I am a proffessional mechanic by trade. It is 15 years too late for me. Screaming and hammering air guns have killed almost 1/2 of my hearing. I have tinninitus now permanently (ringing in my ears). I would advise anyone in this hobby to use hearing protection. My other hobby is target shooting. Protection in that sport is mandatory. My smallbore gun (.22 long rifle) has a foot and a half hollow (bloop) tube that the front sight sits on. It acts as a minimal silencer. Even running my subsonic target rounds it hurts unmuffled ears outside. I normally shoot indoors so the problem is worse. I would never shoot without protection. I probably will never run an engine again without them.

This brings me to a subject I want to add. There is a company called Peltor. They sell hearing protection devices. I have used many of the types and styles as well as most brands over the years I like thiers the best. They sell a model called the Shotgunner. They are muffs and are very comfortable. They fold up very small. And best of all are very inexpensive. I think I payed around 15$ for my set. They would easily fold up and fit into any flight box. If the pads get gunky you can buy replascements. The nice thing about them is you can put them on and start up. And just flip them onto your neck or just remove them on the flight line if you want to. I would highly reccomend them.

One last suggestion. Although they can be expensive there is a set offered by Peltor and Silencio that have built in microphones and amplifiers. They allow you all the benefits of hearing protection and the ability to hold a normal conversation. Those of you who instruct students should really look into these. The prices start at around 100$. Kinda high but us modlers are never squeemish on spending money on our hobby are we.

To sum it up I am glad this was brought up. It is an issue that does need to be delt with. And too many people are ignoring the danger. I never will again. I have precious little left and am protecting it vigorously.

Mark Shuman

PS: Hey Chuck, God bless you man. I absolutely love the sond of pipes. To hear Amazing Grace done by pipes and drums still gives me the chills. I only wish I had a set and could play. Guitar and saxaphone just do not compare. You should be proud of your playing. And if the missus doesn't approve then poop on her(just kidding).