Basic Aeronautics

[Celwin]

We might have to raise some $s to build another starting bench or two. If we ever get into (or have visit us) quarter-scale models, we'll need something on the ground. Having a 30cc engine burst into life with blades spinning less than a foot from your face is daunting enough, let alone 55cc and above. In my experience, smaller engines are more likely to bite my fingers flick-starting them than the larger ones. 15 size and smaller engines are simply nasty to try to start!

I always program in a cut-off switch, but usually set a fail-safe to pull the throttle to idle (I'm presuming that everyone flies models with real engines!). Shutting the engine down might help a radio problem if interference is occurring, but be aware that if it is a brown-out from a dying battery or failing connection of sorts, having a fail-safe pull the throttle to cut the engine (glow only, but includes petrol if you can't kill its ignition) will likely make it worse as usually it must pull the throttle to its stop and this causes extra current drain on the system (stalling the servo slightly on analog, considerably more with digital). Some engines can cut the throttle without hitting its adjustable stop, but not all.

If I'm desperate enough and must fly something ecklectic, the failsafe cuts the throttle to off. Some ESC's and motors cause enough interference to reduce signal quality.
(Let's ban ecklectic power!)