Checklist before launching an Electric plane

Started by foamybuilder, February 18, 2011, 12:01:14 PM

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foamybuilder

Nowadays I am feeling like more than pilot error, my planes are crashing merely due to overconfidence and launching without checking the basics.
From next time I have decided to take a printout of an excel sheet and create a log/checklist with name of plane, duration etc with the following checklist before launching. Most of the things listed below may not be an issue during initial flights, but when you fly same plane over and over again for hours you see these issues.
Below are the ones which I should have checked and might have crashed my planes many a times :D. Please help add new items to the list

1. Tighten the grub screw of motor / tighten motor mount
2. Tighten the prop saver to the shaft
3. Check for any sorts / loose connections in the bullet connectors
4. Basic check for motor run without glitches
5. Check throttle range.
6. Check whether elevator control is not reversed.
7. Check whether Ruder control is not reversed
8. Check whether Ailerons control are not reversed.
9. Check all servos/control rods doesn't jam anywhere and freely operate
10. Check whether all servos are not loose and fixed fine (might be servo was fixed with hotglue and become loose once)
11. Check CG
12. Remove prop and do glide test
13. Good to go?

< Please add to the list keeping in mind FPV also. I have no exp with FPV >



SunLikeStar

First thing should be: Check if you have the right model selected on your tx, ask me how i know :)
Next, check if servos are working properly by moving control stick on you tx to extreme ends and bring back to neutral position as slowly as you can.
Also i think glide tests are only necessary for maiden flights.

foamybuilder

Yah I think checklist for computer radio and a normal one would be different.
Also if you have many planes and a single receiver and a battery, I think glide test might be required.