RE: A beginners guide to jets, revised
Enough about proficiency and checklists...on to essential items that even the minimalist jet jockey will need to fill, pressurize and safely snuff on the flightline.
An avid RC pilot most likely has quite a few tools and support equipment already. To successfully get out the the flying field and be self sufficient, what "field equipment" is essential? What are "nice to haves?"
I've done a fair bit of research on my own by going to jet events and watching what "field equipment" worked well and was simple. I came up with these items as "necessary:"
Powered fuel pump/jug to fill those massive tanks with Jet-A/Kero/Diesel. Hand crank just didn't cut it.
Fire extinguisher. Most had CO2, some had Halon and other Halotron 1. Every flight box had a fire extinguisher that had a "clean agent" that could be ingested by the turbine, put out a fire, and not require cleaning or service.
Air pump. Electric retracts and brakes are catching on now, but even a year ago they were the exception. Still, most people seem to be using air systems, so they must be pressurized occasionally...before the first flight of the day and periodically to keep them functional. The capacity and required pressure of your system will determine what kind of compressor you will need. Large jets with big air tanks and higher pressure requirements will require more than your roadside assistance 12V compressor, while this tends to be a common solution among mid-to-small sized jet owners.
Fuel jug for mixing/storage. Since these turbines burn fuel at a rate unparalleled by any other RC aircraft, it is a really good idea to have a second 5 gallon jug in which to mix your fuel and store it, while refilling your primary pump container once in a while.
Lubes for brake O-rings, air system lube/conditioner. Keeps everything conditioned for a long, leak-free life.
Nice-to-haves:
Safety Wire Pliers and wire. Some method is required to keep things in place like air and fuel lines. There are several options, but safety wire is commonly used, very strong and has a much longer life expectancy than plastic zip ties.
Electric blower to help with turbine cool down. Extends starter motor life by giving it some help in turning the turbine and forces more cooling air into the intake, speeding up the cooling process.
Wagon. Pulling all the support gear out and getting it to the flightline can be done without a large garden wagon, but some people had them and could bring everything out at once, sometimes even with a jet on top of a built in rack.
Water filter funnel. Helps keep water out of the Kero/Diesel from the pump.
Water Trap for Air System. Keeping moisture out of the retract/brake air system prolongs the life of the system and keeps things from sticking.
I'm curious about your opinion/experience with what is must have equipment and what is "nice to have."