Winter is a great time to fly if you are prepared.  Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy this time of year.  Model aircraft engines are hard to start when the temperature drops below freezing.  You can introduce a small amount of lighter fluid into the carburetor and this will aid in starting.  A piece of aluminum foil can be wrapped around the engine head and this will help keep the engine running.  A small propane torch can be used to warm the head.  This will also aid in starting the engine.  Be careful that you do not melt the aluminum head.  I prefer to use an engine warmer made from stove pipe.  A single burner stove is place in the stove pipe and the warm air directed across the entire engine.  The entire engine is warmed and engine will start the same as on a warm summer day.  Four stroke engines are much harder to start then two stroke engines when the air temperature is below freezing.

Keep you hands warm.  Wear gloves or mittens that have a thumb hole cut in them.  This will allow you to feel the control sticks.  A special mitten can be purchased, this mitten will allow you to place the entire radio into it and then you can slide your hands into the mitten to fly the aircraft.  Hand warmers can also  be placed inside of this mitten.

Build a fire to keep your entire body warm or get into your warm vehicle  to keep your body warm between flights.  

Enjoy winter flying.  Al Bortnem and I have flown in -20 degree weather.  I can say that it was not much fun.

Don Hungerford

It has been interesting to note the effect that President John Salmons message board has had on members.  Some members think it is great, others find it annoying and rest really don't care and don't bother to sign up for it or read the information.  Since I am writing this article I will give my point of view concerning the message board.  In the age of electronic communications via the internet it is the modern method of communicating.  I can even bank on line and shop online. 

The message board, in my opinion gives all members and even non-members a chance to express a point of view, and as long as personal attacks are not made it is a great way to express ideas.  Another thing too remember about on line talk is that people reading your comments cannot read your body language and cannot see humor in what you might be saying.  I do believe that all comments and ideas expressed on the board need some kind of signature, either an email name, email address or a signed signature.

I especially like the board because it gives the person who normally would not be given the chance to express themselves a chance to be heard.  Quite often the silent person could be the one who has the best ideas.  From my point of view, I can't express how frustrating it is to go to a meeting or be in a group that has one person who dominates the entire conversation and no one else is given a chance to be heard. 

I would like a this time to thank all members who have contributed to the club over the past year.  Whether you fly or not, every member contributes. Members that run the club and do the extra things for the club are especially appreciated.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Don Hungerford