Don't Dump those flaps!!

[Birkelbach]

I did the same thing once. Don't worry about it. After a hundred hours or so your brain figures out what is where and this type of thing is less of an issue.

I thought the trim was going nuts. I have an indicator on my annunciator panel that tells me when the flap motor is running. When I saw that I realized what had happened, put the flaps back in and landed. It wasn't a big deal.

[Andy Hill]

If the prop is windmilling, it will restart automatically. If the prop is NOT windmilling, you have other problems, and the starter most likely wouldn't help

Mel... Flight testing I have had a Lyc RV engine stop (and I mean STOP!) instantly on spin entry. Light FP wooden prop. I did restart via the starter... but had a dive and pull as an option since I had altitude.

Whatever, a light AC checklist includes using the starter as a restart drill. Adding further switches / mechansism / timers adds complexity to that, and thus a hazard potential.

Andy

[Chino Tom]

Originally Posted by Mike S

This is one reason I mounted the flap switch on the panel, right next to the throttle where I can use my thumb on it, while still having my hand on the throttle.

I agree 100%

[airguy]

I like having the flap switch on the panel in my 172 right next to the mixture, the only thing I have on the yoke is the elevator trim, AP disconnect, and PTT. I've never yet inadvertently changed my flap setting, and I really like having one finger resting on the flaps just as I put the mains on the runway and immediately flipping flaps up to dump lift as I drop the nose and transition to the brakes, putting weight on the wheels. It's not quite as fast or as effective as a squat switch and spoilers, but it works.

[gasman]

Originally Posted by Phlyan Pan

Am I the only one who really loves manual flaps and trim?

Me too........... I have manual flaps and trim. Each time I read about a flap motor problem, or trim speed, or run away trim, or elecrtic flaps catching a leading edge or where are my flaps now? And now this wrong button thing.

I thank Van for his original plan.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

While I'm not a huge fan of a stick festooned with switchgear, I am adding the starter switch to the stick to meet some needs of the owner. However, its operation will be on a timer so that it can’t be accidentally engaged.

Originally Posted by Andy Hill

Michael Others who have done this have fitted "enable switches" etc., or wired it all up so that the starter only operate with the L Mag (assumes only 1 impulse Mag).

My concern would be does this work when a fuel / ignition / pilot problem causes an engine to run down at a critical moment, and they go for a "restart". I cannot see any authority being keen on a system that relies on a secondary action to "enable" the start switch to operate? e.g. having to remember to turn off the R Mag before it will start

Andy

Don't put the starter switch on the control stick.

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by gasman

Me too........... I have manual flaps and trim. Each time I read about a flap motor problem, or trim speed, or run away trim, or elecrtic flaps catching a leading edge or where are my flaps now? And now this wrong button thing.

I thank Van for his original plan.

Electric flaps, electric aileron & elevator trim on the stick with a hat switch. Flap switch next to the throttle on the panel. I wouldn't change a thing!

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan

Don't put the starter switch on the control stick.

I agree!

(extra words)

[Ironflight]

As Louise pointed out above, I have the flap switch on my Infinity grip, and I do like it there. I wouldn't mind one on the throttle either, but haven't find the right switch to do that. I think I accidentally hit th flap switch once early on when I meant to trim, but it was momentary. The key is simply,y being very familiar with the set-up that you have. I fly a lot of different aircraft, and have used just about every imaginable configuration - you just have to make sure that you are thinking about what you are flying at the time.

A couple of notes for Steve, the OP:

1) You might consider simplifying your pattern operations. I go straight to landing flaps abeam the numbers on downwind, then just fly the airplane. Sure, on big airplanes, you add flaps ten degrees at a time at various points in the approach, but these really aren't big airplanes. Less monkeying with the configuration on base and final lets you just fly the airplane. Yes, there are exceptions to this rule, but they are uncommon.

2) I really like having the "Momentary down, lock up" type of switch for the flaps, but then, I have a limit switch in the circuit to shut the motor off when they are full up - I wouldn't wire it any other way if I had a choice. A limit switch is pretty easy to add, and the circuit is very simple. On a go-around, you put the flap switch up and forget it - again, an operationally simple scenario that lets you concentrate on flying.

Just thoughts!

Paul

[lancef53]

I have that same setup, but changed the switch to momentary because it didn't have any limit switch on it.

I have bumped it before, but it was quick and uneventful

I like the switch there, but it is the only plane I fly with electric flaps, so I can't compare to much.