Wasn't me. I just got the club e-mail. Here is a follow-up e-mail, and a very thoughtful one at that:

Guy’s,



It’s the responsibility of the (Teaching) pilot to understand how the Buddy Box system operates not the (Student) Pilot. It is the responsibility of the Teaching Pilot to make sure the system is working properly before handing over the Buddy end to the student. It is the responsibility of the Teaching pilot to ensure all of the throws are correct, the trims are centered to the master transmitter and that the throttle is set to a position that will not kill the engine once the system is turned over to the student, usually half throttle. The Student never touches the left stick until instructed to do so.



Buddy box types:

1) Purchased Buddy Box matching the Master Transmitter.

a. This system is pretty foul proof, no batteries, on/off switch and no antenna is supplied. No possible way to create a second RF signal.

b. There is one system problem with this scenario, if the master transmitter is a high end unit and complicated programming is used (Duel Rates, Expo, Mixing etc.) the buddy transmitter will not operate in the same manor. The buddy box will only function at full rates not the programmed rates of the programmed master transmitter. Maybe some systems will handle this situation now?

2) Borrowed Transmitter and Trainer cord (most common scenario)

a. This is probably the system in question, FULL FUNCTIONING TRANSMITTER! This is OK if the Teaching pilot knows how to set it up!

b. Remove antenna from Buddy Transmitter if possible

c. Ensure Transmitter is turned off and stays off !

d. Check Throw directions (Buddy Transmitter), Up is Up, Right Aileron is Right, Nose wheel and Rudder are correct ETC.

e. Ensure control surface movement matches Master Transmitter

f. Ensure Throttle is working correctly! Check to ensure the closed and open positions are correct! Check to make sure the idle trim is set to match the Master Transmitter.

g. Pre-engine start check: Flip the Trainer Switch on and off observing each function (control surface & Thorttle) does not move! If a surface twitches or jumps STOP and adjust the problem.

h. Everything checks OK ?

i. Start Engine, Ensure all function work properly (Teaching Pilot) responsibility!!!!!!!!!!!

i. Check throttle is set properly when Trainer switch is activated.

ii. Ensure engine well stay running at idle position, Buddy Transmitter.

iii. Buddy switch off set Buddy Transmitter throttle to half, do not allow Student to touch controls until plane is airborne.



NOTE: If the Plane Crashes it is 100% the INSTRUCTING PILOT’S Fault!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . (not due to mechanical failure)

The instructor can resume control of the plane by the release of the trainer switch! The Teaching pilot must establish his recovery parameters, plane height, plane attitude before attempting the first flight.





If I’ve missed anything please fill in the blanks!



I hope this helps those to follow.



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