Greetings Modelers! Its wintertime, that part of the year that most of your time is spent in the model shop listening to the rain pour down. Makes you glad that the roof doesn't leak, as you don't have time to fix a leaky shop roof when you have so many projects going for the up and coming flying, and contest season. This is an important time of year (why? you ask) there is much planning involved when making decisions about the contest season. What events am I going to participate in? What new planes need to be built? Do I have enough engines for that event? Am I going to fly any new events? What gear do I need? Do I need any special safety equipment? Stop right there! Let's discuss safety equipment ...
There are many items you should have on hand when you plan your trip to the flying field. You should have a well stocked first aid kit. If the unthinkable should happen, it is good to have a first aid kit on hand with items like Band-aids, antibacterial ointment, cleaning solutions or pads, burn compound, eyewash, eye dressing, large bandage, latex gloves, and sting kill swabs. I also like to have things like antacids, and Tylenol. I shopped for first aid kits, and was pleasantly surprised that new ones are not too expensive. I picked up a 120 piece kit for 12 bucks. I also found several other kits, ranging in price from $2 for a very small kit, to 20 bucks for a very large one. All looked good to have on hand. The small one is small enough to fit in your flight box. It has basic items to treat a cut or burn, the most common need of a first aid kit, all in a convenient little plastic box. The best value I saw was an 86 piece kit. It had a little bit of everything, and a good supply of bandages for $10. The most important thing about your first aid kit, which ever one you choose, is know what is in it, and how to use it. If you don't know, ask!
Other items I like to have handy in my car are, a fire extinguisher. I have a standard 2 _lb ABC dry chemical type. This is an all purpose extinguisher, capable of handling a small fire, and a good supply of bottled water. Bottled water is very important to have, not only to drink, but is also useful to clean a cut, or flush an eye, or even put out a tiny grass fire.
Ear protection is a must, with the roar of today's high performance engines, hearing damage can occur very quickly. The same is true for eye protection. You only have two eyes, gotta take care of them! I also like to have a roll of paper towels too. So until next time, keep your propeller spinning (in a safe manner!) and we will see you on the flight line ...
--Snoopy
This page was upated April 13, 2006