Ground Check
After you break-in the motor on the model, inspect
the model closely to make sure all screws
remained tight and that the prop, pushrods and
pushrod connectors are secure.
Range Check
Whenever you go to the flying field, check the
operational range of the radio before the first flight of
the day. First, make sure no one else is on your
frequency (channel). Have an assistant hold the
model, staying clear of the prop. With your
transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least
100 feet away from the model and still have control.
While you work the controls, have your assistant tell
you what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat this
test with the motor running at various speeds. If the
control surfaces are not always responding correctly,
do not fly! Find and correct the problem first. Look for
loose servo connections or corrosion, loose bolts
that may cause vibration, a defective on/off switch,
low battery voltage, a damaged receiver antenna, or
a receiver crystal that may have been damaged
from a previous crash. If the radio appears to only be
affected when the motor is running, try moving your
receiver and receiver antenna farther away from the
motor battery and motor. Also, installing a couple
more capacitors on the motor may help. The
capacitors should be soldered from the terminals to
the motor case and from one terminal to the other.
Read and abide by the following Academy of
Model Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
General
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model flying demonstrations until it has
been proven to be airworthy by having been
previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right of way to and avoid flying
in the proximity of full scale aircraft. Where necessary, an
observer shall be used to supervise flying to avoid having
models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified
with my name and address or AMA number, on or in
the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
Radio Control
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless
assisted by an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the
pit or spectator areas and I will not thereafter fly over
pit or spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission.
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the
measurements provided in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the motor battery and receiver are
securely mounted in the fuse.
❏
3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it
has a strain relief inside the fuselage to keep
tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
4. Balance your model
laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
5. Use threadlocking compound to secure
critical fasteners such as the cap screws in
the screw-lock pushrod connectors.
❏
6. Confirm that all controls operate in the
correct direction and the throws are set up
according to the manual.
❏
7. Make sure all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
During the last few moments of preparation your
mind may be elsewhere. anticipating the
excitement of the first flight. Because of this, you
may be more likely to overlook certain checks
and procedures that should be performed before
the model is flown. To help avoid this, a checklist
is provided to make sure these important areas
are not overlooked. Many are covered in the
instruction manual, so where appropriate, refer
to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure
to check the items as off they are completed.
Check List
AMA Safety Code (excerpts)
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