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3. With a experienced builder/pilot, check every electrical connection:
a. Battery and Receiver mounting to fuselage
b. Battery to switch connection
c. Switch to receiver connection
d. Receiver to Servo connections (Elevator, Rudder, Ailerons, Throttle)
4. Recheck the balance: ( Check with the fuel tank empty)
5. Check the movement of the control surfaces: (Obey your club rules, be sure you have a “
CLEAR
”
FREQUENCY before turning on your transmitter.
a. Check the control surfaces for unimpeded and nonbinding movement.
b. Check that the control surface moves in the correct and corresponding direction relative to
the transmitter control stick movement.
c. Set a mechanical or electrical trims, sub-trims, centering to the neutral position.
d. Check the location of the antenna and that it is secure and has a “strain-relief” on it.
6. If your transmitter has “Dual-Rates”, set the dual-rate switch for low rates.
a. Check to see that the control surface move the intended amounts in each of the “rate” posi-
tions.
7. Properly balance the propeller. An out of balance propeller is dangerous to you and to others and will
cause structurally damaging vibration to your plane and eventual failure.
8. Range test the radio. With the transmitter antenna in the down or collapsed position, the receiver/
battery switch on, move the controls to affirm smooth, non-jittering control of the control surfaces.
Walk away from the airplane to a distance of about 100-125 feet. While walking away, affirm
that you have complete, smooth and non-jittering control of the control surfaces.
If not, do not
attempt to fly.
Possible Failure Causes:
- Loose Servo connections
- Low Battery charge (Tx or Rx)
- Corrosion
- Intermittent or faulty switch
- Damaged or improperly routed Receiver antenna
- Bad or cracked Rx crystal,
(if you are using a receiver that has been in a prior crash)
- Loose or vibrating bolts or engine.
Repeat this test with the engine running. Be sure someone is firmly securing
the airplane while the engine is running. NEVER leave a running airplane en-
gine unattended and/or unsecured.
Although this test gives one a ‘degree of comfort’, it is NOT a definitive test of
your radio and control system. Passing this test does not assure proper in-
flight radio function.
9.
Propeller & spinner secure - propeller properly balanced & undamaged - Do not use a
damaged propeller.
9.
Follow all AMA rules and regulations and those of your local flying club.
