Well, we finally got the "F" word plan done.  Now all that is left is the easy part of putting it up.  I would like to install the new fence on April 28th.  Need a couple of guys to help out.  Bring a strong back and hand drills.  We can also do the field clean up at that time.  I want to thank everyone that supported me in getting this done.

     Please look on the web site for the dates of our events.  Connie and I are making plans to go to the Joe Nall fly-in this summer.  We are also going to Kitty Hawk as well.  I am hoping to make a flight with an electric plane at that site.

     Zack Geragi was at my house all last weekend putting together a plane, a DH Comet.  It is a twin-engine racer type airplane.  The plane is very light, and is designed to be either electric or glow.  You can get retracts for it, which I believe Zack will do after we see it fly.  Zack is a new member in the club, and can't wait to get flying.

Well that is all for this month.

Stay WARM, Fly SAFELY         Al the Prez FBM

GLOW FUEL.

     The two main ingredients in the fuel we use with glow engines are methanol or methyl alcohol and nitromethane.  This, along with a combination

of synthetic oil or castor oil or both an anti foaming agent, detergents, pressure additives and a rust inhibitor, makes for a very toxic mixture.

     After reading the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for both methanol and nitromethane it sort of confirmed what I had thought all along.  The experts recommend not coming into contact with these chemicals at all.  They suggest wearing protective gloves and safety goggles.  They also suggest not inhaling the vapors and of course not smoking near the stuff.

     I know that it is not very practical to handle fuel like they suggest but I do think it is a good idea to be as careful as possible.  It is absorbed very easily through the skin and in the case of nitromethane the symptoms of skin absorption can be the same as if it were ingested.

     I plan on doing more research on glow fuel but have not yet looked into the safety sheets for anti foaming, pressure additives or rust inhibitors.  I have a gut feeling they may be as bad as methanol and nitromethane.

     Its best to store glow fuel in a sealed container in a cool dry area with plenty of ventilation.

Until next month.
                               Kevin Carlson - Safety Officer