Hello,
The AMA rules governing model aviation competition in the United States, Safety Provisions, 3.2, state the following:
"All aircraft that use electric propulsion shall have a positive arming device
that, that when disarmed, mechanically prevents battery power from being
applied to the motor. This may be (but is not limited to) a switch, the
existing battery plug, or arming plug, but must be in series with the main
power line(s) from the battery and mechanically disconnect the battery
from the motor. Relying on the timer, timer start switch, flight
programmer, or any other low-level logic signal for this function is
specifically excluded. The model shall be restrained at all times while the
system is armed, either by the pilot (including holding the handle before,
during, or after an official flight), an assistant, or mechanical restraint
device (e.g. stooge). The device must be disarmed after flight before the
airplane is left unrestrained. Failing to restrain the model while still armed
during an official flight attempt shall result in official flight with a score of
0. The system may be armed in the pits as long as it is restrained at all
times."
The "or" above means for me that the switch ONLY (no arming plug) is ok.
Also, the arming plug ONLY (no switch) is ok.
I will be competing in the USA next season and would like to know for sure WHAT is required.
Thank you,
Matt