Unknown,

When I was starting out in this hobby many people in my club gave me stick time on their "expensive" toys. This is what we do in this hobby. I was given the sticks, three mistakes high, of many machines I didn't believe I had the skills to fly. The difference was these people stood by my side and were ready to take control if I did anything stupid. All of this was discussed before the flight. I believe this exposure is good for the hobby. Buddy boxes have made this even better.

Turbines are a different issue (at AMA fields at least). I have been offered the sticks of many turbine planes ( I am more than capable of flying them now). However, I decline because I do not have a waiver yet.

Not knowing the facts of this situation I can only tell you my opinion. I believe if I give the transmitter to another person, I take responsibility for whatever happens to my plane. With that said, I have flown test flights with negative results and I always feel bad and have offered to help rebuild or defer some of the cost. I have yet to see anyone at my local field take a penny from a test pilot for an unfortunate crash.

Rules to live by for R/C test pilots (from the mind of Mark):

1) Verbally state the terms of the flight and gain agreement before taking the sticks
2) Get this in writing if necessary
3) Understand the justice system doesn't necessarily understand what we take to be common sense
4) Only fly an airplane you can afford to replace (you may have to)
5) Videotape all test flights
6) Ground check the plane, yourself, before flying (twice)
7) Review the expected flight characteristics with the owner
8) Check for excessive control throws
9) Use a buddy box
10) Check the battery with your own loaded meter (I've seen many crashes because of weak batteries)

If this top 10 is too much,

Don't fly other peoples planes, or drive their cars, or house sit, etc., etc.