Sqwark
If the operators are wiring the VDO / Hobbs to start recording on the master switch then that is indeed something of a ripoff. I remember one aircraft when I was doing my PPL navs in 95 was set up in this way. I couldn't understand why the meter would sometimes tick over .1 whilst I was doing the beacon, fuel pump, stall warner etc checks during the walk around . My instructor pointed out that the owner had been 'a bit naughty' and set it up this way. Apart from that I have only seen one or two Hobbs meters that were wired to start timing when the master switch was turned on. However n Oz, it is generally wired to be switched on and off via connection to an oil pressure switch thus recording engine start - engine stop time.
I'm not convinced that this system is such a ripoff as the pricing structure is such that whilst you pay for the taxi runup time, your time in the air is less than what it would otherwise be if you were charged by airswitch.
Last edited by Islander Jock; 17th Jul 2003 at 16:48.