A Safety Warning You've Heard MANY TIMES BEFORE! Ron Krause tells of the stitches he received from a prop strike and Ken goes over possible ways to limit this from happening.	The June EFO Flying Meeting Photos and happenings as the June EFO Flying Meeting
The Keith Shaw Birthday Electric Fly-in Report Ken reports on this annual event.	The Polish Fighter Info? Albert Slomba fills us in of the full scale version of this plane. Ken also notes where to get "A123" cells.
What's Up With Mr. Bob Aberle? Mr. Bob Aberle fills us in on how he's doing.	A Top Flite Stinson SR-9 Randy Smithhisler shares photos and information about this beautiful project.
Weekly Float Flying on Wednesday Morning at Addison Oaks Joe Hass provides details on this weekly event.	Upcoming Skymasters RC Club Night Fly and Bonfire Pete Foss, Skymasters' president, informs us about this upcoming event.
The Upcoming C.A.R.D.S. of Lansing 11th Annual Electric Fly In Put it on your calendar for this year for sure!	37th Annual Mid-America Electric Flies 2021 Event announcement
Upcoming E-vents	Send Ken email

A Safety Warning You've Heard MANY TIMES BEFORE! From Midwest Member Ron Krause I Am Lucky Hi,      Just to give you an update, I had a plane prop cut my arm today at the flying field. Thank god it hit my arm and not my hand. There was a lot of blood. It just needed stitches.      I do too many dangerous hobbies. Every one has safe ways to be safe. It has been several years since I last flew. I forgot that I had a switch on my transmitter to kill the motor. I forgot that one removes the battery from behind the airplane.      I am thinking that I was lucky today. It could have been much worse. I am thinking that at my age, perhaps I need to do just a few of my hobbies.      Perhaps I will just shoot my guns, do my wood working and figure out how to drive my new 35 foot motor boat that I got last summer.      Thank the guys at field for their care. I belong to 4 fly clubs and Midwest is my favorite.      Have a good day. And in a follow up email:      Giving it more thought, I was sloppy, not stupid.      I came at the battery from the side. But then got sloppy as the motor switch was not turned off. I must have moved the plane into the transmitter. I was too close toÊthe propellor. The torque of the engine moved prop into my arm. Bam!      But being sloppy is as Bad as being stupid. Ron K.      Thanks to the fast action of the guys at the Midwest flying field that day, Ron is stitched up and okay after his close call. MY Procedures For Trying to Keep ME and MY Parts Away from the Prop, Which May Decide to Start at Any Moment      I thought that now would be a good time to review MY procedures to try and make sure that that kind of accident does not happen to others. At Home:      Ron noted that he did have a "throttle lock/cut" set up on his transmitter, but that he had failed to use it.      I use the Tactic brand of RC "computer" radio, but most "computer" radio systems do have a way to put a "channel lock/cut" on a switch.      The last thing that I do, when completing the new setup of a plane at home is to set up the "channel lock/cut", and then I test it on the bench.      There are several articles in previous Ampeers, the EFO newsletter, on how to set up a "channel lock/cut". An Alternate Throttle Lock Method for Spektrum Radios From Bob Comerford, Glen Innes, Australia A Better Way to Set Up the Throttle Cut Feature on the Tactic TTX650 to be Used as a Throttle Lock From Roger Wilfong, EFO and Midwest Member Tactic Brand Radio: A Follow Up By Ken Myers It the section titled "One way to turn the THROTTLE CUT function of the Tactic TTX650 into a throttle LOCK"      If you are not sure how to set up a "throttle lock/cut", I have reprinted "A Quick and Easy Throttle Lock for Non-computer Radios and the Spektrum DX-6i", By Ken Myers. It originally appeared in the January 2015 Ampeer. A Quick and Easy Throttle Lock for Non-computer Radios and the Spektrum DX-6i By Ken Myers      The following is NOT my original idea. I cannot remember where I first saw it, but was BEFORE "computer" radios were common, and it came in very handy at our flying field this past summer (2015).      One of our young pilots had an incident when he retrieved his plane from the flying field. As he was walking back to the pit area, he accidentally bumped the throttle on his non-computer type radio with no throttle lock. The prop spun up and nicked his arm, causing a small gash.      Once I saw what had happened, and we'd applied some first aid, I grabbed some rubber bands and applied this method to all of the radios at the field that day with no throttle lock.      It was sort of like closing the barn door after the horse got out, but I now apply the rubber band throttle lock to all of my student pilots' radios, computerized or not, since most of them do not set up a throttle lock function. At the Flying Field      I get the plane ready to load the battery.      