Preflight checkup/tuning
 

What exectly would you check in somebody's first plane before taking it off? As I understand, it should be:

1. Engine needle valves tuning.
2. Prop balance.
3. Plane CG: head-tail and lateral balances.
4. All controls correct neutral position.
5. All controls "max" position (should reach the "max" position of the respective control but not more, right?)

Am I missing something?

Thanks.

RE: Preflight checkup/tuning
 

If I was flying someone elses plane for the first time, I would also check

Security of onboard equipment (battery, RX, Servos, balance weights)
Servo binding
Pushrod security
Control surface security

and obviously

correct control directions (including throttle)

RE: Preflight checkup/tuning
 

Dont forget to range check the radio .

RE: Preflight checkup/tuning
 

If its an ARTF I would definitely check the integrity of the control surface hinges. I have seen so many hinges on new planes that are not secure.

RE: Preflight checkup/tuning
 

This is from the BMFA (british AMA!) safety code:

PRE FLYING SESSION CHECKS
On arrival at the flying site:
(1) Check airframe for any transit damage.
(2) Check that servos and linkages are secure.
(3) Check undercarriage for secure fixing and correct alignment.
(4) Check propeller for damage and secure fixing.
CHECKS BEFORE EACH FLIGHT
(1) After obtaining frequency clearance, switch transmitter ON then receiver ON. Check that all controls operate freely and in the correct sense. Check that all control surfaces are in their correct positions with the transmitter trims at neutral.
(2) Look for any minor radio malfunctions such as slow or ‘jittery’ servos, glitches etc. If in doubt, DO NOT FLY.
(3) After starting the engine and allowing it to warm up, check that the pick-up from idle to full power is satisfactory. Hold the model with its nose pointing upwards at a steep climbing angle for ten or fifteen seconds and check engine operation at full power. If the engine falters or cuts it is usually set too lean and must be re-tuned. Repeat the test until the engine runs correctly in the nose-up attitude.
(4) With the aircraft held securely on the ground, open up again to full power and re-check all flying controls again.
(5) DOUBLE CHECK that all transmitter trims, rate switches, mixers etc. are in their correct positions and that the transmitter meter is ‘in the green’.

Be S.M.A.R.T. with your transmitter.
S...switch on
M...meter in the green
A...aerial secure and extended
R...rate switches all in correct positions
T...trims all in correct positions


CHECKS AFTER EACH FLIGHT
(1) Receiver OFF then transmitter OFF.
(2) Clear the frequency control system.
(3) Clean the aircraft down
(4) Check propeller, airframe, undercarriage, wing fixing etc. for security of fastening and for possible flight or landing damage.

REMEMBER - Never fly with a damaged aircraft or propeller, or with any possible radio problem.