118 MODEL AVIATION
Dave rants about indoor RC demonstration-flight safety measures
Safety Comes First Dave Gee | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Hone your skills with a
simulator
• Science teachers get a chance
to promote aeromodeling
• Unusual clubhouse safety
issues
• A helicopter radio function
warning
Too close! This demonstration pilot at a hobby show flew his RC airplane less than a
meter from spectators’ heads. The thrill is not worth the risk.
Trade-show attendees Robert, Eric, and
Alex Shields—three generations of
modelers—pose by a display of RC
simulators, which are discussed in the text.
Science-teacher conventioneers learn proper technique from kids at the AMA Education
Committee’s test-flight area. Aeromodeling is returning to schools via science and
physics classes.
TIME FOR a Rant: Check out the photo of
the demonstration pilot flying a blue indoor
RC airplane at a convention. I watched as he
made passes much closer than this over
onlookers’ heads.
He is a skilled and experienced pilot and
should have known better than to place a
spinning propeller so close to spectators.
Even a lightweight model has a powerful
motor, and you wouldn’t want that airscrew
to touch your head or hands.
I’ve been to hobby shows where the RC
demonstration area was enclosed by strong
floor-to-ceiling netting and other shows
where there was a clear flightline so models
were kept a safe distance from the crowd. Not
here!
Even a minor incident under these
circumstances could do great harm to our
hobby, not to mention the forehead of a
victim. Some readers may contact me in
defense of this situation; lots of luck, but I
will listen and possibly print your responses.
Okay, ranting is done.
All photos this month were taken at trade
shows. The three good-looking fellows are the
Shields family; the son, dad, and granddad fly
RC. I was glad to grant their request for a bit
of fame because it leads into a discussion
about RC flight simulators.
Computer programs are becoming more
popular by the nanosecond, and even
hardened, old RC instructors are beginning to
admit that virtual RC is not only fun, but is
also good practice. Fliers who find their fields
09sig4.QXD 7/26/06 9:18 AM Page 118snowed under in winter are especially glad for
a way to hone their skills without wearing
mittens.
Did I mention that helicopter pilots are
included? I have yet to master the art of
simulated rotary-wing flight, but at least the
sign-on screen no longer reads, “Not you
again.”
Several competing companies make these
programs––with differences in price and
features—so pick one that suits your budget
and your computer capacity. I confidently
recommend all these popular products, having
destroyed airplanes on each of them at various
times.
My preference is for the Dave Brown
Products flight simulator. The program has
been upgraded and improved throughout the
years, just like my newer computer which no
longer runs on coal. Not that it has helped me,
but at least my digital crashes are easier to
clean up.
The other picture was taken at a large
convention of science teachers. The AMA
Education Committee presented workshops
about using model airplanes to help teach
science, math, and physics. There was an
AMA booth with hands-on building and
flying instruction for attendees.
This is a thinly camouflaged plot to get
youngsters involved with aeromodeling, and it
seems to be working. Every possible means
needs to be used to bring new modelers to our
hobby or we will literally die off. Getting
science teachers to push this agenda in their
classrooms is a devious idea. I like it.
The photo shows a gaggle of teachers
watching a young man launch his rubberpowered
Sky Streak, which he modified for
top performance in the convention hall.
Twenty-second flights were routine, and some
were much longer. A few airplanes
disappeared into the rafters. The adults were
competing for prize packs of classroom
supplies (airplane kits, winders, etc.), so they
paid close attention to the expert.
The skills and knowledge our hobby
brings can benefit a child tremendously. I
meet many youngsters who have never made
anything with their hands and lack the
coordination to assemble a simple glider.
From a safety standpoint, we are doing a
great favor to kids by helping them master
small-motor skills and giving them a head
start toward the safe use of implements such
as scissors and chopsticks.
David Barker of the Red Baron R/C
Modelers, Ltd. sent me the following letter.
My head hurts from reading it––and not just
because I lost my glasses. He wrote:
“I am writing to pass along a safety issue I
recently experienced concerning an old
surplus railroad boxcar being used as a
storage shed and ‘clubhouse.’ While this
particular incident was not related to model
aircraft use of any sort, I offer the information
as a general warning to all AMA clubs.
“The boxcar was long ago converted into a
storage shed/clubhouse. Several guys
gathered around the end, talking about a
winch or hoistlike mechanism that was
mounted nearly level with the roof of the
boxcar. This circular-shaped contraption was
approximately 11/2 feet in diameter and had a
short length of chain extending from the lower
portion of the casing.