I turn on transmitter.      I hook up the battery from behind the plane.      Some of the electronic speed controls (ESCs) that I use will not arm if it is not receiving a signal from the receiver, so I do have my throttle cut in the throttle ON position when I hook up the battery, while I stay clear of the prop. I do not strap the battery into position until I am sure that the throttle cut is working and the switch is in the OFF or LOCK position on my transmitter switch. I then strap in the battery and carefully move the plane to position it for take off. Once I'm actually ready to take off or launch the plane, the last thing I do is turn off the throttle lock switch.      Does this mean that I won't have an accident? Probably not, but it certainly lowers the chances.      I did mention that some ESCs won't arm unless they are receiving a signal from the receiver. The key word in that sentence is SOME! That also means that there are some ESCs out there that will arm without a signal from the receiver.      I was at the flying field on Saturday, June 12, for the EFO flying meeting.      I was asked to test fly a plane for a fellow. I didn't know how to program his transmitter for a throttle lock/cutoff, so I used the rubber band trick while checking out his plane for flight readiness on the ground.      Thanks to EFO member, Denny Sumner, the transmitter was set up with the throttle lock switch after the first flight.      The owner of the plane said that he'd studied the manual and didn't even know that it could be done.Now he does.      Let's still be careful out there! Return to "What's In This Issue" The June EFO Flying Meeting Early Set Up on a Beautiful June Day      The monthly EFO flying meeting was postponed from Saturday, June 5, to Saturday, June 12 because of the weather.      The day started off very hazy, but soon the sun came out and it was a pretty nice day. The winds were relatively low and a bit variable.      There were a dozen members present at the Midwest RC Society 7 Mile Road flying field.      Denny Sumner, Dave Stacer and Roger Wilfong replaced a worn-out sunshade tarp at the Midwest field. They are members of both the EFO and Midwest. As it turned out, the sunshade was very much needed!      Once the sun came out of the haze, the day warmed up A LOT along with some extremely high humidity      Some of the guys enjoying the day under the sunshade of the transmitter impound.      Midwest has now added a charging station at the flying field. The solar panel can be seen on the top of the roof of the frequency board, which, yes, still gets occasional use.      It was really great to see Jim and Tim Young back flying with us once again.      As previously noted in the Ampeer, Jim has switched many of his planes from LiPo batteries to "A123s", and his great planes are performing as well as ever!      Jim's newest "Cub", which Denny is looking over in the photo, is indeed powered by "A123s"      There was a lot of flying throughout the day.      By midday, temperature rose into the very high 80s and the humidity was extremely high. Folks soon began to call this meeting the "practice Mid-Am". Cute guys, real cute.      The next EFO Flying meeting IS the real Mid-Am. The details are in this issue. Return to "What's In This Issue" The Keith Shaw Birthday Electric Fly-in Report      The annual event was held again this year at the beautiful Balsa Butcher's flying field near Coldwater, MI. Dave Grife was the CD.      The event is held to honor our electric flight guru, Keith Shaw, who turned 75 on June 6.      The weather guessers had called for an extremely windy day, and for once they were right. It was extremely windy!      The temperatures started out in the mid-40s, but rose to a comfortable 70ish by mid-day, although the winds continued to be extremely high.      Even in the extremely high winds, there was a lot of flying going on.      Pat Mattes brought up a couple of members from his Fort Wayne, IN, club. Don Belfort drove up from Cincinnati and Dick Fleming was there from Adrian. Three of us came over from southeastern MI to celebrate and fly, and that is just what we did in on this extremely windy day.      Joe Hass had a notably good flight, in the extremely high winds, with his big PT-19, which handled very well in the wind.      Despite the extremely high winds, everyone had a wonderful day.      It was great to see all these "old" friends after going through that pandemic! Return to "What's In This Issue" The Polish Fighter Info From Albert Slomba via email Hi Ken,      I believe the Sterling kit plane shown is a P.Z.L. P.I, judging from the undercarriage (no wheel pants (spats)) first flown in 1928. The model P.8, first flown in 1932, was equipped with pants. These were powered by Hispano Suiza V-12 engines. All other, intervening and subsequent, models were equipped with radial engines. The P.24, was the last variant just before the war, but was already obsolete by the start of hostilities.      