Hear Ye!

November, 2002
No. 426

From the President,
Warren Barrick

October's general meeting at the church featured Tom Burns who presented us
with a fine demonstration of foam wing cutting techniques. Tom is one of our
expert builders who have really bought into this great new method of
modeling aircraft. He showed us how a wing can be fabricated in a very short
amount of time and told us how to go about strengthening and finishing the
rapidly cut wing core. Many of us graybeards may have seen the light.
Thanks, Tom.

Russ O'Brien demonstrated his method of constructing an exhaust system from
PVC pipe and an electric blower. It really should help to get rid of those
bad fumes that our glues and paints seem to generate. Thanks, Russ.

We now have 11 members who have volunteered for the 2003-04 BOG. We need one
more volunteer to meet the by-law requirements. Contact me if you are
interested. Our new members will be Howard Peyton, Clarence Evans, Harry
Lawton, Al Marcucci, Joe Weizer, Joe Yalove, Steve Kolet, Tom Burns, Ed
Moore, Joe Saporito and Charley Swope. Many of these people are back for the
second or third time, I'm sure they will do a fine job in conducting the
business of VFSS.

On Thursday the 10th of October, Mrs. Barrick and I attended the formal
opening of the refurbished Visitor's Center at the Park. Exelon Corporation
had a reception for those people who were involved in contributing to the
endeavor and those people who have some connection to Valley Forge National
Historical Park. I represented the Signal Seekers at what was a very nice
affair. I'm reminded, as you should be also, of the historical significance
of the real estate that we share with many visitors from far and wide. Don't
ever forget our stewardship of our area and our civility to the many people
who come to see the park and spend time with us as we pursue our hobby. We
have the finest flying facility on the eastern seaboard and we share it with
many people who are very much aware of the heritage we all enjoy from Valley
Forge. These United States started right here!

Keep in mind that new officers are to be elected in December and nominees
will be accepted for VFSS Awards also.

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COFFEE AND DONUTS

A suggestion has been made that we offer coffee and donuts at our monthly
meetings during the fall and winter seasons. I think it's a great idea and I
'm going to request that the BOG in its infinite wisdom will agree to fund
this particular endeavor as it funds the monthly raffle. That is to say that
an initial amount of money will be set aside and monthly purchases of
refreshments will rely on the previous month's expenditures. A small charge
will be accepted for the refreshments. Al Campana came up with this idea and
he has agreed to initiate the coffee bar at the November meeting. Thanks
Al!

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PREPARATION TIPS
by Steve Kolet

Sometimes we take for granted all the information and skill acquired through
years of flying radio control models. When you are starting out in the
hobby, we assume that a newcomer knows very little and experienced club
members offer a considerable amount of information and help. Many hobby
shops, catalogs, and manufacturers have tip sheets for beginners. They list
equipment you must have, should have and might want. That guidance is very
useful for getting things together. You may have an experienced modeler
help check or build your first model. The club instructors will check your
model, test fly it and help you learn to fly. The Academy of Model
Aeronautics provides many useful services. However, sometimes a seemingly
minor omission can result in the loss of a model or a personal injury. The
following are some considerations which will help inexperienced and
experienced modelers get a plane ready to fly.

So your plane is built, covered, and looks great! You have installed the
engine, fuel tank, radio, and control linkages. You are ready to go to the
field with it. But let's stop and back up for just a bit. Make sure all
control surfaces are free and move easily without the servo/control linkage
hooked up. If there is binding or stiffness, investigate and eliminate it.
When installing the servo output arms for flight controls, neutral position
should be perpendicular to the servo case to insure equal travel in each
direction. After installing the flight control linkages/pushrods, make sure
the servos do not stall out at full travel in either direction (hum or buzz
in the servo indicates servo is pushing against immovable force-it will
drain your flight pack quicker). Do the same for the throttle linkage.
This is usually the hardest linkage to set up correctly-you are trying to
match the servo throw to the carburetor throw. Some of the newer radios
have a procedure for doing this setup. Older radios require you to do a bit
of testing to get it right.

