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Editor's Column
When your model is ready to fly, make sure it is thoroughly checked
over. If you are new to RC, have it looked over by an experienced
modeler. When I say thoroughly, I don't mean
just picking it up and checking the balance and thumping the tires a
few times. Every detail of setup and connection should be gone over
in detail. Many planes are lost due to a simple oversight that could
have been caught by the simplest of pre-flight checks!
Before the first flight:
- Weight: is the model too heavy?
- Balance: Is the center of gravity (fore and aft) within the
range shown on the plans? Is the model balanced side to side? (right
and left wings of equal weight)
- Alignment: Are all flying surfaces at the proper angle relative
to each other? Are there any twists in the wings (other than
intentional wash-in or wash-out)?
- Control surfaces: Are they all securely attached (i.e. hinges
glued, not just pushed in)? Are the control throws in the proper
direction and amount (usually indicated in the plans)?
- Control linkages: Have all linkages been checked to make sure
they are secure? Are all snap-links closed? Have snap-links been used
on the servo end? They are more likely to come loose when used on the
servo. Have all screws been attached to servo horns?
- Engine and fuel (if applicable):
- Has the engine been thoroughly tested?
- Are all engine screws tight?
- Has the engine been run up at full throttle with the
plane's nose straight up in the air? (To make sure it won't
stall when full power is applied on climbout)
- Is the fuel tank level with the flying attitude of the plane?
- Is the carburetor at the same height (not above) as the
fuel tank?
- Is the fuel tank klunk in the proper position and moving freely?
- Radio:
- Has a full range check been performed?
- Has the flight pack charge been checked with a voltmeter?
- Have the receiver and battery been protected from
vibration and shock?
- Is the receiver's antenna fully extended and not placed
within a fuselage with any sort of metallic covering?
After any repair: The checklist should be gone through again,
with particular attention to the areas that were worked on or repaired.
Before EVERY flight:
- Start the engine (if applicable) and test the entire throttle
range. Run it at full throttle with its nose in the air for 15 seconds or so.
- Check the receiver flight pack with a voltmeter to ensure enough
charge.
- Check the control throw direction for all surfaces. It's very easy to
do a repair or radio adjustment and forget to switch these.
Next: Calendar of Events
Up: Front Page
Previous: At the Last Meeting...
Craig Kulesa
Wed Mar 3 21:45:44 MST 1999