Safety notes and warnings relating to model aircraft
Before building the model it is important that you read the instructions
right through to the end. The work which you have to carry out is
important and must be done carefully. The model will only be strong and
fly well if you complete your tasks competently - so please work slowly
and accurately. You have acquired a kit which can be assembled into a
fully working RC model when fitted out with suitable accessories.
However, we, as manufacturers, have no control over the way you build
and operate your RC model aircraft, nor how you install, operate and
maintain the associated components, and for this reason we are obliged
to deny all liability for loss, damage or costs which are incurred due to the
incompetent or incorrect use and operation of our products, or which are
connected with such operation in any way.
Unless otherwise prescribed by binding law, the obligation of the company
to pay compensation, regardless of the legal argument employed, is
excluded. This includes personal injury, death, damage to buildings,
damage due to loss of business or turnover, interruption of business or
other direct or indirect consequent damage whose root cause was the
operation of the model. The model is built and flown at the sole and
express responsibility of the operator. The only way to avoid injury to
persons and damage to property is to handle and operate the model with
the greatest care and consideration at all times. Before you fly the model
for the first time you must check whether your private third party liability
insurance policy covers you for operating model aircraft of this type. If you
are not sure, take out a special policy designed to cover modelling risks.
These safety notes must be kept in a safe place. If you ever dispose of the
model, be sure to pass them on to the new owner.
Be sure to read right through the instructions covering assembly and
operation of your model before you attempt to operate it for the first time.
These safety notes are an integral part of the instructions. Powered model
aircraft are very demanding and potentially dangerous machines, and call
for a high level of technical knowledge and skill from the operator,
together with a responsible attitude. Powered model aircraft are not
suitable for young persons under 18 years of age. Young people should
only be permitted to operate this model under the instruction and
supervision of an adult who is aware of the hazards involved in this
activity. The operator of the model must be in full possession of his or her
bodily and mental faculties. As with car driving, operating a model aircraft
under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not permissible under any
circumstances. Radio-controlled model aircraft may only be employed for
the purpose intended by the manufacturer. They must never be used as
man-carrying machines. We do not condone this model’s use in any way
except as a model aircraft. A radio-controlled model aircraft can only work
properly and fulfil your expectations if it is built very carefully and in
accordance with the building instructions. Do not make any modifications
of any kind to the design features or materials. If you wish to avoid
injuring people and damaging property it is essential to be careful and
painstaking at all stages of building and operating your model. Model
flying is a skill which has to be learned. We suggest that you ask for help
from an experienced model flyer, or join a model club or flight training
school. Your local model shop and specialist magazines are excellent
sources of information.
• Adhesives and paints contain solvents which may be hazardous to
health under certain circumstances. Read and observe the notes and
warnings supplied by the manufacturer of these materials
• Check your RC system regularly as its components eventually wear and
need to be replaced or repaired. Read and observe the instructions and
recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your radio control
system and accessory components. Radio interference caused by
unknown sources can occur at any time without warning. If this should
happen, your model will be uncontrollable and completely unpredictable.
Never leave your radio control system unguarded, as other people might
pick it up and try to use it. You alone are responsible for the safe
operation of your radio-controlled model and motor.
• Model motors are usually started with the help of an electric starter
which should be fitted with the appropriate adaptor where necessary. With
fixed-wing models an alternative is to use a “chicken stick”. Take care that
the glowplug clip and the glow lead cannot get tangled in the propeller or
other rotating parts.
• Model engines generate a lot of heat. The motor and silencer in
particular become very hot when running, and stay at a high temperature
for quite a while. Remove all unused fuel from the fuel tank and motor
after every session. Never run an internal combustion engine in an
enclosed space such as a cellar, garage etc. Model motors produce lethal
carbon monoxide gas just like full-size engines. It is important that you
are able to stop your motor at any time. This is achieved by adjusting the
throttle so that the barrel closes completely when you move the throttle
stick and trim to their end-points. If this does not work, pinch the fuel
feed line between your fingers or pull it off the carburettor.
