Advice of a general nature:<div>
</div><div>1) Handle with care. Our models, particularly the larger ones as you progress through the hobby, are built to fly, not crash and bash. Even minor impacts with a wall/corner/etc can leave dings and break structural components.</div><div>
</div><div>2) These are machines with motors/engines. Please treat them as such.</div><div>
</div><div>3) Time IS going to be spent keeping any particular system in good flying order. You may either spend it a few minutes at a time after a flying session, or in one big hours/days long chunk when it breaks, preventing you from flying that day/week. Your call.
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</div><div>Specifics:</div><div>
</div><div>The following "End of day" list is, for me, as critical as a preflight checklist. It is largely airplane independent. It may certainly be excessive in some cases, or incomplete in others, but should at least be a pretty good starting point.</div><div>
</div><div>I HAVE been known to consider a full weekend "one flying session", so i may skip much of the list for one evening, if I know I'm flying the next day...but, in general, the flying's not done until this list is.</div><div>
</div><div>1) Visual inspection of airplane, walkaround or hold and turn, looking for any obvious defects. Dings, cuts in covering, broken components, etc. This is multiple separate inspections for airplanes with removable wing(s).</div><div>
</div><div>2) Starting with the same surface each time (I start at cowl/nose...start wherever you wish, just make it a habit) closely examine each component. Pull on things like spinners, props, ailerons, cowls, tail wheels, landing gear, etc. Tug, wiggle, look. Flex control surfaces, checking hinges.</div><div>
</div><div>3) Check each linkage on each control surface for slop, bending, damage, loose clevises/terminals/control horns. Move servos through their full range, looking for binds and catches, loose mounts, loose control arms.</div><div>
</div><div>4) Perform any necessary/desired engine/motor maintenance/examination per manufacturer recommendations/established practices. (Yes, I'm leaving this one vague. Such simple questions as should I use afterrun oil? can spark religious holy wars around here *heh*)</div><div>
</div><div>5) Check battery/batteries for any damage, loose mounts, etc. Charge per accepted type/charger practices.</div><div>
</div><div>6) Examine any components inside the airframe at this time. Look for loose servos, broken mounts, etc.</div><div>
</div><div>7) Clean the airplane thoroughly. Pay particular attention to any residue left behind by glow fuel, smoke oil, etc, as these can and do attack covering.</div><div>
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</div><div>As long as the list seems, you'll find it winds up taking very little time. I typically postflight my 35% Edge in less than 30 minutes. The electric powered Senior Telemaster takes < 10 for example.</div><div>
</div><div>Obviously, you don't have to use MY (or anyone's) specific list. The important thing, IMO at least, is that you give the major components of the airplane due attention after each flying session. it prevents hours of headaches down the road, and can certainly save you an aircraft.</div>