new holder should be an e-mail holder and Internet user to enable him/her to keep up to date with BMFA bulletins and facilitate the speedy dissemination of information. I will, should the members agree, continue to produce the newsletter.
The financial stability/instability will be in the next letter along with membership forms.
On to other things now.
Many thanks to Mike P and the fence crew who have sorted the strip back to the old position. We just need some consistent decent weather to use it now.
The Farmer has requested that the gate padlock be kept locked all the time (on entry and exit) as there seems to be activity in the adjacent field.
A Safety Issue.
Firstly a reminder to all of you that everyone is a safety official. If unsafe or potentially unsafe acts occur they should do something about it. The following has been brought to my notice. The starting of plane engines next to the cars not where it should be done out on the strip. Besides the noise issue to the near neighbours, the following should be blatantly obvious to even a novice flyer:
If you start your engine by your car, by definition you have switched on your Tx. If you are at that distance from other flyers how do you check your frequency is clear?
When flying, it is very distracting to have engine noise behind you. It is ok for the noise to emanate from the strip, as that is where it should be. There should be no engine noise between the strip and parking area. Don't forget the quadrant from the gate to the parking area is also a no fly zone.
It has also been said to me that someone is taxiing their plane under power from the cars out to the strip. This must be one of the most idiotic ideas to surface lately. An accident waiting to happen. No doubt this individual has a TX in one hand flight box in the other and fuel balanced on his head!!!!!!!!
If anyone sees this behaviour again - take name and report to Mike or me or best both. Be as unpleasant as necessary to stop it happening.
I know we go flying to have a good time without stress, but this behaviour must be stopped.
Proof accidents do happen even at organised events.
Budapest, May 13 (MTI) - Two people died and four others were injured when a model plane crashed into a crowd of spectators at an international model builders' show at Ocseny Airport, SW Hungary, on Saturday, police reported.
The accident was caused by a 2-2.5 metre-long, remote control model built by a German pilot that went down behind the fence into a group of spectators, organiser Gabor Biro told MTI on site. Two people died, a couple from nearby Szekszard, who had come to see the show with their grown-up children.
Four others were taken to a hospital in Szekszard with slight injuries, the ambulance services said.
It is assumed that the model became uncontrollable due to a technical interference problem, Chairman of the Hungarian Modelling Federation Andor Harmath told MTI.
Just a quick reminder. The BMFA handbook clearly states that an orange channel pennant displaying your channel number is OBLIGATORY on your aerial.
A little for the Non Eleci Techie of us
Q:What are the differences between the Ni-cad & Li-Po?
A: The Li -Po is much lighter it has no metal can, just a plastic bag with foil & polymer & stuff like that, its nominal cell voltage is higher 3.6volts rather than 1.25volts. The present generation can deliver 12C continuous & 15 C intermittent, that means a 2.2 ampere/Hour cell can deliver 15 times 2.2 = 33 Amps.
Q:What kind of motor do we need?
A:The traditional brushed ferrous motors work fine with just 2 cells , but if you want the highest efficiency then you need to go to a brushless motor, this is a highly efficient electric machine that converts most of the electric power to mechanical force. The brushless motor with Li-Po cells can out perform a 50 size glow engine whose total weight including tank engine fuel nicad & throttle servo is about the same as a 42volt Li-Po Pack at 4amp/hours.
Q: How can we get different amp/hour ratings to suit the motor we choose?
A: Just like nicads , Lipo comes in different amp/ hour ratings per cell, however each cell can keep its voltage during charge & discharge exactly the same as it's partners, this means you can put 10 cells in series giving 36volts nominal & 42 volts charged, that's called a 10 series or 10 S pack lets say with 2.2 A/H cells, if we then put another 10 cells in series the voltage will be exactly the same at nominal as the other pack, then we can connect the two together in parallel & we have a 4.4 amp/hour pack i.e., double the power & so on we could make 10S 5P, that's an 11 amp/hour pack @ 462 watts. It should be noted that the cell voltages of such an S/P pack must be made exactly the same to tolerance of 0.05volts.
Perhaps more on electrics when I get round to it.
FLY Safe, fly again and enjoy - the better weather should be here soon. Stu
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 June 03
Well, Where Do I Start?
By Steve Watkins
I have been a devoted modeller of the land and water type for some time now and have always wanted to get in to flying models but didn't know where to start. I couldn't fly at the time and it's a bit different to the land and water type as it makes a louder bang when something goes wrong.
Should I buy a plane, build it, fly it, and crash it - ouch!? I don't think so (to damn expensive like that), so I started looking on the net for some ideas and I found so much information (input overload) and still too dear if you make a mistake, so what was the answer? I thought I would do a search for model flying insurance; my logic was if I could find the details of the cover for beginners, I would get more info on the type of aircraft I should build. This search was worth its weight in gold, because I found the BMFA web site. Well, this paid dividends to me because I wanted to do it right for safety's sake.
