Pre Flight CheckList * for Cliff's R/C Page

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Pre Flight Checklist

Updated: May 16, 1997

FIRST THINGS FIRST! CHECK ALL RADIO FREQUENCIES AT THE FIELD, AND TELL ALL OTHER PILOTS WHAT YOUR FREQUENCY IS!

NOW! It's safe to begin your pre flight check.

1. Engine mounting bolts, fire wall mount, prop nut, spinner screws (if you use a spinner with screws) and muffler bolts.
2. Wheel collar set screws and the propeller - check to see if it is chipped or cracked. SAFETY NOTE: You should never fly with a chipped, fractured or otherwise broken prop.

EXAMINE THE AIRFRAME FOR:

1. C.G. (center of gravity) balance point with empty fuel tank.
2. Examine the whole plane for stress cracks or fractures.
3. Look for binding or loose hinges. Pull hard on them to test.
4. Look for tears or punctures in the mono-kote covering. NOTE: You can keep clear packing tape in your box to temporarily cover small holes or tears. You can also use mono-kote trim sheets cut to size.
5. Check to see that the wing is attached properly. To test the soundness of the wing, grab at the wing edge and bounce the wing up and down. If it breaks, you've saved yourself from crashing the whole airplane rather than just fixing a wing.
6. Before fueling up your plane, lift it up and bank it back and forth from side to side and listen for the clunk flopping from side to side. NOTE: If you do not hear the clunk moving, you should visually inspect your fuel tank making sure the clunk and fuel line are not tangled or folded back on itself.
7. Inspect the runway for debris such as rocks, holes, cans and trash.
8. Observe other pilots. You might wish to wait until a "hot shot" or beginner lands before you take off. Courtesy pays.

NOW DO YOUR RADIO CHECK

DOUBLE CHECK FOR CLEAR FREQUENCY! THEN:

1. Check all servo connections.
2. Check RX and TX batteries for safe operating voltages.
3. Stand BEHIND plane to check that all control surfaces are moving in the proper directions, deflecting fully and are not binding.
4. Range check your radio from 60 to 100 feet away from your aircraft. The check should be conducted with the TX antenna collapsed. Ask someone to watch your plane and look for any flutter on the control surfaces, and to report any surfaces that do not respond.
5. Listen for buzzing by your servos. Buzzing servos are an excellent indicator that your battery is being used up before you even get your bird into the air.
6. Check "Dual Rates" switches and trim tabs. If you are using a computer radio with many different model memories, check that you have selected the proper plane.
7. Extend the TX antenna fully.
8. Call out your frequency, "UP ON 24 !"
9. Start and tune your engine with the plane pointing away from others.
10. Carry or Taxi your aircraft (depending on club rules) to the runway.
11. Check the runway and field for joggers, spectators, dogs and pilots.
12. Check for wind direction, then take off!