Whats a “kill switch” and why do I need it?
The IMAA Safety Code has two things regarding the ability to “kill” or stop the model engine.: The first is the ability in flight to be able to cut or kill the engine. This usually is done by setting the throttle up so that full low throttle trim on your transmitter will lean out or stop the engine. A good safety feature! The second is a “kill” switch that refers to the ignition switch on gasoline engines. This is similar to full size aircraft ignition or mag’ switches. On magneto ignition systems this is a switch that in the “safe” or “kill” position is actually shorting out the magneto coil primary circuit to ground or the engine crankcase. On newer electronic ignition systems this switch connects its battery power to the ignition circuit. In the “safe” or “kill” position this would be off or open contact. The kill switch has to be readily accessible especially to your helper to kill the engine if needed. The main purpose of this switch is to prevent inadvertent firing of the engine.