Anyway there I was with my new found knowledge and cash, I was now a model shops dream. A 40 year old let loose in a toy shop and a shop keeper just waiting to take my readies. So many trainers, so little time, too much money burning a hole in my pocket. I felt like Homer Simpson in his watering hole DOH!!!! It's funny how shop assistants get itchy fingers when they see a newbie come into their shop, I'll have to stop wearing that damn beacon on my head. This was no good, I was getting nowhere, and there must be an easier way of spending my money. I then had an idea; the WEB. I ran home not spending a penny, (good eh??) Chased my daughter off the PC and logged on to search for model shops and somewhere to fly in my area. The list of planes was endless so I decided to do it on cost. Two shops came up trumps for that. I think we all know Inwoods and SMC, I also found Flairs site and some write ups on the Flair Cub, a 73 inch beast, and it needed a max of a .40 motor and min 4ch radio.
So I ordered it over the net in November and couldn't wait for delivery, so while I was waiting, I started to read up on the type of colour schemes that the Cub came in, and couldn't believe my eyes, it even served in the USAF in military colours, or should I say colors. Anyway, getting back to when I've built it, where do I fly?
I logged back onto the BMFA website and searched for flying clubs in my area and found two. One in Northampton which was too far away and one in Rugby - that's where you lot come in - THE FENNIS FLYERS.
Now that sounds like the place for me I thought. The web site looks good as well, so I sent in an e-mail to make first contact, and an e-mail came back from a guy called Jez. He said to just turn up at the field, or the club, and ask some questions and see if I liked it. I thought I would wait until the club meeting on the first Tuesday of each month to see the regulars and get more info one on one. Which mode? Weight? Size? Tests, 'A' and 'B'? Confused!!!! I was. Anyway, where's my bloody model?
It turned up. I unpacked it, excitement took over, and I started building. As I was used to building boats, I used the same modelling glues - big mistake!!!! And thanks to Flair, for making the Cub so robust, and being able to take the extra weight by a pound from 4 ½ to 5 ½ pounds. I'm glad I bought the bigger size of power plant so it should cope (I hoped!). You see, for those of you that don't know, boats get a lot of banging about in the water, you have to use much stronger glues and you need the extra weight for ballast. Well, for me using two small bottles of speed epoxy each weighing in at 8oz... well, the thought didn't go though my head. Again thank God for Flair and that big wing. I wish I had asked Jez that question the first time I met him and I might have been able to save a pound in weight by using cyano'. Anyway, the Cub is finished. Covered in Cub yellow, a childhood dream of mine. Now off to the flying field.
It was a cold Sunday afternoon in February and I had arranged to meet James Hunt at the field for its maiden flight. I still remember it now. It was very windy and muddy at the field. We checked the Cub over together so I could learn what to look for in the pre-flight checks. I was as nervous as hell, well; we have all been there at some time or another. This was my babies first day out and boy was it cold. Pre-flight checks done, and James decided to use his own TX to fly it.
He programmed in my plane and did a range check, he asked me to start it up making sure she was well chocked. She fired up first time, we let her warm up for a bit then James taxied her out on to the field. No one else was there, he did a ground circuit to make sure nothing came loose and brought her back so we could check her over again, all OK, thumbs up. This time was for real, I was shaking like a leaf, my legs felt weak and my heart was pumping like mad. James asked me to lift her up and point the nose to the sky; she revved up and held her revs. I then lined her up into the wind, James opened up the throttle to full power and all 12,000rpm on a 10x6 prop let loose as tyres broke free and moved off. Her speed increased and the tail came up, then in no more the 15 feet she was airborne!
What a feeling from November to February and she's flying. The first aircraft I have ever built. Land and water haven't got a patch on this. I was like a boy again, great feeling. James did one circuit with her, and then had to make her fight her way back against the wind for her first landing. I was very apprehensive about it, but James did a great job and brought her down safely. He asked me to check the throws as she needed more elevator and rudder. This gave me something to do during the week. We arranged to meet up again the following week. This gave me time for my nerves to settle down and my blood pressure to drop, it
also let me make a buddy lead for our next visit. I was determined to go for my 'A' cert.
Above all, it's a challenge, it's fun and it's free, I love it. Its now May and I have passed my 'A', it was the first certificate I have ever enjoyed doing. The buzz is addictive. Thanks James I enjoyed every minute of it. The buddy link worked well, didn't it? That's the way to teach.
Anyway, got myself another plane now, a low wing (Texan ll T6A). I'm going for my 'B' now, and then one day, who knows, I might be teaching some newbie. I look forward to that day.
Happy Flying to you all,
Steve (HAWKEYE) Watkins.
Shows in June
Telford Int' Model Air Show
Jun 14 - 15
Weston Park
Weston Under Lizard
Staffordshire.
LMA Duxford Show
Jun 21 - 22
Imperial War Museum
Duxford, Cambs.
Wings & Wheels Spectacular
Jun 28 - 29
North Weald Airfield,
Nr Epping, Essex.
Ray Tilley
We were shocked to learn of the sudden and totally unexpected passing of Ray Tilley, who died peacefully in hospital on May 5th. Following on so soon after the news of Alan Boneham's passing made the tidings even more poignant.
