Remote Control Airplane Pre-flight Checklist

Here's a very comprehensive list for safe and enjoyable flying of your remote control airplane .

General and Overall Appearance of Remote Control Airplane:
___ Check covering for adhesion and holes
___ Wheel size
___ Wing and tail alignment
___ CG - fore/aft, and lateral balance
___ All nuts self-locking "aviation" type or Locktite
___ Name, address and AMA number in remote control plane
___ Rubber bands (when used) in good condition with proper number used

Structural:
___ All hinges secure: ailerons, flaps, rudder and elevator
___ All glued joints solid
___ Landing gear secure

Servos and Control Surfaces of Remote Control Airplane:
___ All clevises have fuel tubing or other type retainer
___ "Quick Connects" (where used) are secure and Locktited
___ Check ailerons for proper direction ("Thumbs Up")
___ Check right and left ailerons for binding and proper throw (dual rates?)
___ Check rudder for proper direction
___ Check rudder for binding and proper throw (dual rates?)
___ Check elevator for proper direction
___ Check elevator for binding and proper throw (dual rates?)
___ Nose or tail wheel of remote control plane works properly
___ Check all other channels for proper operation
___ All servos securely mounted, and pushrods and arms are free from wires and other obstructions
___ All control horns secure

Engine and Tank:
___ Engine mount secure to firewall of remote control airplane
___ Engine secure on mount
___ Easy access to carburetor needle valve
___ Prop secure and free from nicks and cracks
___ Spinner secure and edges NOT in contact with prop
___ Engine has been "broken in" with at least two tanks of fuel
___ Engine runs properly, and throttle trim or kill switch shuts engine off
___ Tank proper size and secure with clunk free

Radio and Battery:
___ Radio and battery of remote control plane wrapped in foam
___ Radio and battery secured in fuselage
___ Antennae properly extended and secured
___ RX and TX batteries charged and reading proper voltage
___ Radio "range checked"
___ Radio trims and Control Surfaces centered
___ Buddy Box, if used, has same directions and trim settings
___ If Buddy Box is a working transmitter, remove the crystal to avoid accidental interference with your remote control airplane