ORIGINAL: fancman
At the club I belong to the safety stands are positioned so that the engines are facing the parking lot and any spectators (no fence in between.) I say that's not a good idea. What does everyone here think or does it matter?
Are you saying the planes are pointing towards the spectators and not the runway?
Maybe someone can quote AMA regs, but this may be addressed there.
Personally, I would not have them point in the direction of spectators, just because there may be children visiting. I know some children fly, but for the most part it's adults. Also, the pilots know the dangers, but spectators may not. Safety stands are nice, as long as the owner remembers to secure the wings!
I think a better design would be one that also chocks the wheels and holds the plane down by the tail.