“Discussion turned to speculating as to
what the winch had been used for and then to
possible uses for it now. One of my friends
climbed up the end of the boxcar, which was
easily accomplished using the handrails and
deep corrugations of the metal construction.
“The chain was found to be immovable
and my friend proceeded to climb down.
Having jumped off the boxcar from a height
of approximately 2 feet, my friend was
slightly off balance and took a couple quick
steps backward in order to catch his balance.
“Without warning, the heavy winch broke
free from the boxcar and fell to the ground,
but not before glancing off my friend’s head
as he was stepping backward to catch his
balance. Although he was knocked to the
ground, the path of the winch was not altered
because of its great size and weight.
“First-aid was immediately applied and
my friend was rushed to the emergency
room for treatment, requiring approximately
20 stitches to close the wound. Witnesses
agreed that had he not been stepping
backward away from the boxcar when the
winch fell, it would have likely struck him directly on top of his head.“The winch was approximately 16 inches
in diameter and weighed roughly 200
pounds. Later analysis showed that besides
years of rust, only a single bolt had been
holding the winch onto the boxcar.
“While the bolt and winch had held our
friend’s weight when he grabbed onto the
chain, his weight had apparently caused the
failure, which released only after he had
climbed down and was on the ground.
“Lessons learned: if you have an old
boxcar, have any overhanging items
inspected or removed. This could have easily
been a more serious injury, if not a fatality.”
David’s friend was indeed lucky to
escape with stitches instead of being driven
into the ground like a tent stake! The winch
looked and felt immovable, but it let go at a
random moment.
Nobody did anything particularly wrong.
This could have happened to anyone, and the
best reaction I can think of is to take a
careful survey around your field with an eye
toward removing any potential hazards.
Do you remember AMA President Dave
Brown’s message in the March 2006
“President’s Perspective” column regarding
poorly marked driveway barrier chains?
Keep that mind-set, and maybe you’ll notice
a situation that can be corrected before an
accident happens.
You will have saved someone just as if
you had pushed him or her out of the way of
a falling winch, which David’s friend
undoubtedly would have preferred.
Getting mail from MA readers is a delight; I
really enjoy your comments, mockery, wit,
and close-call stories. Use the E-mail address
at the top of this column or send letters to
“Dave, Here’s One You Ain’t Heard Yet,”
Box 7081, Van Nuys CA 91409.
John Arbogast did, and following is his
tale of hard-won wisdom.
“I’ve been flying RC for 50 years but am
fairly new with electric helicopters. Today I
was caught by a hazard that I knew existed,
but apparently I was not being careful
enough.
“The ‘idle up’ function on the transmitter
of my collective-pitch helicopter produces
full throttle at both ends of the travel of the
throttle stick while moving the rotor pitch
from negative to positive for aerobatic
maneuvers.
“The potential hazard of this
configuration lies in the fact that the throttle
can be in the full down ‘off’ position for
normal flight and an accidental flip of the
‘idle up’ switch will produce instant full
throttle.
“This happened to me when my
transmitter fell over while I was setting my
aircraft down for takeoff. By the time I
figured out what had happened and got
things shut down, the carbon-fiber
aftermarket rotors had given me three good
‘whacks,’ which weren’t really serious, but
the one on my thumbnail still hurts like the
dickens and is turning all sorts of colors.
The rotors were unscathed.
“I opened the transmitter and saw that
there are two wires to the ‘idle up’ switch,
and in normal configuration the switch is
‘open.’ This being the case, I unsoldered
and wrapped one of the leads so that I am
always in ‘normal’ throttle function no
matter which way the switch is positioned.
“If I ever advance to the place where I
want ‘idle up,’ I will replace the connection
and cut off the switch arm from its present
3/4 inch to roughly 1/4 inch so an accidental
change will be substantially less likely.
“The rather long switch arm seems to be
somewhat susceptible to accidental
activation. On the other hand, a short switch
arm might be too difficult to find when
needed.”
I’m not a fan of modifying
transmitters––and not just because I am
inept at electronics. John’s transmitter will
serve him well, but a customized rig can
cause problems if it gets into another pilot’s
hands. There can be other serious
unintended side effects of such alterations
as well.
Manufacturers frown on such tinkering,
but what do they know? They just design
and build the things.
