New Turbine Rules
(effective March 1, 2004)
Less Regulation - More Safety

The Jet Pilots Organization (JPO) working with the AMA Turbine Safety Committee, has provided us with a more realistic set of operating procedures. Adherence to them should allow the jet community to grow in numbers and still maintain our safety record.

Experience vs. Performance

For any set of rules to be effective however, a great deal of emphasis must be placed on good judgement and personal responsibility. It is therefore necessary that every jet pilot know the limitations of his aircraft and his own piloting skills and then operate on the safe side of those margins.
By now, most jet enthusiasts recognize that the biggest threat we pose to our sport and our neighbors, is a high energy crash and burn away from the immediate flying site. While model airplanes do occasionally go out of control and crash, the pilot has a great deal of control over a possible burn.

It should be instinctive
to switch the engine off.

Experience has taught us that if the engine is switched off just seconds before impact, the probability of a fire is greatly reduced.
A properly trained and prepared pilot should be capable of activating the appropriate engine shutdown switch (or lever) at the very first sign of a control problem, without looking down at his transmitter. Some thought and practice (before flight) should make this action instinctive.
Once a control or airframe structural problem starts, it is unlikely that continued operation with the engine running can do little but aggravate the situation - so, shut it down to avoid the ultimate demise of your model, components and your neighbor's property.
This safety procedure should be a part of all instructor-to-student training in the operation of turbojet powered model aircraft.
The new regulations call for a failsafe shutdown after 2 seconds of failed radio signal. Be certain that your E.C.U. is so equipped and properly programmed, then test it on the ground with the engine running by simply turning the transmitter off.
The sport of building and flying turbojet powered model aircraft is very important to most of us, it is therefore paramount that we exercise due diligence and keep our operations safe.
For more information, log on to www.jetpilots.org.