What kind of clevis do you have on your plane? The kit manufacturer
probably supplied a hardware pack or list. Nylon is adequate on all control
linkages, etc. for up to .40 size planes. However, a metal clevis is
stronger and would be a better choice for any planes larger than .40 size
(at least on elevator and ailerons). Most of us feel that metal should be
used on .60 size and larger planes. Make sure each clevis is closed fully
on the control horn, carburetor arm, etc. and use a keeper of fuel tubing,
shrink tubing, etc on each clevis to be sure it doesn't open and come off.
If you use a clevis on each end of a control rod or linkage, use a small nut
jammed against one clevis to insure the pushrod will not turn and change
trim or for the clevis to come off. If you have a clevis at the servo end
of a control linkage, check to insure there is no binding at the "pull" end
of servo travel. If there is binding, you need to change the linkage set
up.
After you get to this point, install the wing and check the balance of the
plane with all radio equipment, engine, EMPTY fuel tank, etc., installed.
It should balance per the plans/instruction manual. If not, use the minimum
weight at the greatest distance from the balance point to bring the plane
into balance. If you need to cut into the fuselage to permanently install
the weight and then repair the access hole, do it. You may get away with a
nose-heavy plane, but a tail-heavy plane is a crash.

Check the flight controls and throttle for correct operation. With all
transmitter trims in the neutral position, check that all control surfaces
are in the neutral position. Straddle the plane facing forward. Pull the
elevator stick full aft and check that the elevator trailing edge moved up.
Then push full forward and check the elevator trailing edge moved down. The
elevator throw should have been equal in each direction. Move the aileron
stick full LEFT and observe that the LEFT aileron trailing edge moves UP and
the right aileron trailing edge moves down. Move the aileron stick full
RIGHT and observe that the RIGHT aileron trailing edge moves UP and the left
aileron trailing edge moves down. The ailerons should move the same amount
up and down. Move the rudder stick full RIGHT and observe that the rudder
trailing edge moves RIGHT. If you have a steerable tail wheel, it should
move the same as the rudder. If you have a steerable nose wheel, the front
of the wheel will move to the right. Now move the rudder stick full LEFT
and check that the rudder trailing edge moves LEFT. Again, a steerable
tailwheel will follow the rudder. The front of a steerable nosewheel will
move to the left. The amount of control surface throw should follow the
plane manufacturer recommendations. Make sure the control throws are as the
kit manufacturer or instruction manual states. Last, push the throttle
stick full forward and check the engine carburetor is open fully. Pull the
throttle stick full aft and check the carburetor is almost completely closed
off. Slide the throttle trim full aft and the carburetor should close
completely. Set the throttle trim back to neutral.

Here is a bit of operational knowledge. Most trainers are high wing with
considerable dihedral in that wing. They are relatively slow and stable.
The stability makes them a bit easier to control and the slow speed gives
you a chance to think while learning to fly the plane. Many high wing
trainers use rubber bands to hold the wing attached to the fuselage. The
kit manufacturer and/or rubber band manufacturer usually tell you to use a
MINIMUM of 8 to 10 bands to attach the wing to the fuselage. . Most of us
recommend a MINIMUM of 12 bands. You should be using Number 64 bands and
most of us like the gum rubber bands. We use them in a pattern which uses
an "X" placement for the last one or two bands on each side. This makes us
feel that the bands will not pop off in flight. Now, a question is, " How
many times can you use the bands?" There is no great consensus about that.
However, the bands weaken and stretch with exposure to model fuel, gasoline,
and sunlight. If you choose to reuse the bands, consider washing them in
water with a little dish detergent and then dry them or dust them with
talcum powder or clean kitty litter to get some of the fuel out. I don't
recommend using them more than a second time. I admit that I have reused
bands the next day after washing them. However, I feel insecure about it
and always add a few new bands. Then I throw the entire bunch away as it is
difficult to tell which are used and which are not. A new set of bands each
day is cheap insurance.

These engines really turn and have a lot of power! Balance your props (and
spinner if possible) to minimize vibration. Make sure the prop nut is
TIGHT. It is HIGHLY recommended that you use a restraining strap, field
stand, etc. when starting your model. Make sure the model is against the
forward stop so it cannot lurch forward as it starts. Keep starter cables,
tools, rags, etc., clear of the prop arc and the immediate area. At VFSS,
we keep all the planes pointed at the runway and in a relatively even line
in front of the "pilot observation area". Speaking of running engines, make
sure the engine runs at both full throttle and idle with the plane in a nose
high attitude. This check is usually best accomplished near the runway
using one person on the radio and one person holding the plane. If this is
done in the pit area, be careful where the prop wash goes. Now, with the
engine idling, slide throttle trim to full aft and the engine should stop
running. Find a field marshal (yellow cap) and have your plane and engine
sound checked.

