14
FLIGHT CHECKS/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
XVII. Pre-flight Checks
You should perform these checks before each flying session.
1.
Check all control surfaces for possible looseness or deterioration.
2.
Check all screws, clevises, nuts and all other connectors to make
sure they are securely fastened.
3.
Check which radio frequencies are being used. Do not turn on
your radio until absolutely sure you are the only one operating on
that frequency.
4.
Check for proper operation of all control surfaces.
5.
Check the level of charge in both the transmitter and receiver
batteries before flying.
6.
Range check the radio both with and without the engine running!
Follow the radio manufacturers instructions for this.
XVIII. Post-flight Checks
1.
Be sure that both the transmitter and receiver switches are turned off.
2.
Drain all excess fuel from the tank. Fuel left in the tank for
extended periods can“gunk up” the tank, fittings and carburetor.
3.
Clean the plane with paper towels and a light-duty spray cleanser.
Keeping your plane clean will make it last longer and keep it
looking nice.
4.
Put a few drops of after-run or light oil in the carburetor and turn
the prop over a few times (without the glow plug ignited) to
distribute the oil throughout the engine.
5.
Inspect the prop and replace it if any chips or cracks are found.
6.
Inspect the entire plane for covering tears, new dings and dents,
loose screws and connectors and any other wear and tear.
7.
Use a voltmeter to check the receiver battery voltage. If it is low,
you now know not to fly so long next time. If it is still high, you
should be able to fly a little longer next session.
XIV. Safety Precautions
1.
Wear safety glasses when starting and running all model engines.
2.
Model engine fuel is very flammable and the flame is very
dangerous because it is almost invisible! Do not smoke or allow
sparks, high heat or other flames near the fuel.
3.
Do not run model engines inside a garage or other closed room as
they give off large amounts of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
4.
Do not run model engines around gravel, sand or other loose
debris. These materials will be ingested through the carburetor
and can also be kicked up by the prop.
5.
Always stay behind the propeller when the engine is running.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the engine. Under no
circumstances should you allow your face or body near the plane
on rotation of the propeller when the engine is running.
6.
Do not allow loose clothing or other loose objects close to the prop.
7.
To stop an engine, cut off the fuel or air supply to the engine.
Do not throw rags or other objects into the prop to stop the engine.
8.
Do not touch the engine or muffler during or right after it has
been running–it gets very hot!
9.
If you hear any unusual noises while your plane is flying, land at
once and determine the problem before returning to the air.
Control surface flutter, which often emits a low-pitched “buzz”,
can quickly destroy an airplane and should not be ignored.
Flutter is usually caused by sloppy control surfaces and is
generally relatively easy to cure.
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