Meanwhile, my workbench features a
disassembled Aero Ace transmitter in the
throes of modification. Maybe I better shut
up. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
118 MODEL AVIATION
Dave rants about indoor RC demonstration-flight safety measures
Safety Comes First Dave Gee | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Hone your skills with a
simulator
• Science teachers get a chance
to promote aeromodeling
• Unusual clubhouse safety
issues
• A helicopter radio function
warning
Too close! This demonstration pilot at a hobby show flew his RC airplane less than a
meter from spectators’ heads. The thrill is not worth the risk.
Trade-show attendees Robert, Eric, and
Alex Shields—three generations of
modelers—pose by a display of RC
simulators, which are discussed in the text.
Science-teacher conventioneers learn proper technique from kids at the AMA Education
Committee’s test-flight area. Aeromodeling is returning to schools via science and
physics classes.
TIME FOR a Rant: Check out the photo of
the demonstration pilot flying a blue indoor
RC airplane at a convention. I watched as he
made passes much closer than this over
onlookers’ heads.
He is a skilled and experienced pilot and
should have known better than to place a
spinning propeller so close to spectators.
Even a lightweight model has a powerful
motor, and you wouldn’t want that airscrew
to touch your head or hands.
I’ve been to hobby shows where the RC
demonstration area was enclosed by strong
floor-to-ceiling netting and other shows
where there was a clear flightline so models
were kept a safe distance from the crowd. Not
here!
Even a minor incident under these
circumstances could do great harm to our
hobby, not to mention the forehead of a
victim. Some readers may contact me in
defense of this situation; lots of luck, but I
will listen and possibly print your responses.
Okay, ranting is done.
All photos this month were taken at trade
shows. The three good-looking fellows are the
Shields family; the son, dad, and granddad fly
RC. I was glad to grant their request for a bit
of fame because it leads into a discussion
about RC flight simulators.
Computer programs are becoming more
popular by the nanosecond, and even
hardened, old RC instructors are beginning to
admit that virtual RC is not only fun, but is
also good practice. Fliers who find their fields
09sig4.QXD 7/26/06 9:18 AM Page 118snowed under in winter are especially glad for
a way to hone their skills without wearing
mittens.
Did I mention that helicopter pilots are
included? I have yet to master the art of
simulated rotary-wing flight, but at least the
sign-on screen no longer reads, “Not you
again.”
Several competing companies make these
programs––with differences in price and
features—so pick one that suits your budget
and your computer capacity. I confidently
recommend all these popular products, having
destroyed airplanes on each of them at various
times.
My preference is for the Dave Brown
Products flight simulator. The program has
been upgraded and improved throughout the
years, just like my newer computer which no
longer runs on coal. Not that it has helped me,
but at least my digital crashes are easier to
clean up.
The other picture was taken at a large
convention of science teachers. The AMA
Education Committee presented workshops
about using model airplanes to help teach
science, math, and physics. There was an
AMA booth with hands-on building and
flying instruction for attendees.
This is a thinly camouflaged plot to get
youngsters involved with aeromodeling, and it
seems to be working. Every possible means
needs to be used to bring new modelers to our
hobby or we will literally die off. Getting
science teachers to push this agenda in their
classrooms is a devious idea. I like it.
The photo shows a gaggle of teachers
watching a young man launch his rubberpowered
Sky Streak, which he modified for
top performance in the convention hall.
Twenty-second flights were routine, and some
were much longer. A few airplanes
disappeared into the rafters. The adults were
competing for prize packs of classroom
supplies (airplane kits, winders, etc.), so they
paid close attention to the expert.
The skills and knowledge our hobby
brings can benefit a child tremendously. I
meet many youngsters who have never made
anything with their hands and lack the
coordination to assemble a simple glider.
From a safety standpoint, we are doing a
great favor to kids by helping them master
small-motor skills and giving them a head
start toward the safe use of implements such
as scissors and chopsticks.
David Barker of the Red Baron R/C
Modelers, Ltd. sent me the following letter.
My head hurts from reading it––and not just
because I lost my glasses. He wrote:
“I am writing to pass along a safety issue I
recently experienced concerning an old
surplus railroad boxcar being used as a
storage shed and ‘clubhouse.’ While this
particular incident was not related to model
aircraft use of any sort, I offer the information
as a general warning to all AMA clubs.
“The boxcar was long ago converted into a
storage shed/clubhouse. Several guys
gathered around the end, talking about a
winch or hoistlike mechanism that was
mounted nearly level with the roof of the
boxcar. This circular-shaped contraption was
approximately 11/2 feet in diameter and had a
short length of chain extending from the lower
portion of the casing.
