You guys may think that I am silly or something but I thought this was a good idea. I created a simple little device to remind me to put my antenna on the jet and remove the overflow plug at the same time before taking off down the runway. It's simple. Simply a smaller tube (to fit over the antenna threads) inside a larger tube (to go over the overflow fitting) with a steel block in between to keep the fuel from getting to your antenna threads. It's obtrusive enough to remind anyone to remove it before flight.

http://www.dreamworksrc.com/catalog/...roducts_id=773

two separate items to remove and replace. Also, you have to attach it to something. Still like my idea better. Plus I'll take the $7.50 and buy myself some cold beer.

Just be sure to remove the over flow tube before gas'n up! It gets ugly if you don't.

How long will your engine run with the vent plugged. Not long.

or incorporate the two so you see the red flag flying in the wind if your taxing out. lol

After running my Rhino on the ground for about 5 minutes with the vent plugged,I attatched the red tags to the smoke and K1 vents.The rhino never did quit,when the vent was opened up I could hear the tanks crackle back to their original shape.I made a checklist also.Its hard to believe how long the checklist was.We do more then I realalized getting ready for flight.If I was flying I am sure it would have ran long enough for me to get airborne,and quit at the most inconveniant time.

would ya mind Pm'ing me what the checklist might all include.

The problem I had was I flew one in one time and had to make an adjustment on the landing gear after it was basically full. I had to turn the jet upside down to work on them and plugged it. In my haste I forgot to take that plug off. I think that is what caused a crash because the jet basically just fell out of the sky nose down for no reason. When I looked at the debrey I found the belly with the plug still in it.

After that I have been really cautious about making that mistake again. Maybe I'm being too cautious but this method seems to stand out. The flags are a nice touch. I was just putting something together that I already had on hand.

Andy

Long enough to get off the ground. Trust me, I know from experience. Very Ugly result.

Andy

The biggest problem I've had is distractions. While busy fueling or other things, someone pops in with questions. I try to stay with my routine and answer best I can. Like most pilots, we have a certain way we do things. When something distracts us, it's easier to miss something.
One time I took off without fueling up. That could have been bad.

Ditto,,,, I have actually considered wearing some ear protectors while getting set-up, that way I can just point at them and say "sry I can't hear you" or have a t-shirt made that reads "sry I'm deaf"

I like it. Sweet and simple, as most of the very best ideas are !!

The KISS principle at work! Love it! "KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!"

The distraction thing is a real hassle at the local flying fields. Fortunately at jet events most guys know when to blab and when to zip the lips during setups and flying.

I have always thought a written checklist would be a great idea. People asking questions can get to be a big distraction - especially if you enjoy answering them. I have taxied out before and just felt uneasy even though I knew I didn't leave anything out of my preps. I find myself tugging on wings - triple checking air, valves, plugs, rates, etc......

I agree that is a real perk at Jet Meets - everyone knows when to chat it up and when to shut up.

Anyone want to share their checklist?

I'll start:

1.) Get airplane out of car

Ok, here would be mine:

1. get airplane out of car lol,
2. Set up Fire Extinguisher
3. Set up blower
4. Plug in all FULLY charged batteries (RX and ECU) (or check voltage to make sure in safe parameters)
5. Screw on antenna (if needed), remove overflow plug
6. Verify that Fuel valve is closed and Fuel jet (includes recharging gas if needed)
7. After refuel plug fuel inlet and open fuel valve
8. Turn on RX
9. Pull out antenna on TX and Turn on
10. Face model into the wind. Go thought startup sequence
11. Give jet full throttle test
12. Give one good lookover of system (fuel lines, thrust tube etc.) make sure all is funtioning properly
13. Replace hatches if needed.
14. Check for proper movement of all control surfaces
15. Range Check/failsafe check - only needs to be done once at that field.
14. Brake and nose stearing check.
16. Take off!

Shut Down:

1. Face model toward wind
2. TX shut down
3. Close manual fuel valve
4. Cool off sequence
5. After cool down, Switch off RX, ECU batteries
6. Switch off TX

Did I miss anything lol?

Proper range check technique according as written by JR and included in Jet Central Manual:

1. Place model perpendicular
2. Program up-elevator fail safe
3. Remove antenna
4. Hold transmitter arms length
5. walk backwards until elevator deflects STOP and mark position and measure. Carefully count how many paces out you went.
6. Re-Program Fail Safe for engine to idle.
7. Perform exact same test with motor running at 1/2 throttle. When engin goes to idle STOP and mark position, and carefully count how many paces you went.
8. If you lost more than 20% with the motor running investigate and retest. jR Team Members like to see minimums of ..Engine off 175 fee, 60 paces and engine running 150 feet 50 paces.
DON'T FORGET AFTER THE ABOVE RANGE CHECK TO RESET YOUR FAILSAFE TO "ENGINE OFF" THROTTLE DOWN TRIM DOWN!!

I was distracted when fueling on my boomerang and did not remove the air vent plug, I had a 2ltr flight which went ok, when I opened the cover my 2ltr white spirit container was squashed totally flat, I got away with it that time but I will not do that again, or talk to anybody while preparing to takeoff. I cant imagine the problems if the tank had split open in flight.

lol, use the hose...use the hose..

jk - same thing happened to me only it was a BVM 60" F-86 and and caused a fatal crash.