Paying attention...
 

Just wanted to put in a plug for paying attention to your airplane. Specifically, the way it sounds. I was getting ready to take my F-190 up for its third flight of the day. I turned on the radio, and exercised the controls. I noticed a very subtle popping sound from one of the alierons. Upon closer inspection I noticed that I wasn't getting full throw from it. I grabbed it, moved the stick, and suddenly the whole surface was loose in my hands. Stripped gear in the servo. Worked fine the flight before, then out of the blue, this. The servo was a Futaba S3004, brand new for this airplane. If I hadn't noticed it, or been in a little more of a hurry, this flight could have ended in disaster.

WHEW! talk about lucky!


Andy

RE: Paying attention...
 

GOOD move. Lesson here should be, do a pre-flight check of ALL flying surfaces, and clevises, hinges, etc. Takes only a second, and could save your plane for another day of flying. Glad it turned out ok for ya...sure was lucky.

I use the same servos...think I'll keep a close eye on 'em!

Jim

RE: Paying attention...
 

your planes do talk to you. you just have to listen and they will tell you everything you need to know

RE: Paying attention...
 

that's scary! My 6EXA came with 4 of those. I'm a little worried now.

RE: Paying attention...
 

dont worry. those are good servos, sometimes stuff just happens. you can land a plane on one aileron you know.

RE: Paying attention...
 

Yes, the S3004's are fine as standard servos go, no need to worry about them.

A couple of weeks back I was wiping down a plane after a few flights and found two of three elevator hinges on one side broken. Looking things over on a fairly regular basis is NOT a bad idea. ;)
Dennis-

RE: Paying attention...
 

I fix cars for a living. If there is only one thing I could teach. It would be to use all your senses. Sight alone is not always enough. Hearing is just as important. Good catch, glad you had no serious problems. And yse those servos are just dandy in 40 to 60 size birds.

Mark Shuman