Probably the single factor that is more dangerous in big models than standard birds is our props. The big clubs that we swing covera lot more space, and a lot of our "Old-timers" are sporting scars from tangling with them. There are a couple of people who collected more than just a couple of scars.

Many times simple visibility contributes heavily to this problem. Our prop tips seem to disappear more while running than the smaller props, and is is easy to misjudge exactly where they are. A little carelessness, coupled with an invisible danger, can produce a lot of blood!

Other than being forever aware of our props, and being careful, the one thing we can do is to improve the visibility of the running propeller. The way to do this is to paint the prop tips with a high-visibility color. By actual test, by far the most effective color is WHITE. White is so superior that I won't even recommend anything else.

Before painting your prop tips, smooth all edges of the prop, and carefully balance it. (The PRATHER prop balancer is simple, cheap, and quite good for this job if you don't already have a balancer.). Sand the areas you will paint with 400-grit paper to give the paint a good grip.

In order to get exactly equal tips, fill a small cup with paint to the same depth as you want the paint on your tips. Then carefully dip each tip into the paint until the tip hits the bottom. Pull out the tip, allow it to drain for a few seconds, and then being careful not to disturb the paint line established by the dipping, wipe off the excess paint with a brush. Repeat for the opposite tip.

After the paint drys, recheck the balance.

When you run the white-tipped prop, you will be amazed at the high running visibility. Even high up in the air, you will easily see the tips. Being able to easily see these tips will make you much less likely to tangle with them.