The following is based on this situation of being Sarges first flight as well as the LT-40's first flight.

In my opinion and it's only my opinion, a good instructor will:

Completely check over the plane with the student standing right there. The instructor should be explaining what and how and why he is doing. This includes:

Verifing all controls surfaces are on tight

All clevises on the control surfaces are locked and have a secondary way to hold them on which is usually a little piece of fuel line

All servos are installed correctly and are tightened down as well as the control rod connections to the servo arms are properly connected

Verify the prop and/or spinner is on and tight

Verify the high speed needle setting is set according to the manf. setting for starting

Then the wing gets bolted/rubber banded on and the CG is checked.

The plane and radio are switched on and all surfaces and the throttle are checked for proper movement and alignment and that no binding is occuring

A range check is then performed.

Now the student gets instructed on the proper method of fueling and starting the engine.

The plane is now fueled and tied down or firmly held so that if the throttle happens to be wide open, which could/would be very bad, the plane has less of a chance of hurting someone

The engine is now started and warmed up.

While the plane is held/tied down another range check is performed to make sure no radio interface is happening from engine vibrations. The engine should be at a higher than normal idle.

With the student either on the buddy box or standing next to the instructor, the instructor now taxi's the plane out to the takeoff position.

After a check of the surroundings the instructor smoothly applies takeoff power and gets the plane airborne. Once airborne, the instructor then trims the plane for flight and at that point the student can take over if the student feels ready.

Again, I have missed a few of the minor details here but the list does cover what I feel should be the very basic items for the first flight of any plane and/or student.

After a some training sessions then usually it is the student doing all of the above with the instructor keep a close eye. If the instructor has to look away for whatever reason the he/she should verify all of the required items have been checked by simply asking the student.

Sarges, please stick with it, I have a feeling you will do fine. I agree with BHole, If I was closer I would be more than glad to spend a few days with you.

I know this sounds like allot of work but given time it becomes second nature and as you get to know your plane you can spot things quickly.