Now, your plane is ready for the first flight. Have fun.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW PILOTS

PILOTS - INSTRUCTORS

Paul Cargo - Thursday night instructors
Carmen Marchesani - Bob Sudermann
Ernie Smith - Carl Sutton/Doug Deacon
Preston Smith - Doug Deacon
Dale Yeager - Jim Myers
Bill Kocher - Jim Myers
Bill Ruggerio - Thursday night instructors
Peter Corday - Joe Pasquini
Nick Montalto - Bob Sudermann

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NOVEMBER RAFFLE
By Joe Yalove

The following items are in the November raffle:

1. 9-inch Craftsman bench drill press including a vise and fence guide

2. Ryobi cordless electric screwdriver

3. Hanger 9 digital mini tachometer

4. Hanger 9 sure-glow metered locking glow driver with Ni-cad battery and
charger

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WINGS FIELD ANTIQUE AIRCRAFT DAY &
POTTSTOWN-LIMERICK PILOTS' BREAKFAST FLY IN
By Dee Messina

September 7th was a perfect day for full-scale aircraft. Hundreds of types
were on display at Wing's Field. Civilian, military, homebuilts, biplanes
and autogyros were all there. We were surrounded by history. There were lots
of vendors. The Confederate Air Force had a great presentation and
fortunately it was located next to us in the hangar, which helped to draw
people to our display. Two automobile clubs showed priceless cars and
trucks, everything from Stanley Steamers to vintage T-Birds.

At midday a beautiful L-39 Albatross jet with Russian markings made low
passes over the field with smoke. Rides were offered for 900 dollars! A very
exciting jet.

On Sunday, September 8th, we traveled to Pottstown-Limerick Airport for
their full-scale fly-in and pancake breakfast. They offer a great breakfast
for 5 dollars. The sun comes up, the grass is wet with dew and airplanes are
buzzing overhead waiting to land. The atmosphere cannot be beaten. Bob
Cenci, a member of the sponsoring group, gave a rousing introduction to the
crowd extolling the virtues of VFSS. Many aircraft were on display, filling
the airport to capacity. Helicopter and fixed wing rides were available. A
Waco biplane was one of the featured ride providers.

VFSS was well represented by Alex Primas, who brought his Tigermoth Biplane,
Ed Moore with a Corsair, Mike Estock with his too pretty "Skylane," and both
"Joes," Weizer and Yalove, who brought Kaos sportfliers. All members took
turns working the crowd and providing answers to questions. All in all, two
good days for those of us who love to commit aviation!

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VFSS BOG MEETING
By Dee Messina

October 1, 2002
14 members present
Meeting opened by President Barrick at 7:05 PM.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Flea market will be held on November 16th at the church. Publicity will
be handled by Pat Taggart.

2. Club Charter negotiations with the Park still pending.

NEW BUSINESS

1. More field marshal activity requested on the weekends. The BOG will have
further discussion on how to set this up.

2. Much discussion about establishing levels of flying competency within the
membership. In the interest of all, we may review and improve our training
format. We also had much discussion about our position on the use of our
field for robotic type aircraft, controlled by artificial intelligence. All
this falls heavily under flight safety.

3. Our treasurer's report showed that we are solvent, to date.

All business concluded, meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

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CLUB CALENDAR

Tuesday, November 5th -
BOG meeting at the church at 7:00 P.M. Important business. Plan to attend.

Tuesday, November 12th -
General Membership meetings at the church at 8:00 P.M. Bring your repair
jobs and questions about construction and repair to the club's experts.
This is the time to get ready for the winter building season. Raffle and
Show-N-Tell as usual.

Saturday, November 16th -
VFSS Flea Market at the church at 12 Noon. Sales begin at 12:30 P.M. Bring
your own tables. A $5.00 fee will be charged for each space.

Tuesday December 3rd -
BOG meeting at the church at 7:00 P.M. BOG will elect officers for 2003.

Tuesday December 10th -
General Membership meeting at the church at 8:00 P.M. Nominations for Doug
Davidson Award and Technical Achievement Award will be accepted at this
meeting only. Speaker will be Robert Engman and you are asked to bring
guests. Raffle and Show-N-Tell, as usual.

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Michael Myers, Webmaster

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