Ray and his wife Ivy came to live in Lutterworth many moons ago from the Luton/Dunstable area, where both had been employees of Vauxhall Motors. Ray used to fly gliders at Warwick Racecourse, but joined with a small group of Lutterworth flyers - notably Bill Sewell and Chris Sanders - in being founder members of the Fennis club back in 1980/81.
A very active modeller, always having a building project on the go in his well equipped garage workshop, Ray was a fine builder and his finishing technique was beyond reproach. A master of film covering, he was equally adept at glass cloth skinning and traditional dope and tissue. So much so that the Concours d'Elegance events held by the club from time to time became something of a “Ray's Benefit”!
Ray had aquired an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the whereabouts, opening hours and stock carried of (it seemed) every model shop of note in the country. This knowledge had been gleaned during his time as a travelling representative for a firm producing industrial pneumatic components. He could usually be relied upon to tell you where to get some component or other missing from your next model!
Always ready to help, always with a joke to tell, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Ray leaves a wife, Ivy, and sons and grandchildren, to all of whom we offer our sincere condolences.
Club Meetings
The May chuck glider competition was won by John Andrews closely followed by Charles Aitkenhead. The best flights were in the order of five seconds and some interesting designs were seen.
The June 3rd club meeting will be a social evening with a background video of the development history of the Fairey Rotodyne. See you there!
Quote:
In soloing -- as in other activities -- it is far easier to start something than it is to finish it.
Amelia Earhart, '20 Hours: 40 minutes,' 1928. G :-)
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 June 02
Newsletter
Once again the newsletter has changed hands. Unfortunately Jasper has had to give it up due to other commitments. He's done sterling work and I'm sure we'll all miss his sense of humour and his corny jokes! He'll be a hard act to follow. Thanks Jasper.
So now it has somehow fallen to me to carry on and I shall do my best to keep it rolling. If you should suddenly feel the need to contribute anything that could help or be of use to other club members then don't hesitate to contact me. My `phone number and e-mail address are at the end of this flyer.
No other changes have been made to club personnel. Bill Sewell is still our Chairman, Mike Pearson is still our Secretary, Chris Bland is still our Safety Officer and Jasper Wilson has kindly taken on the role of finding speakers for club meetings. That just leaves me writing the newsletter and you guys just doing the flying! G:-)
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Field Reminder
There's been a bit of a break in the newsletters of late so a brief reminder is in order for new members and those of us with memory loss or Alzheimer's!
1. Please ensure you connect the electric fence if you're the last to leave the strip.
2. Please make sure the gate is bolted and locked if you are the last to leave the field.
3. Try not to overfly the canal if there are fishermen present.
4. Try not to overfly horses and riders on the bridlepath and in the lane.
5. Try and remember to check frequencies when you arrive on the strip.
6. Remember: No flying on Tuesday evenings after 5pm and on Sunday before 1pm.
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The Fence
Our thanks go to Derek Kent and Eddie Davison for the continuing maintenance of the fence.
It's difficult to imagine flying without it now, isn't it? When you think back to how it was, trying to find a long enough run to take off between all the soggy cow pats! And landing! You were lucky indeed if you didn't collect one. And the stink on a hot day! All history now thankfully.
One thing though; a few people obviously can't remember which way to flick the switch for on or off. It's often switched off when you arrive at the field. I used to be the same `till I noticed this: If you take the legend, "Up is off" and rearrange the character spaces you get, "U P** Off"
I bet you remember that one, eh?!
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James Hunt
Our intrepid examiner, James Hunt, has recently been seriously ill in hospital. He's had problems for some time now, but hopefully, is now on the road to recovery.
So best wishes for a speedy recovery James from all of us at the field, and we hope to see you burning up the skies again real soon!
Good Luck mate.
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Club Meetings
A potentially serious problem has arisen with regards to club meetings due to the very small number of members attending these.
This is because of the confusion about whether or not they are still being held (in the absence of regular newsletters) and a lack of organised attractions, such as guest speakers, etc.
The problem lies in the fact that we have been able to use the venue - the St. Andrews Rugby Club house in Ash Lawn Road, Rugby - free of charge for many years in the anticipation of profits from the sale of beer at the bar.
However, if only a handful of members turn out, the result is negligible beer sales and a real danger of losing the venue, unless the number of members attending increases dramatically.
So please do come along if you possibly can.
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The Next Meeting
There will be a "Bring and Buy" at the next meeting ( June 4th) to encourage a bigger turn out. So dig out that half built model, that unused motor or even that broken prop'. "Broken prop'?" I hear you ask, what use is that? Well you could use it to stir paint, light a fire or even....... but no, I won't make any rude suggestions!
However, don't expect to sell things for "shop" prices, people will usually only buy bargains. And don't forget to bring some cash for that bargain once you've spotted it!
Don't forget, one mans rubbish is another mans gold.
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A.G.M.
The meeting on July 2nd will be the Annual General Meeting.
If you have any issues that you would like to raise then please contact Mike Pearson so that it/they can be added to the agenda.
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For Sale & Wanted
If you have anything you want to sell, or anything that you need then `phone or e-mail me and I'll include it/them in the next newsletter G :-)
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