We were speaking of a hypothetical situation until you brought your name into the thread. That was unnecessary and will accomplish nothing positive.

My point was that the pilots of R/C models are like the pilots of a full scale aircraft in that it is their duty to be situationally aware of their surroundings and circumstances, not to mention be aware of the fact that the engine can quit at any time. Had you been situationally aware, neither of your models would have crashed. So, the fault of the crashes lies with you. Not an engine that quit.

Having been a model flight instructor since the Sixties, this is one of the things that I teach all of my students. Fly in a manner that is conducive to making it back to the runway at all times. If you lose a plane because of a deadstick - IT IS YOUR FAULT. Not that of the engine, kit or even the radio manufacturer. Yes, even the radio manufacturer. Why? Because you had the oportunity to choose a different brand R/C system. Just like the Captain of a ship, it all falls upon your/our shoulders.

In my mind, Ralph's responsibility is to provide you with an engine that runs well and reliably. If it doesn't, it is his responsibility to fix the engine. But that is the end of his obligation. Nowhere did I call anyone an *******. I might have implied that they were incompetent having lost a model to a deadstick. I stand behind that statement, if made. I've been an ******* myself several times, but I didn't blame the engine manufacturer.

I'm not defending Ralph. Nor am I blaming you for doing something that most modelers do regularly. But that is how I see the situation.

Good luck with your future models.


Ed Cregger