Interesting history. More info and some decent photos available at en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.Z.L._P.1      On another topic, I wonder if you have some recommended sources of A123 cells. I paused my modeling activities for a couple of years due to medical issues and then, Covid. I wish to do some flying this season, and would like to replace a few of my old packs. I found some good prices at lithiumwerksbatteries.com but have not dealt with them before.      I continue to enjoy your newsletter. It's top notch! Thank you. Cordially, Albert Slomba * * * * * Hi Albert,      LithiumWorks is StoreTronics here in Livonia, MI. This is where we get our "A123" cells now. I've gotten many cells from them, but none with the LithiumWorks label, but there are many in the EFO who have. They are the same good cells.      Thanks so much for the information on the "Polish" fighter. Ken Return to "What's In This Issue" What's Up With Mr. Bob Aberle? From Bob Aberle via email A note from Ken:      Bob, via his writings and personal emails, has been a great inspiration to me, and many, many others as well.      It was a great honor when he and Mr. Tom Hunt visited one of our early Mid-Ams, all the way from Long Island, NY.      He even convinced me that I could do things that I didn't believe I had the ability to do, like CD the Electric Nationals in Muncie, IN. Yes, folks at one time electric power was its own "category" at the Nationals.      Most of you reading this know very well who Mr. Robert Aberle is, but you can find his bio, to refresh your memory, when he was inducted to the AMA Hall of fame in 1998, here.      On a personal note, I am receiving similar emails from all kinds of Ampeer subscribers and find it hard to grapple with the situation WE all seem to be in now.      I can only say thank you so very, very much for all of your contributions to this great hobby Mr. Aberle! * * * * * Ken,      I've been meaning to contact you to tell you to stop sending me your wonderful newsletter. I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's and have been hospitalized for life. Surprisingly I still function as normal. I gave most of my plans and equipment to my SEFLI club members. Tom Hunt took care of all of that.      Enclosed is my contact information. I'm now located on the western portion of New York's Suffolk county Bob Aberle Atria Bay Shore, Room 133 53 Ocean Avenue Bay Shore, NY 11706 Phone: 631-265-7036 Email: baberle@optonline.net Return to "What's In This Issue" A Top Flite Stinson SR-9 From Randy Smithhisler via email Hi Ken,      I love reading Ampeer! Thanks for the great information.      I have finally finished my Top Flite Stinson SR-9 and have been able to put in a few test flights. It flies very well.      I have enclosed a few photographs.      I hope to compete with it at the Northwest Scale Competition (July).      Side note, I have added the Stinson Decal to the Vertical Fin since the photos were taken. Take care, Randy Smithhisler Return to "What's In This Issue" Weekly Float Flying on Wednesday Morning at Addison Oaks From Joe Hass via email      We will soon be starting our weekly Float Flying on Wednesday mornings at Addison Oaks County park. Please review the attached flyer for specific details. In brief: Only 2.4 GHz Systems are allowed. All pilots must have valid AMA. There is a one time $5.00 charge. There is a retrieval boat. E Mail bulletins are sent out to confirm each Wednesday session.      If you are interested please contact me to be added to our mailing list.      This is a low key, fun event all summer long.      We hope to see you there. Joe Hass joehass@gmail.com 248-321-7934 Addison Oaks Float Flying 2021 Sponsored by the Romeo Skyhawks RC Club Every Wednesday, June thru September Addison Oaks Oakland County Park at Buhl Lake 1480 W Romeo Road, Leonard, MI 48367 Main Park Entrance on W. Romeo Rd (32mile) West of Rochester Road Past the Toll Booth then follow the signs to the Boat Rental www.oakgov.com/parks/parksandtrails/addison-oaks Flying from 9 am till noon, retrieval boat on site Flying open to AMA Members - Spectators welcome Only 2.4 GHz radio systems are allowed $5.00 One Time Pilot Registration Fee All Cars Need Daily/Annual Oakland County Park Sticker Plenty of Free Parking No R/C Boats During Flying Times Weekly Email Notifications      For more information call Joe Hass at (248) 321-7934 joehass@gmail.com Return to "What's In This Issue" Upcoming Skymasters RC Club Night Fly and Bonfire From Pete Foss via email Saturday, June 26, 2021 Night Fly with Bonfire Event Flying starts at 6PM Bring you own refreshments for the bonfire after flying NO FOOD OR DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE. MASKS REQUIRED UNLESS 6 FOOT SEPARATION. Flying open to AMA members. 