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Old 03-31-2004, 07:21 PM
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Sprocket1
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Default Last thing you check or do

What is the last thing you check or do before you push the throttle up on your takeoff roll? I have almost been in trouble twice because while handling the transmitter I accidently slid a trim switch way off position without noticing it. So now they are the last thing to triple check.
Old 03-31-2004, 07:33 PM
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C_Watkins
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

First... I am so glad my radio has digital trims now.
I absolutely hated bumping my trimtabs, on the old radio.

The last thing I check before rolling is the control surfaces... just one more time
It only takes being bitten once... to make you remember that one forever.
Old 03-31-2004, 09:26 PM
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CP140
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Just before take-off, wiggle the controls and make sure they move in the correct direction, then look up and toward the approach end of the runway to make sure nobody is landing, look down the runway to make sure some foolish person isn't playing frisbee with their dog, then taxi onto runway and go!
Old 04-01-2004, 01:05 AM
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h8w8n
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Yeah the control check is last, but just before that I check the model memory and start the timer.
Old 04-01-2004, 01:46 AM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Ditto on the timer. And if you cant handle your high rates close to the ground, check them too.
Old 04-01-2004, 12:58 PM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

control surfaces move in the correct direction.
Old 04-01-2004, 01:39 PM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

I alwasys check control actions and for a clear runway. When I first turn on my transmitter. I check all my trim & switch positions, ( It really make you look stupid if the gear retract when you turn on the plane [sm=surprised.gif]) then turn on the plane.
Old 04-01-2004, 01:43 PM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

I do all of the above, but the last thing I do is double check my antenae. All of the other stuff is for naught if you don't do that. I try to remember to put it up upon starting to taxi, but always make another check to guard against brain freezes.
Old 04-01-2004, 02:10 PM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Check antenna, Hi/Lo rate check for desired position, then start timer and GO[8D]
Pete
Old 04-01-2004, 03:39 PM
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taurus02914
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

I always check to see if I have a clean pair of undershorts just in case .
Old 04-01-2004, 03:53 PM
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tommy s
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Some things are imbedded in your memory. ANTENNA !
I flew one round of pattern at the southwest championships in 1972 with the antenna
retracted and nothing happened . Hell of a range check !
I couldn't believe with so many people there nobody said anything until after
I landed. Felt sorta foolish. Good old Kraft radio.

tommy s

PS: My wife was my caller and when I asked her why she didn't say
something she said I was the one flying and I should have known what
I was doing !!!
Old 04-01-2004, 07:16 PM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Ya the antenna thing can be handy. A guy I fly with once started his takeoff roll with his antenna down. I took off on a sprint down to the flight line to grab it and yank it out
Old 04-02-2004, 07:51 AM
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SDR-Hammer
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

I do a final check of all the things mentioned but the very last thing I check before pushing the throttle for take off is wind direction.
Old 04-02-2004, 10:15 AM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

BMFA has a saying. (which was on another post recently)

Be SMART with your transmitter;

S Switch on
M Meter in the green
A Aerial secure and extended
R Rate switches in correct position
T Trims in correct positions


It covers most of what people have been checking.

My personal very last check is, as a lot of people, control surfaces.
Old 04-02-2004, 05:10 PM
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SkyDude
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

An instructor once told me about FACT...

F = Frequency - make sure you have the right freq. pin
A = Antenna - make sure it's up
C = Controls - make sure they go the right directions (do all four, or more if you have 'em)
T = Taxi - Make sure the taxi way is clear

And I also check the wind direction if it's not obvious, and the runway for activity (landers, stalls, idiots, etc.) Before I taxi out onto the runway, I yell "Coming out! Protect your women and children!"

OK, I usually don't say that last part...
Old 04-02-2004, 06:32 PM
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Default RE: Last thing you check or do

Definatly have to check on those idiots. There's so many of them and who knows what they'll do next! [X(]

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