Archive for May, 2008
BUDDY BOX SAFETY
When using a “Buddy Box” system for flying training it is vitally important that you ensure correct operation of the system before each flight is made.
A recent review of incidents and accidents showed a number of cases where aircraft crashed due to problems with the Buddy link. These included broken switches, switches that jammed due to being “gummed up” with fuel, plugs that did not lock securely to the socket, frayed and worn leads leading to poor or intermittent connection.
Another area that has caused problems is the constant plugging and unplugging of the TX connection either for “Buddy Box” use or for flight simulator connection. On some brands of transmitter the socket is mounted directly to a printed circuit board and in some instances repeated use has led to a crack in the host board which is exhibited as an intermittent fault.
For many pilots their second transmitter is one that is not used regularly and is brought out solely for training use, a thorough pre session check should be carried out at the start of the session and a “handover check” carried out as part of the pre flight checks. If there are any doubts over the operation of the system then do not fly with it.
Manny Williamson
Development Officer
On behalf of the Safety Review Committee
! Attention ! F2C @ Waterbeach Relocated
Because of low entries for the F2C Centralised Competition scheduled for Waterbeach on 25th May 08, the competition has been re-located to Barton. Enquiries to Chris Barker, tel 07890-391537 or email: barking.jilly@talktalk.net
New Fact sheet No.2
We are pleased to add Fact Sheet No.2 for the GC Challenge. John O’Donnell has kindly passed on his wealth of experience in a candid précis of the model. Along with some invaluable tips on How To !
Fact Sheets 3 & 4 are in production and will follow shortly.
Please see attached and enjoy.
Results – CL F2D Centralised 11-05-08
2nd F2D Combat Centralised Results f2d-combat-centralised-results-11-05-08.pdf
CL Centralised Competitions – Calendar Changes
25 May Waterbeach
F2C cancelled - low entries (other venue being sought)
F2B cancelled – low entries
22 June Dishforth
F2C cancelled – venue unavailable
29 June Waterbeach
F2C cancelled – other venue being sought