94dBa at 10 feet enforced Flying field is located within the Bald Mountain Recreation Area, about 5 miles north of the Palace of Auburn Hills on Scripps Road between Lapeer Rd (M24) and Joslyn Rd. For more information email president@skymasters.org The Event Flyer Link http://www.skymasters.org/index.php?page=events&pdfflyer=data/flyers/ Return to "What's In This Issue" The Upcoming C.A.R.D.S. of Lansing 11th Annual Electric Fly In Friday August 27 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday August 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pilot and Aircraft Requirements: Current AMA Ñ Open to All RC Electric planes, helicopters, and multicopters. Social Distancing and Other Michigan Covid Requirements Current to the Event Will Be Followed. Email or Text CD For any Updates Pizza Lunch for Pilots on Saturday (Will be served if necessary) Water and Pop will be available Landing Fees: $15 Marv Thomson/CD Phone: 517-802-7675 Email Marv C.A.R.D.S. Website 8328 Otto Rd, Grand Ledge, Mi 48837 Spectators Welcome The field will be open for guests to fly on Sunday as well. Return to "What's In This Issue" 37th Annual Mid-America Electric Flies 2021 AMA Sanctioned Event (Proof of AMA/MAAC membership required to fly) Saturday, July 10 & Sunday, July 11, 2021 Hosted by the: Ann Arbor Falcons and Electric Flyers Only The 7 Mile Rd. Flying Site, Salem Twp., MI, is Provided by the: Midwest R/C Society Contest Directors are: Ken Myers phone (248) 669-8124 or email kmyersefo@mac.org - www.theampeer.org for updates & info Keith Shaw (734) 973-6309 Flying both days is at the Midwest R/C Society Flying Field - 7 Mile Rd., Salem Twp., MI Registration: 9 A.M. Saturday Event Flying from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Saturday Open Flying 10 A.M. Until You Leave Sunday (Open Flying Saturday after the Event & All Day Sunday) There will be no events on Sunday, just open electric flying. No Pilot Landing Fee No Parking Donation Will Be Requested from Spectators Awards on Saturday Only! Best Scale Most Beautiful Best Mini-Electric Best Multi-motor Best Sport Plane Foam Flurry for NCM aircraft CDs' Choice Planes Must Fly To Be Considered for Any Award Plaques for winner in each category The Field is Open for Open Flying All Day Friday Night Flying Possible, Weather Permitting, Friday & Saturday Nights POSSIBLE Field Lunch (hot dogs, chips, water or pop) Available on Saturday - depends on COVID protocols POSSIBLE Burgers, Brats and Potluck on Saturday evening for Pilots & Their Guests - depends on COVID protocols Come and join us for two days of fun and relaxed electric flying. The NCM (Not Conventional Materials) Event      Traditionally, model aircraft airframes have been mostly constructed from balsa wood, plywood, spruce, and fiberglass. For the purposes of this meet, NCM airframes are mostly constructed from not conventional materials i.e.; sheet foam, foam board, cardboard, block foam, foam insulation material, etc. Foam Flurry for NCM aircraft: This is a true event. It is based upon the all up/last down event of early electric meets. Any NCM aircraft may be used (no ARF types). Power systems are limited to a maximum of 3S (no paralleling) LiPo batteries or 4S maximum, no paralleling, for A123 packs. All planes qualifying for this event will launch at the same time, and the last one to land will be declared the winner. VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR 2021 - THE FLYING FIELD ENTRANCE TO THE MIDWEST FLYING FIELD CHANGED TWO YEARS AGO!      The old entrance to the Midwest RC Society flying field is permanently closed!!! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE IT!!!      To locate the Midwest R/C Society 7 Mile Rd. flying field, site of the Mid-America Electric Flies, look near top left corner of the map, where the star marks the spot, near Seven Mile Road and Currie Rd.      The field entrance is on the north side of Seven Mile Road about 1.5 Miles west of Currie Rd. entrance is on the north side of Seven Mile Road about 1.6 Miles west of Currie Rd.      The address is 7621 Seven Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167. The entrance is through a private residence drive and out past the barn. Entrance to the flying field. Overhead of entrance from the track to the flying field. Directions from Google Maps to the flying field      Because of their convenient location and the easy drive to the flying field, the Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn Express in Wixom, MI have been added to the hotelsÕ listing. They are only 10 miles northeast of the field and located near I-96 and Wixom Road. See the map-hotel .pdf for more details. Other Hotels Return to "What's In This Issue" To Reach Ken Myers, you can land mail to the address at the top of the page. My E-mail address is: KMyersEFO@theampeer.org EFO WEB Site