“Discussion turned to speculating as to
what the winch had been used for and then to
possible uses for it now. One of my friends
climbed up the end of the boxcar, which was
easily accomplished using the handrails and
deep corrugations of the metal construction.
“The chain was found to be immovable
and my friend proceeded to climb down.
Having jumped off the boxcar from a height
of approximately 2 feet, my friend was
slightly off balance and took a couple quick
steps backward in order to catch his balance.
“Without warning, the heavy winch broke
free from the boxcar and fell to the ground,
but not before glancing off my friend’s head
as he was stepping backward to catch his
balance. Although he was knocked to the
ground, the path of the winch was not altered
because of its great size and weight.
“First-aid was immediately applied and
my friend was rushed to the emergency
room for treatment, requiring approximately
20 stitches to close the wound. Witnesses
agreed that had he not been stepping
backward away from the boxcar when the
winch fell, it would have likely struck him directly on top of his head.“The winch was approximately 16 inches
in diameter and weighed roughly 200
pounds. Later analysis showed that besides
years of rust, only a single bolt had been
holding the winch onto the boxcar.
“While the bolt and winch had held our
friend’s weight when he grabbed onto the
chain, his weight had apparently caused the
failure, which released only after he had
climbed down and was on the ground.
“Lessons learned: if you have an old
boxcar, have any overhanging items
inspected or removed. This could have easily
been a more serious injury, if not a fatality.”
David’s friend was indeed lucky to
escape with stitches instead of being driven
into the ground like a tent stake! The winch
looked and felt immovable, but it let go at a
random moment.
Nobody did anything particularly wrong.
This could have happened to anyone, and the
best reaction I can think of is to take a
careful survey around your field with an eye
toward removing any potential hazards.
Do you remember AMA President Dave
Brown’s message in the March 2006
“President’s Perspective” column regarding
poorly marked driveway barrier chains?
Keep that mind-set, and maybe you’ll notice
a situation that can be corrected before an
accident happens.
You will have saved someone just as if
you had pushed him or her out of the way of
a falling winch, which David’s friend
undoubtedly would have preferred.
Getting mail from MA readers is a delight; I
really enjoy your comments, mockery, wit,
and close-call stories. Use the E-mail address
at the top of this column or send letters to
“Dave, Here’s One You Ain’t Heard Yet,”
Box 7081, Van Nuys CA 91409.
John Arbogast did, and following is his
tale of hard-won wisdom.
“I’ve been flying RC for 50 years but am
fairly new with electric helicopters. Today I
was caught by a hazard that I knew existed,
but apparently I was not being careful
enough.
“The ‘idle up’ function on the transmitter
of my collective-pitch helicopter produces
full throttle at both ends of the travel of the
throttle stick while moving the rotor pitch
from negative to positive for aerobatic
maneuvers.
“The potential hazard of this
configuration lies in the fact that the throttle
can be in the full down ‘off’ position for
normal flight and an accidental flip of the
‘idle up’ switch will produce instant full
throttle.
“This happened to me when my
transmitter fell over while I was setting my
aircraft down for takeoff. By the time I
figured out what had happened and got
things shut down, the carbon-fiber
aftermarket rotors had given me three good
‘whacks,’ which weren’t really serious, but
the one on my thumbnail still hurts like the
dickens and is turning all sorts of colors.
The rotors were unscathed.
“I opened the transmitter and saw that
there are two wires to the ‘idle up’ switch,
and in normal configuration the switch is
‘open.’ This being the case, I unsoldered
and wrapped one of the leads so that I am
always in ‘normal’ throttle function no
matter which way the switch is positioned.
“If I ever advance to the place where I
want ‘idle up,’ I will replace the connection
and cut off the switch arm from its present
3/4 inch to roughly 1/4 inch so an accidental
change will be substantially less likely.
“The rather long switch arm seems to be
somewhat susceptible to accidental
activation. On the other hand, a short switch
arm might be too difficult to find when
needed.”
I’m not a fan of modifying
transmitters––and not just because I am
inept at electronics. John’s transmitter will
serve him well, but a customized rig can
cause problems if it gets into another pilot’s
hands. There can be other serious
unintended side effects of such alterations
as well.
Manufacturers frown on such tinkering,
but what do they know? They just design
and build the things.
