R/C Modeling Safety

Internal combustion engines and rotating propellers are capable of causing serious personal injury and property damage.  Safe and responsible operation of internal combustion engines can greatly reduce the risk of injury or property damage.  Erickson Motors is committed to the promotion of model hobby engine and aircraft safety.  This web page offers suggestions on basic hobby engine safety.  For more information on how to operate model engines and aircrafts safely, contact your local AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) club.  You can visit the AMA’s Web site at www.modelaircraft.org.  Please e-mail us if you have any other safety suggestions.

  • MCC Engines become very hot during operation and stay hot after the engine has stopped. Never touch any part of the engine, front hub, power block, mounting brackets, or carburetor when engine is hot. Allow plenty of time for engine to cool off before touching, transporting, or storing.
  • Never put fingers or anything else in the cooling holes in the front hub or front power block of an MCC Engine.
  • Use the correct propeller size and pitch as specified in the engine manufacturer’s operators guide.
  • Follow propeller, aircraft, and radio control manufacturers’ installation and safety instructions carefully.
  • Use the propeller bolt that is supplied with the engine when installing the propeller. Insure the bolt is securely tightened and check it before every run. Insure the screws that hold the firewall brackets to the engine and firewall are securely tightened before every run.
  • Never modify any part of an engine. Replace any damaged parts before operating the engine. Carefully inspect the engine after a crash and replace any damaged parts.
  • Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when operating model engines. Keep hands, face and body away from the path of the propeller. Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating propeller.
  • Stop the engine before making any adjustments that require the use of a tool.
  • Use of an electric starter is recommended and is the safest method of starting the engine.
  • Keep spectators safely away and out of the path of the rotating propeller.
  • Never fly near or over people. Always keep your model at a safe distance from yourself and spectators.
  • Never operate engines indoors or in an enclosed area. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which is an odorless, deadly gas.
  • Inspect engine operation area before starting an engine. Do not operate an engine in an area with loose sand, gravel, dirt, or other debris. Remove all debris and hard objects that could be thrown by the propeller and cause injury or damage.
  • Cut off fuel supply to stop engine. Never use fingers, hands, or any other part of the body to stop this engine. Never throw anything into the engine when it is running.
  • Keep loose clothing, shirt sleeves, scarves, ties, loose jewelry, and long hair away from the engine and propeller.
  • Keep loose objects; such as batteries, tools, glow plug leads, and glow plug wires away from the propeller and engine’s front rotating hub. Do not allow anything to fall into propeller’s path or engine’s front rotating hub.
  • Do not operate engines near explosive vapors, flammable liquids or materials. Never add fuel to an engine that is running or hot. Disconnect battery before adding fuel to tank. Wipe up all fuel spills before operating engine. Do not smoke or allow a flame near fuel. Carefully follow fuel manufacturer’s safety instructions.
  • Only use the fuel that is recommended by the engine manufacturer.
  • Insure exhaust is pointed in a safe direction away from people and property.