Putting together an arf, setting the bird up gas. Now Iknow that most arfs are not made perfect, and most times you're going to end up modifying them anyway to be built correctly or suit your needs. However, I noticed that the slots built in for the RX and ignition switches are on the same side of the fuse, about 17" away OC. Including two manuf websites and manuals, ignition and rx switches should "always be mounted on opposite sides of the fuselage". Now it's easy enough to just build a slot on the other side of the fuse and move on, but as I like learning, I don't just want the answer, I'd like to know why they're supposed to be mounted opposite sides each other. Almost every gasser I've seen have the ignit and rx switches on the same side, and most fly with no problems. The few problems I've seen are due usually to improper tuning, wrong fuel tubing, dirty carbs, etc. Also, I'd like to know if the manuf of this plane screwed up, or if there is a method in the madness to why they put the switches on the same side.

Anyone got anything on this?

I almost always mount my ignition and Rx switches on the same side, and I've never had any trouble.

I think the reason for the oposite sides is more for an emergency situation so you dont confuse the two in that hurried panic state as oposed to interference etc.

If we're talking about a plane running an EI, I might not even have 2 switches to mount? If I did have 2 switches, they'd both be for the receiver, so could be mounted closely no issue.

Mags are a different story. Still obeying all the old rules there.....

Defective kit? Don't think so, not even in a stretch....

I think they're trying to keep the switches as far away from one another to limit RF interference. On smaller planes you you gain a few inches of distance by running the switches on opposite sides.
Sounds like your building a larger plane ("about 17" away OC") so there is probably no need to mount the switches on opposite sides ..

Nah, its a smaller plane, but specs say it can be ep, glow or gas.  Another thing I noticed was that the slot the manuf built in for the ignition switch is only 9 inches away from the throttle servo, and if I build in one on the opposite side as far forward as I can go, it's only 6.5 inches away.  That's another reason Im  wondering if this ARF needs more R&D, or if there's something I missed.  Everything else on it seems to be so well designed and thought out.

Its to prevent you from switching off the wrong switch in an emergency or otherwise

Ameyam