[NSRCA-discussion] Arming Switch

[Keith Hoard]

Bob,

1)  So is leaving your canopy off with ESC plug displayed until you are in
the ready box.  I'd argue that it is more visible AND directly addresses
the problem.  Arming plugs are small and can only be seen from one side of
your airplane.
2)  That is a failsafe setting issue that an affect your airplane any time
the batteries are connected, even during a flight where the disconnect
device is useless.  I agree with demonstrating proper failsafe setup.
3) Very true.

   What I don't agree with is the NSRCA issuing an "Airworthiness
Directive" ("AD" in FAA-speak) requiring me to install equipment to address
a *potential *problem when I can address that problem in other ways.  I
think the Board would be much better off proposing a rule defining WHAT
outcome they are desiring, then allowing the competitor to come up with an
effective way to accomplish that objective.  I think we'd be better off
adopting the FAI rule that mandates when power can be connected to the
plane and let the competitor accomplish that objective in any manner they
wish, either through good battery management techniques or disconnect
devices.

    Besides, if you read the NSRCA rule proposal, all it says is that you
have to install a disconnect device.  It does not mandate when it will be
utilized to arm or disarm the plane.  So. . . according to the rule, I can
install the arming plug and leave it connected at all times, thus not even
solving the original "problem".

Keith Hoard
Collierville, TN
khoard at gmail.com




On Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 2:18 PM, Bob Richards <bob at toprudder.com> wrote:

> Keith,
>
> What you say it true.
>
> What I have taken from this discussion:
>
> 1) An arming plug is an externally visible indicator of "ready and
> dangerous".
> 2) Turning the rx off alone is not a completely safe condition, and less
> so AFTER a flight.
> 3) No safety measure is 100% infallible, simply due to human error.
>
> Regardless of how you render your aircraft safe, you still have to
> remember to do it!!! People will forget, and that unfortunately will happen
> regardless.
>
> Bob R.
>
>
> --- On *Mon, 2/13/12, Keith Hoard <khoard at gmail.com>* wrote:
>
>
> Just how many airplanes have we seen fly out of caller's hands at
> contests?  Is this a widespread problem, or just isolated to a couple
> contests?   Why can't the caller maintain positive control of the airplane
> until the owner gets over to disconnect the battery?  If the caller and/or
> pilot are that distracted after a flight, what is to keep them from
> forgetting to removing the arming plug?
>
> I think this is a solution wandering around looking for a problem.  If you
> can't remember to disconnect your battery as soon as possible after a
> flight and to only connect it just prior to flight then you won't remember
> to use your arming plug to perform the same functions.
>
>
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>
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