Folks, I know that there have more than likely been numerous threads about prop safety. The reason I bring this up is because I just ran into a guy that has experienced about as devastating an injury due to a prop strike that I have ever seen. I hope it's not out of line to post it here, but I figured that perhaps someone new into the sport can avoid this mistake and stay safe.

I was at a trade show today and had an R.C. magazine for company. The first day of the shows are always a little slow. A gentleman walked up and we talked about my products and then he noticed the magazine. He asked if I was just getting started or if I had been flying for awhile.

We chatted for a bit and then he lifts his shirt sleeve up and shows me his forearm. He has a scar that runs from just below his wrist to almost his elbow on his left arm and says, watch the props they can get ya. He also had a scar that ran completely around his arm about half way between his wrist and elbow. He goes on to explain that he was getting his plane running and ready to go. He had his radio under the wing with the antenna pointed to the tail of the plane. He lifted the radio after a run up and turned to ask the guys behind him if they would hold the plane. When he did this the throttle stick touched the bottom of the wing and pushed the throttle full open. The prop strike was so bad that it essentially severed this man's arm. I asked him if he was able to use it and he told me no and then left soon after.

He told me it was a .91 size motor, (no need to mention the brand), but I was amazed because I thought it would need to be a big gasser to do this much damage.

A moments mistake has cost him very dearly indeed.

Anyway, think first, have fun, be careful.

Tom