Meanwhile, my workbench features a
disassembled Aero Ace transmitter in the
throes of modification. Maybe I better shut
up. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 118,119,120
118 MODEL AVIATION
Dave rants about indoor RC demonstration-flight safety measures
Safety Comes First Dave Gee | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• Hone your skills with a
simulator
• Science teachers get a chance
to promote aeromodeling
• Unusual clubhouse safety
issues
• A helicopter radio function
warning
Too close! This demonstration pilot at a hobby show flew his RC airplane less than a
meter from spectators’ heads. The thrill is not worth the risk.
Trade-show attendees Robert, Eric, and
Alex Shields—three generations of
modelers—pose by a display of RC
simulators, which are discussed in the text.
Science-teacher conventioneers learn proper technique from kids at the AMA Education
Committee’s test-flight area. Aeromodeling is returning to schools via science and
physics classes.
TIME FOR a Rant: Check out the photo of
the demonstration pilot flying a blue indoor
RC airplane at a convention. I watched as he
made passes much closer than this over
onlookers’ heads.
He is a skilled and experienced pilot and
should have known better than to place a
spinning propeller so close to spectators.
Even a lightweight model has a powerful
motor, and you wouldn’t want that airscrew
to touch your head or hands.
I’ve been to hobby shows where the RC
demonstration area was enclosed by strong
floor-to-ceiling netting and other shows
where there was a clear flightline so models
were kept a safe distance from the crowd. Not
here!
Even a minor incident under these
circumstances could do great harm to our
hobby, not to mention the forehead of a
victim. Some readers may contact me in
defense of this situation; lots of luck, but I
will listen and possibly print your responses.
Okay, ranting is done.
All photos this month were taken at trade
shows. The three good-looking fellows are the
Shields family; the son, dad, and granddad fly
RC. I was glad to grant their request for a bit
of fame because it leads into a discussion
about RC flight simulators.
Computer programs are becoming more
popular by the nanosecond, and even
hardened, old RC instructors are beginning to
admit that virtual RC is not only fun, but is
also good practice. Fliers who find their fields
09sig4.QXD 7/26/06 9:18 AM Page 118snowed under in winter are especially glad for
a way to hone their skills without wearing
mittens.
Did I mention that helicopter pilots are
included? I have yet to master the art of
simulated rotary-wing flight, but at least the
sign-on screen no longer reads, “Not you
again.”
Several competing companies make these
programs––with differences in price and
features—so pick one that suits your budget
and your computer capacity. I confidently
recommend all these popular products, having
destroyed airplanes on each of them at various
times.
My preference is for the Dave Brown
Products flight simulator. The program has
been upgraded and improved throughout the
years, just like my newer computer which no
longer runs on coal. Not that it has helped me,
but at least my digital crashes are easier to
clean up.
The other picture was taken at a large
convention of science teachers. The AMA
Education Committee presented workshops
about using model airplanes to help teach
science, math, and physics. There was an
AMA booth with hands-on building and
flying instruction for attendees.
This is a thinly camouflaged plot to get
youngsters involved with aeromodeling, and it
seems to be working. Every possible means
needs to be used to bring new modelers to our
hobby or we will literally die off. Getting
science teachers to push this agenda in their
classrooms is a devious idea. I like it.
The photo shows a gaggle of teachers
watching a young man launch his rubberpowered
Sky Streak, which he modified for
top performance in the convention hall.
Twenty-second flights were routine, and some
were much longer. A few airplanes
disappeared into the rafters. The adults were
competing for prize packs of classroom
supplies (airplane kits, winders, etc.), so they
paid close attention to the expert.
The skills and knowledge our hobby
brings can benefit a child tremendously. I
meet many youngsters who have never made
anything with their hands and lack the
coordination to assemble a simple glider.
From a safety standpoint, we are doing a
great favor to kids by helping them master
small-motor skills and giving them a head
start toward the safe use of implements such
as scissors and chopsticks.
David Barker of the Red Baron R/C
Modelers, Ltd. sent me the following letter.
My head hurts from reading it––and not just
because I lost my glasses. He wrote:
“I am writing to pass along a safety issue I
recently experienced concerning an old
surplus railroad boxcar being used as a
storage shed and ‘clubhouse.’ While this
particular incident was not related to model
aircraft use of any sort, I offer the information
as a general warning to all AMA clubs.
“The boxcar was long ago converted into a
storage shed/clubhouse. Several guys
gathered around the end, talking about a
winch or hoistlike mechanism that was
mounted nearly level with the roof of the
boxcar. This circular-shaped contraption was
approximately 11/2 feet in diameter and had a
short length of chain extending from the lower
portion of the casing.
