To Test For... Do this... Look for this...
And Adjust This... Control Throws
Hints!: While some planes can handle full control deflections at top speed, some will get shredded by doing this. Full-scale planes have a ``maneuvering speed'', and it'd be wise to stay under that for your model if you want to keep it in one piece.
Now... for aerobatic planes, the expected flight response is a pretty
well-set prescription. For ailerons, high rate control should
yield 3 rolls in 3-4 seconds; low rate controls should yield 3 rolls
in about 6 seconds. High rates in elevator should yield a smooth
but square-ish corner; low rates should give a smooth loop of 130
feet in diameter. For rudder, you need enough authority to haul
the tail around in stall turns and wingovers, and to maintain
knife-edge flight.
For other types of planes, it's pretty much up to the pilot. First time builders and fliers should weigh on the conservative side, as the usual tendency is to overcontrol the model. In time, you can increase the throws and enjoy the snappier response of your plane.