MAAA Wingspan

24 25 The three-line setup: In a three-line tank, the setup is just like a two-line arrangement, but a third line is added and used to fill the tank. The third line doesn’t need an interior pick-up line and clunk, but many do add them to allow the removal of fuel at the end of the day. BUT you run your engine you must seal off or cap the third line to prevent fuel from leaking out. Fuel line plugs are usually called “Fuel Dots”. I use a 3-line setup inmy gas engines as it is not easy to pull the line off the carbie to refuel. Now, with your glow engine fuel system installed properly with a little care our planes will last a very long time andmay never need to be changed or “something” (i.e. Dumb thumbs) elsemight cause an earlier than expected purchase of a new airframe. In a hard landing, however, some of its parts may be dislodged or a line can become kinked or pinched which will set us up for an eventful next flight. Here are some common fuel-flow problems and fixes. After a hard landing, the flexible pickup tube and clunk inside the fuel tank can be forced all the way forward. To prevent this I sometimes solder a short piece of brass tube to the clunk where I have a long tank. This decreases the pick-up tube’s flexibility a bit but still allows it to draw fuel and flop around in normal flying attitudes. If my engine ends up running lean for no apparent reason I check for small pinholes in the fuel-supply lines at points where chaffing might occur. Whenmy engine begins to run erratically, the first thing I look for is rubbish inmy fuel system. This rubbish usually finds its way into themodel’s fuel tank from your fuel storage jug or where the endmay have dropped on the ground and if it blocks fuel flow, your engine will die. To prevent this, use an in-line fuel filter in the fuel supply line just before the carbie. Install another filter in your fuel- pump line so you fill your tank with clean filtered glow fuel. Add a combination fuel clunk/filter, and you have a triple defence against dead-sticks and breaking your weekend ride. Till next time... when I share my learnings about battery selection. “I am finding that a little regular maintenance is the key to keeping your entire model in top condition. One way to keep a better eye on your fuel system is to make the tank removable in some way. ” For more information go to droneflyer.gov.au You must only fly one drone at a time. You must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level. You must not fly over or above people or in a populous area. This could include beaches, parks, events, or sport ovals where there is a game in progress. Remember, you must not operate your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property. You must keep your drone within visual line- of-sight. This means always being able to see the drone with your own eyes (rather than through a device, screen or goggles). Respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent —this may breach other laws. If you’re near a helicopter landing site or smaller aerodrome without a control tower, you can fly your drone within 5.5 kilometres. If you become aware of manned aircraft nearby, you will have to manoeuvre away and land your drone as quickly and safely as possible. You must only fly during the day and you must not fly through cloud or fog. You must not fly your drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway. This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire or firefighting efforts or search and rescue. It is illegal to fly for money or reward unless you have a remote pilot licence (RePL) or you’re flying in the excluded category (sub-2 kilogram or private landholder). You must keep your drone at least 30 metres away from other people. IMPORTANT DRONE SAFETY INFORMATION If your drone weighs more than 100 grams, you must fly at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport, which generally have a control tower at them. 1910.2969