Frequently Asked Question
The Pre-Flight Check
Last Updated 9 years ago
The pre-flight check is an essential step that cannot be overlooked, it is crucial in ensuring a safe and successful flight. Because of its importance, it's good to get in the habit of doing the pre-flight check before a flight.
The Flight Plan
Get familiarized with the surroundings in your flight area prior to commencing the pre-flight check. Be sure to be aware of any people, obstacles and other objects. It's definitely nice to have a general flight plan to be ready for any unexpected events or problems. Being able to handle these issues (if they do occur) in a safe and effective way can prevent any unwanted incidents. You are in a much safer state when you are familiar with your surroundings and prepared for any unexpected events.
The Checklist
Before Start-up and Aircraft Condition
Before turning anything on, carefully observe the entire airframe inside and out to confirm its flight-worthiness. This check extends to the control surfaces by ensuring they are intact, tightening any screws/bolts (if they are loose), securing any internal components such as the receiver and confirming the overall condition of the airframe as acceptable for flight. It is suggested to cancel the flight if any major surfaces are severely damaged, if punctures are found throughout the airframe or if any other issues are spotted until they are properly resolved. Neglecting these alarming signs will result in a dangerous and catastrophic flight.
The Power Plant
This step depends on whether you have a standard propeller model or a high-speed EDF jet. Remember, this is all done prior to the start-up when everything is completely off. If you have standard propeller model, make sure the propeller is tightly secured and not damaged. If a spinner is available for the model, make sure it is also secured and undamaged because it is also an important component. For an EDF jet, it is best to check the intake and exhaust section of the model for any debris, wires, or other foreign objects. Make sure the impeller is clear of such objects as it could be a big problem when power is applied.
Battery and Start-up
Prior to starting up your model be sure to have a battery ready. Remember to check the battery for a full charge prior to using it. When the model is ready to be powered on, be sure to have it secured with the propeller facing away from you. Proceed with the proper start up procedure (refer to the radio system's instruction manual for details on a proper start up). For 2.4GHz radio systems, it is common to turn on the radio system first with the throttle stick to the bottom (0%) and then the model afterwards.
Control Surfaces
Make an all-around observation of your aircraft with a focus on the control surfaces and their respective condition. With your transmitter, check to ensure all the control surfaces are responding correctly. If they are reversed, be sure to go through all the necessary steps to ensure they are corrected. If you are not sure of what to do with reversed surfaces, read our 'What can I do if my control surfaces are reversed?' guide in our 'Technical Support and Setup' knowledgebase. Also, make sure all control surfaces are either flush with their surrounding areas or trimmed/adjusted to complete a safe flight.
Once the model is confirmed to be flight-worthy, you are ready to go!
The Flight Plan
Get familiarized with the surroundings in your flight area prior to commencing the pre-flight check. Be sure to be aware of any people, obstacles and other objects. It's definitely nice to have a general flight plan to be ready for any unexpected events or problems. Being able to handle these issues (if they do occur) in a safe and effective way can prevent any unwanted incidents. You are in a much safer state when you are familiar with your surroundings and prepared for any unexpected events.
The Checklist
Before Start-up and Aircraft Condition
Before turning anything on, carefully observe the entire airframe inside and out to confirm its flight-worthiness. This check extends to the control surfaces by ensuring they are intact, tightening any screws/bolts (if they are loose), securing any internal components such as the receiver and confirming the overall condition of the airframe as acceptable for flight. It is suggested to cancel the flight if any major surfaces are severely damaged, if punctures are found throughout the airframe or if any other issues are spotted until they are properly resolved. Neglecting these alarming signs will result in a dangerous and catastrophic flight.
The Power Plant
This step depends on whether you have a standard propeller model or a high-speed EDF jet. Remember, this is all done prior to the start-up when everything is completely off. If you have standard propeller model, make sure the propeller is tightly secured and not damaged. If a spinner is available for the model, make sure it is also secured and undamaged because it is also an important component. For an EDF jet, it is best to check the intake and exhaust section of the model for any debris, wires, or other foreign objects. Make sure the impeller is clear of such objects as it could be a big problem when power is applied.
Battery and Start-up
Prior to starting up your model be sure to have a battery ready. Remember to check the battery for a full charge prior to using it. When the model is ready to be powered on, be sure to have it secured with the propeller facing away from you. Proceed with the proper start up procedure (refer to the radio system's instruction manual for details on a proper start up). For 2.4GHz radio systems, it is common to turn on the radio system first with the throttle stick to the bottom (0%) and then the model afterwards.
Control Surfaces
Make an all-around observation of your aircraft with a focus on the control surfaces and their respective condition. With your transmitter, check to ensure all the control surfaces are responding correctly. If they are reversed, be sure to go through all the necessary steps to ensure they are corrected. If you are not sure of what to do with reversed surfaces, read our 'What can I do if my control surfaces are reversed?' guide in our 'Technical Support and Setup' knowledgebase. Also, make sure all control surfaces are either flush with their surrounding areas or trimmed/adjusted to complete a safe flight.
Once the model is confirmed to be flight-worthy, you are ready to go!