Home on the Range
This is one of the subjective areas of our hobby. Normally one should follow the manufacturers instructions for that particular system. That is, antenna collapsed, antenna removed, antenna with one section out, transmitter held at arms length, model 3 feet off of the ground etc. etc. The gyst of range checking is sort of like always using the same scale to weigh yourself on. You are interested to note any significant changes (reductions) in range. Brand "x" may get 150' while brand 'y" gets 100' and they both fly the model fine! Different areas of the country get varied readings. Suburbs or country, dirt or grass or hard surface. Common sense is a great tool here also. An experienced modeler can just tell when things don't look right. For instance, jittery servos at 40 or 50' kind of thing. Just keep a close eye on your batteries and range, and enjoy yourself. One of my R/C mottos to live by, is to get the absolute best radio equipment you can afford. It is the only link we have between fun and disaster.
Take care_bob