franklin_m

Actually, there is no written test required by AMA as evidenced by the Turbine Waiver Application appended below (http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/510-d.pdf). Furthermore, the sum total of the required knowledge area is hardly comprehensive, three items on fire fighting (items 1a through 1c) and a fourth item on turbine start and shutdown procedures. Flight skills tasks are generally ok I suppose, except that most military tactical aircraft (subject of most turbine scale models) don't fly square patterns...but that's relatively minor.


As for the idea of having quad pilots demonstrate proficiency at point of purchase, I don't see hobby shops being the enforcer. They have all the incentive in the world to pencil whip the paperwork. It works for firearms only because there's an external agency auditing the books and stiff penalties for not complying. I don't see the manpower being devoted to the auditing necessary to make this successful. Just my opinion though. Others may disagree.


----------------Text of AMA turbine waiver request--------------------
Objective:
The purpose of the flight test for the turbine applicant to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and understanding of how to safely operate and fly a turbine model aircraft.

Key Elements:
The following elements are to be demonstrated through action along with verbal discussion of the element were appropriate.

1. Demonstration of proper turbine ground operations
a.Discuss the need to keep the tailpipe area clear of people and flammable items during start, shutdown, and all ground operations.
b. Explain the response plan for dealing with an aircraft fire similar to one resulting from a hot start. Fire extinguisher to be present per AMA safety regulations.
c. Explain the potential for a post crash fire and the response plan to deal with the situation. Explanation to include local fire department contact number and fire fighting equipment immediately available for the modeler to respond to the fire.
d. Explain and demonstrate typical turbine startup and shutdown procedures.


2. Flight Skills
a. Takeoff, to be held within 10 feet either direction of centerline, with smooth, controlled corrections as necessary.
b. Horizontal Figure 8. Pilot to hold altitude to within +/-50 feet during the Figure 8. This demonstrates skills at both left and right hand patterns and the a bility to control the models flight path.
c. Perform two aerobatic maneuvers with combined looping and rolling elements to be selected by the turbine applicant. Examples include Cuban 8, Humpty Bump with ½ roll, or similar maneuvers. This demonstrates the general flying skills of the modeler.
d.High Speed Circuit of the field performed at a safe high rate of speed. This demonstrates the ability to control a model aircraft at speed.
e. Square Traffic Pattern including a missed approach go-around. This maneuver to be in the opposite direction of the takeoff and landing if conditions allow. This demonstrates the ability to control a model aircraft in the landing approach mode.
f. Landing to a complete stop. Again, smooth, controlled corrections to the aircraft’s path after touchdown are required. The landing must be completed on the runway.

* At no time during the flight shall the aircraft pass behind the designated safety line.