A Simple idea for a big problem
Rc model safety, Is everyone doing
what they can do to protect out hobby and the public.
(summary: I would like a splash
screen to be implemented on all software that gives safety tips each start up)
Full story
Please don't take the following as me bossing around, this is a suggestion I feel very strongly about and so should everyone as it will effect everyone.
So recently (very recently) Multirotor and other RC model safety has been brought into the spotlight.
there have been deaths, injuries, cuts, bruises and damaged Egos, btu most importantly bad impressions and opinions.
With all this negative attention I foresee this blowing up very soon and being the central gaze of media.
And even though we have all sorts of blog posts with advice in hindsight, nothing has been done, so action needs to be taken, Because the sooner we do something about Rc model safety, the leaner the consequences will be.in the long run.
I would like a splash screen to be implemented that gives safety tips each start up
on all RC related software, not only on Droidplanner, which Arthur supports (the creator or droidplanner) but on software like Missionplaner, Andropilot, open9X etc
anything that is an aid or enabler of RC flight (remember that boats, cars and subs are also classed as drones in the laws
The main message ontop followed by the sub message (they could be comical or upbeat )
eg: (main message)
(example of message below)
Return to launch (RTL) only flies in a straight line,
it wont watch out for that tree
Return to launch (RTL) Do
esn't know when it is going to hit something,
make sure the path is clear!
Return to launch (RTL) Don't fly if you plan on using it.
It Doesn't give you wings!
Return to launch (RTL) Is n
ot capable of flying through objects,
so don't make it try!
Prison or Freedom, only one accident away
are you willing to risk your own life?
Life or Death, Only one crash away!
Is life in prison worth it?
Your life and spectators, Would you let someone new fly close to you?
Don't let the inexperienced fly dangerously
Medical,court and insurance costs, Are you rich enough?
Don't endanger others or their property
Damage, how much is their car worth?
I don't think you want to find out
Good luck to all who recognize the benefits
Another idea from me :) hope you like
Regards Jared Reabow
@MultirotorGuy
Comments
Gary, good idea to move this discussion to flight standards:
I've just posted the following in reply to Jareds other post here.
Hi Jared, good idea! However, I am scared that it will be annoying for experienced users and especially during field work. Instead I suggest to provide a list/screen/whatever of pre-arm checks (RX powered?, Batteries loaded?, Camera powered?, etc.*). And for sure place and highlight safety tips in the manuals.
Regards Thorsten
*For documentation purposes some log with operator name, flight time, UAV, location, etc. continuously stored for all flights might also be an interesting feature!?
I would be very pleased to see this discussion carry on in the flight standards group http://diydrones.com/group/flight-standards it is just the ticket.
Thanks for doing this Jared! To carry on Gary's list from above:
-Is your failsafe set up and tested?
-Is your battery fully charged?
@ Jared, while attention grabbing I'm one to shy away from the more extreme statements regarding prison or death, although possible it seems like they could be discounted by someone flying a small aircraft that they don't believe could kill anybody. That is my opinion at the moment but if a majority of others think that message would work then I'd change my opinion.
Here is a suggestion for a slightly more wordy general warning:
Even small aircraft can injure people and animals and damage property, don't let it be yours! Do you understand your failsafe? Do you have an emergency plan?
Unobtrusive tips (embedded into the splash screen) are a great idea - they've been used in all of the later Call of Duty games and worked fine.
90s style tips in individual pop-up windows are a waste of time - everybody turns them off on the first run, because they're annoying.
Once upon a time when I worked for the Queen, before anyone went flying you had to recite the emergency of the day actions as you signed the aircraft out. The emergency would be failure of this or that chosen at random and the response was on the flight reference cards. Made you think about whatever it was.
In our case it might be...
Have you briefed spectators
Where is your designated emergency landing area.
Can't think of anymore right now.
Its an interesting idea Jared.
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