“Discussion turned to speculating as to
what the winch had been used for and then to
possible uses for it now. One of my friends
climbed up the end of the boxcar, which was
easily accomplished using the handrails and
deep corrugations of the metal construction.
“The chain was found to be immovable
and my friend proceeded to climb down.
Having jumped off the boxcar from a height
of approximately 2 feet, my friend was
slightly off balance and took a couple quick
steps backward in order to catch his balance.
“Without warning, the heavy winch broke
free from the boxcar and fell to the ground,
but not before glancing off my friend’s head
as he was stepping backward to catch his
balance. Although he was knocked to the
ground, the path of the winch was not altered
because of its great size and weight.
“First-aid was immediately applied and
my friend was rushed to the emergency
room for treatment, requiring approximately
20 stitches to close the wound. Witnesses
agreed that had he not been stepping
backward away from the boxcar when the
winch fell, it would have likely struck him directly on top of his head.“The winch was approximately 16 inches
in diameter and weighed roughly 200
pounds. Later analysis showed that besides
years of rust, only a single bolt had been
holding the winch onto the boxcar.
“While the bolt and winch had held our
friend’s weight when he grabbed onto the
chain, his weight had apparently caused the
failure, which released only after he had
climbed down and was on the ground.
“Lessons learned: if you have an old
boxcar, have any overhanging items
inspected or removed. This could have easily
been a more serious injury, if not a fatality.”
David’s friend was indeed lucky to
escape with stitches instead of being driven
into the ground like a tent stake! The winch
looked and felt immovable, but it let go at a
random moment.
Nobody did anything particularly wrong.
This could have happened to anyone, and the
best reaction I can think of is to take a
careful survey around your field with an eye
toward removing any potential hazards.
Do you remember AMA President Dave
Brown’s message in the March 2006
“President’s Perspective” column regarding
poorly marked driveway barrier chains?
Keep that mind-set, and maybe you’ll notice
a situation that can be corrected before an
accident happens.
You will have saved someone just as if
you had pushed him or her out of the way of
a falling winch, which David’s friend
undoubtedly would have preferred.
Getting mail from MA readers is a delight; I
really enjoy your comments, mockery, wit,
and close-call stories. Use the E-mail address
at the top of this column or send letters to
“Dave, Here’s One You Ain’t Heard Yet,”
Box 7081, Van Nuys CA 91409.
John Arbogast did, and following is his
tale of hard-won wisdom.
“I’ve been flying RC for 50 years but am
fairly new with electric helicopters. Today I
was caught by a hazard that I knew existed,
but apparently I was not being careful
enough.
“The ‘idle up’ function on the transmitter
of my collective-pitch helicopter produces
full throttle at both ends of the travel of the
throttle stick while moving the rotor pitch
from negative to positive for aerobatic
maneuvers.
“The potential hazard of this
configuration lies in the fact that the throttle
can be in the full down ‘off’ position for
normal flight and an accidental flip of the
‘idle up’ switch will produce instant full
throttle.
“This happened to me when my
transmitter fell over while I was setting my
aircraft down for takeoff. By the time I
figured out what had happened and got
things shut down, the carbon-fiber
aftermarket rotors had given me three good
‘whacks,’ which weren’t really serious, but
the one on my thumbnail still hurts like the
dickens and is turning all sorts of colors.
The rotors were unscathed.
“I opened the transmitter and saw that
there are two wires to the ‘idle up’ switch,
and in normal configuration the switch is
‘open.’ This being the case, I unsoldered
and wrapped one of the leads so that I am
always in ‘normal’ throttle function no
matter which way the switch is positioned.
“If I ever advance to the place where I
want ‘idle up,’ I will replace the connection
and cut off the switch arm from its present
3/4 inch to roughly 1/4 inch so an accidental
change will be substantially less likely.
“The rather long switch arm seems to be
somewhat susceptible to accidental
activation. On the other hand, a short switch
arm might be too difficult to find when
needed.”
I’m not a fan of modifying
transmitters––and not just because I am
inept at electronics. John’s transmitter will
serve him well, but a customized rig can
cause problems if it gets into another pilot’s
hands. There can be other serious
unintended side effects of such alterations
as well.
Manufacturers frown on such tinkering,
but what do they know? They just design
and build the things.
Meanwhile, my workbench features a
disassembled Aero Ace transmitter in the
throes of modification. Maybe I better shut
up. MA