ORIGINAL: smitty1001
I have always thought a written checklist would be a great idea. People asking questions can get to be a big distraction - especially if you enjoy answering them. I have taxied out before and just felt uneasy even though I knew I didn't leave anything out of my preps. I find myself tugging on wings - triple checking air, valves, plugs, rates, etc......
I agree that is a real perk at Jet Meets - everyone knows when to chat it up and when to shut up.
Anyone want to share their checklist?
I'll start:
1.) Get airplane out of car
Ok, here would be mine:
1. get airplane out of car lol,
2. Set up Fire Extinguisher
3. Set up blower
4. Plug in all FULLY charged batteries (RX and ECU) (or check voltage to make sure in safe parameters)
5. Screw on antenna (if needed), remove overflow plug
6. Verify that Fuel valve is closed and Fuel jet (includes recharging gas if needed)
7. After refuel plug fuel inlet and open fuel valve
8. Turn on RX
9. Pull out antenna on TX and Turn on
10. Face model into the wind. Go thought startup sequence
11. Give jet full throttle test
12. Give one good lookover of system (fuel lines, thrust tube etc.) make sure all is funtioning properly
13. Replace hatches if needed.
14. Check for proper movement of all control surfaces
15. Range Check/failsafe check - only needs to be done once at that field.
14. Brake and nose stearing check.
16. Take off!
Shut Down:
1. Face model toward wind
2. TX shut down
3. Close manual fuel valve
4. Cool off sequence
5. After cool down, Switch off RX, ECU batteries
6. Switch off TX
Did I miss anything lol?
Proper range check technique according as written by JR and included in Jet Central Manual:
1. Place model perpendicular
2. Program up-elevator fail safe
3. Remove antenna
4. Hold transmitter arms length
5. walk backwards until elevator deflects STOP and mark position and measure. Carefully count how many paces out you went.
6. Re-Program Fail Safe for engine to idle.
7. Perform exact same test with motor running at 1/2 throttle. When engin goes to idle STOP and mark position, and carefully count how many paces you went.
8. If you lost more than 20% with the motor running investigate and retest. jR Team Members like to see minimums of ..Engine off 175 fee, 60 paces and engine running 150 feet 50 paces.
DON'T FORGET AFTER THE ABOVE RANGE CHECK TO RESET YOUR FAILSAFE TO "ENGINE OFF" THROTTLE DOWN TRIM DOWN!!