Seem s like a REALLY BAD Idea to me...

[jsstevens]

I went to the US Sport Aviation Expo. Among the exhibitors I wandered by the Merlin folks. The plane looks pretty neat for a real low cost flying entry. But they also had these floats. See the "Phone App for Gear Actuation" on the side?

To be fair, I didn't ask if there was another way to actuate, but bluetooth or WiFi seems like really bad idea for some thing like gear.

John

Edited to add picture.

 

[RV10flyer]

Their backup is a key fob in the plane. Yes, I would prefer switches and wiring too.

 

[James331]

Yeah, that's a whole lot of NOPE right there.


Sometimes it's not inovative, but there's a reason others don't do it

 

[denverpilot]

Ummmmm. No thanks.

 

[Chip Sylverne]

Can't wait for the keyless start system...

 

[3393RP]

It appears there is an endless stream of apps coming online almost everyday, and it seems like more than a few are developed just because it's quirky and cool.

Do we really need an app to alert a dog feces removal service to "drop" by?

 

[UngaWunga]

So they're pushing the boundaries. Good for them. I do like the plane they've developed, and do like the price. Doesn't fit my needs, but its a start in the right direction. I like innovation.

 

[timwinters]

See my signature tag line.

 

[txflyer]

If your app crashes, so do you.

 

[Phoenix]

My phone is more reliable then a lot of our ancient airplane bits. Rogue gear extension on a water landing is a sucky failure mode, but hey sacrifices must be made to have cool stuff in the future.