I am now the new owner of a Reaction 54 with a JetCat P70 (my first jet). So excited.

I am trying to set up the radio and I need some answers. Do you guys use the second channel for shutting down the engine, or is the throttle channel enough? I read that you can set up either way. Which way do you guys do it? Pros, cons of either way?
Thanks.

More questions later.

Ciprian

I use single channel operation, simple, easy. Dual channel and you run the risk of bumping the switch and shutting down the turbine inadvertently.

Thanks. That was exactly what I was thinking too.

Hi,

I'd say use the AUX channel if you have one free. It's a nice feature (the auto cool-down), and although anything is possible, you probably won't accidentally trigger a cool-down........

Hey ciprian,

I have all of mine setup on single channel operation......I have seen guys flick the wrong switch in a panic (which can happen particularly if it is your first jet....the pucker factor is high initially ) and trigger a shut down....not what you need. I think most guys use the single channel operation.

Oh BTW, do you realize now that you are infected and there is no cure for this illness? Congrats on your first jet....enjoy!

My mate has recently bought 3 jets without having flown one and he is seriously addicted like the rest of us....he then bought another the other day but said he would keep it in the box (in denial!!) I suggested that he buy an additional box for his nuts as they were likely to be cut off by his wifey!

Have fun!

Craig.

Oh, one other thing.....we have over here a mandatory regulation that requires a remotely controlled fuel shutoff mechanism. Jetcat users over here usually get a fuel shut off module for the fuel solenoid from Intairco....cheap, very effective and very simple so you can have all engine ops controlled by one channel.....you just y-lead the fuel shut off relay with your throttle channel trim. Works brilliantly and no need for additional servo, valve, plumbing etc

Hope that helps,

Craig.

I was new to the jet scene last summer with an R-54 powered by a P-70. I considered both throttle control options and settled on the single channel. To many complications using the aux switch and throttle stick for my first venture into jets. Single channel starting is just to simple and the shut down only requires that you remember to stabilize at 50K rpm for a few seconds before you pull the trim back. Of course in the flurry of activity after a landing I have forgotten to do the stabilization at 50K but the auto cool down cycles are still there. I'm sure that with the nerves at a peak during flying I would have inadvertantly hit the aux switch and shut the engine down in the worst possible situation if I was using the two channel mode.

Although there may be such people around here somewhere, I'm not aware of anyone who regularly flies their Jetcats with a two-channel setup.

I'd recommend hte single-channel setup unless you have a very strong reason to do otherwise.

Are you going to have anyone help you (in person) with the test flight, and maybe some buddy-box time ?

Especially for your first turbine, you should try to set it up in the same way as whoever is going to be helping you fly it. Last thing you need IMO, is to use a setup that may cause problems due to it being different from what your likely instructor(s) use. That extends beyond just the turbine controls - some people set their rates 'backwards' etc - try to avoid doing stuff like that because I think you'd be mightily P.O'd if you lost or damaged your jet due to something that's so simple to avoid.

Last but not least - welcome to the jet scene Ciprian !

Gordon

I've always flown all my JetCats with 2 channel setup, it's how i set up my first jet and every one that followed after. the only time I've ever had a switch induced unexpected flame out was when using the airspeed sensors cruise control feature and a bug hit the pitot tube, the loss of indicated air speed shut the turbine down.

Thank you Gordon. That is a good idea. I have a few phone numbers of some people here in the area that will help me get my waiver. I haven't contacted any of them yet, but I will do so soon and set it up how they say.

Man, jets are borderline between hobby and insanity. When will it end?

Another question:
Do you guys use the LowBat Warning and LowFuel Warning? Or leave them disabled?
Thanks.

Nobody uses LowBat and LowFuel warnings?

No. most folks now how many flights they can safely get on a charge and use a timer that tells you when you're low on fuel.