• Many model motors are very noisy, producing a sound level much
higher than 85dB, which implies that you should wear ear defenders.
Never run a motor without the silencer fitted.
• Whenever you are working on the motor, make sure that you are on a
safe surface and cannot slip. Get used to holding the model securely
• If you start your motor when the model is standing on loose or sandy
ground, the propeller will suck up sand and dust and hurl it around, and it
could easily get in your eyes. Wear protective goggles at such times.
• Model fuels are volatile and highly inflammable. Keep them well away
from open flames, excessive heat, all possible sources of sparks and
anything else which could result in a fire. Do not smoke in the immediate
vicinity of fuel or fuel vapours. Model fuels are toxic; do not allow them to
come into contact with your eyes or mouth. Fuel should always be stored
in clearly marked containers, out of the reach of children
• Propellers and other rotating parts which are powered by a motor
represent a permanent hazard and present a real risk of injury. Don’t
Important notes on safety
Important notes on safety
touch them with any part of your body. Keep well clear of the rotational
plane of the propeller, you never know when some part may come loose
and fly off at high speed, hitting you or anybody else in the vicinity. Never
touch the revolving propeller with any object. Take care with loose clothing
such as scarves, loose shirts etc. Clothing can easily be sucked into the
area of the propeller and then get tangled in the blades.
• Take particular care when carrying the model with the motor running.
Hold the rotating parts well away from you!
• Don’t operate your model from public roads, school playgrounds, public
parks or sports grounds etc. Keep a safe distance from residential areas:
at least 1.5km “as the crow flies”. Always keep well clear of high-tension
overhead cables. The best solution is to join a model flying club and use
the approved flying site.
• If there are passers-by or spectators at your flying site, make sure that
they are aware of the dangers inherent in your activity, and insist that they
keep a safe distance away (at least 10m). Watch the model constantly
while it is in the air and ensure that you are always in full control of the
model. Never fly directly over or towards people
• Take-off and landing strips should be kept free of unauthorised people
and movable obstacles, particularly when a model is using the strip
• Radio-controlled models should only be flown in “normal” weather
conditions. Extreme temperatures can lead to changes in battery capacity,
material characteristics and other unwanted effects
If you take reasonable care, model flying is a highly creative, instructive,
enjoyable and relaxing pastime.
Pre-flight checks
• If you are a relative beginner to model flying, we recommend
that you enlist an experienced model pilot to help you check and
test-fly the model.
• It is fundamentally essential to set the Centre of Gravity (CG) and
control surface travels correctly. Adjust the model until they are
exactly correct.
• Ensure that the channel you intend to use is not already in use
by other modellers. Never fly the model if you are not certain that
your channel is free.
• Before you fly the model check that the radio control system is
working reliably, and that all connections are secure. Check the
radio control system works correctly at full range before every
flight: switch on the transmitter and the receiving system, but leave
the transmitter aerial collapsed. Walk away from the model, and
check that all the control surfaces work smoothly and immediately
at an appropriate distance, and deflect in the correct “sense”
(direction) relative to the stick movements. Repeat the checks with
the motor running, while a friend holds the model firmly for you.
The batteries must be charged and the range of the radio control
system must be checked before you operate the model. In
particular, the radio control system batteries must be fully charged
before each session. Every time you intend to operate your model,
and after each flight, check carefully that it and everything attached
to it (e.g. propeller, linkages, control surfaces etc.) is in good
condition and undamaged. If you find a fault, do not fly the model
until you have corrected it.
• Be sure to keep an adequate supply of fuel in the tank. Don’t
continue to fly the model until the tank is empty.
• Clean the model carefully after every flight, and remove any dirt
from the propeller. Clean the model and RC components using
suitable cleaning agents only.
• All model flyers should behave in such a way that the danger to
people and property is minimised. Never act in any way which will
disturb other flyers and jeopardise safe, orderly flying at the site. In
legal terms our models are classed as aircraft, and as such are
subject to legal regulations and restrictions which must be
observed.
• If the model is not to be run for a considerable time it is
important to clean and re-lubricate all the moving parts