Pre Flight checks

[PappaBear]

The following is a preflight check list I use every time I fly. This is for fixed wing aircraft. Taylor the list to your own preferences, no shame in a long preflight check. It will save a crash.

[align=center]Preflight Check List[/align]

Assemble the aircraft and check for any damage that may have occurred during the traveling to the flying field.
Check the propellor for damage and change if necessary
Check the center of gravity (CG) is in the correct position for the given aircraft.
Check all flying controls for free movement and correct operation and direction.
Know what to do in an emergency.
Check for power lines and other obstacles.
Install the battery into the aircraft  (electric powered).
Set TX throttle to idle, and then turn on. Check all other switches are in the correct position.
Connect the battery to the aircraft.

[align=center]Take Off Check List
[/align]
Confirm clear for takeoff.
Check the time or set timer.
Check all flying controls once more at full power before takeoff.
Point aircraft into wind.
Announce "TAKING OFF".

[align=center]Landing Check List
[/align]
Landing aera clear of spectators.
Note any obstacles in the flight path.
Announce "LANDING".
Retrieve aircraft or taxi back.
Disconnect power supply from the motor.
Turn off TX.
Check model for damage or anything that may have come loose during the flight.

[Grossman56]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Thanks Martin, the only thing I would add to that is to cycle your landing gear before take off.  My P 51B had some troubles with the gear not coming down, almost got caught twice with one gear still retracted, fortunately caught it in the preflight, ended up replacing the retract mechanism and installing the Stoopid Monkey retract reinforcements, works great now, but would have had a tough landing if I hadn't caught it .

Grossman56   

[Rocketeer]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings Gang,

I would agree with GMan that cycling the gear as part of the pre-flight check out procedure, if applicable, is a good recommendation.

My weak link is that I almost always forget to start the timer.


Bill L.
In Okla.

[Loneflier]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings Gang,

I would agree with GMan that cycling the gear as part of the pre-flight check out procedure, if applicable, is a good recommendation.

My weak link is that I almost always forget to start the timer.


Bill L.
In Okla.

Hey Rocketeer-I am also bad at forgetting to start the timer, so when I program the timer settings, I set the timer to start once the throttle has been applied. Now, I don't have to remember to hit the trainer switch or such, and can just concentrate on the flying. I also set up reminders at one minute until the timer goes off, then an alarm for the timer, and for each minute after the timer has gone off. The later works better for gliders when I am not using much battery and want to keep track of flight times.

[Grossman56]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Hey, that's a good idea Lone!
Don't know why I didn't look into that as well because I'm guilty of forgetting timer, although I'm getting better.  I'm pretty sure the DX 8 will do that and, well, one less thing...

Grossman56

[doctormike]

RE: Pre Flight checks

My Dx6 starts the timer with throttle input. I always forget timer start with my Dx6i. Can the Dx6i be programed to timer start with throttle input? It sure would be nice! Doc

[Hippie 64]

RE: Pre Flight checks

That's one I have to be very sure to look into . I have landed before to make a adjustment ,turn off timer while doing it then forget to turn back on . Can get ugly very quick


Bryan

[Rocketeer]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings,

I agree that having the timer begin at throttle up is the way to go.

Especially for EDF Jets that can draw lipo's down rapidly compared to props.
While flying props I tend to get fixated on longer flight times.

Then if I switch, all too many times while flying an EDF I hear the dreaded winding down of the impeller when I know a haven't touched the throttle stick and then the mad, adrenalin filled dash for the runway begins!!!

Note to self......... Set The Timer!!! (again)

Clear Skies

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Lon]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Food for thought here......Like everyone else, have done the "forgot to set timer", and even when I've remembered, some aggressive flying or wind conditions has resulted in a low battery condition.

Part of my justification of getting a DX6 was how you can program the throttle to start the timer, and voice status settings telling me the time so I'm not having to glance down at my transmitter to see what the timer says.

Another thing I did, was invest in a TM1000 DSMX Full Range Aircraft Telemetry Module (SPM9548). Now as I'm flying, I get reports spoken to me of what my voltage level is in my battery as I'm flying. And, what my battery temperature is.  So no guessing now on battery status when I'm flying.  Love it!!

[Rocketeer]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings Lon,

I like that concept as well.
The audio reports would prove beneficial.

I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade my Spektrum Dx6i as I'm always having to delete and add/re-bind models due to the 10 model limit.
Which models include the voice module? 6, 7, 8.....?

I suppose I could just research it but, this is more fun.

Thanks,
Bill L.
In Okla.

[Lon]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings Lon,

I like that concept as well.
The audio reports would prove beneficial.

I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade my Spektrum Dx6i as I'm always having to delete and add/re-bind models due to the 10 model limit.
Which models include the voice module? 6, 7, 8.....?

I suppose I could just research it but, this is more fun.

Thanks,
Bill L.
In Okla.

DX6, 7, 9, 18 does.
Not sure about DX8.

[Grossman56]

RE: Pre Flight checks

DX 8 doesn't have voice, just bells and whistles.  The DX 8 seems to have been dropped in favor of the new DX 7's and DX 9's.  I love my DX 8 but the vocal warnings would be really something.  Birthdays's next month Hmmmm........

Grossman56

[Rocketeer]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings,

I don't think I could justify a Dx18 even if I owned my own airport!!

Nothing I fly, nor plan to fly, requires more than 7/8 channels (bomb drops, lights, etc.) with the majority in the 4-6 channel range.

Maybe I could get 2 - 9's, that's 18 right?? :huh: 


Bill L.
In Okla.

[Grossman56]

RE: Pre Flight checks

I'm with you there Bill, this 18 channel thing sounds to be more testosterone driven than anything to me.  I see guys flying a plane that shouldn't have a need for more than 6 or 7 channels, with a DX18 then throw in the Black Edition for a real 'oh ah' factor!
At $1800+ a pop, I don't think so.............


Grossman56

[Loneflier]

RE: Pre Flight checks

I know that for me, a DX9 is a bit of overkill, but have to admit that I love all the features it offers, especially the 250 model memory!

[XF-15DCC]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Another reason to get a DX6 and get rid of the RTF radio that came with the plane. I was just out and forgot to hit the timer on my phone.

[Rocketeer]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings Gang,

Yeah, I think the DX9 would do the trick for me!!

Even I could never use all of that memory!!!  :)

I'll start checking around.

Thanks,

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Grossman56]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Oops!  The price for the DX 18 is $754.  Its a lot cheaper than when I last looked at it if I remember right.  Old guy memory.  Still, it, for me at least, is a bit of over kill.
Hinted to the wife about the DX 9 and had to cover my tracks!!!!  As Ralphy would say, "Oh maybe I'll just get some tinker toys."
Whew almost blew it, now its time to rebuild..........

Grossman56

[PappaBear]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Hi Guys & Gals

I notice mention of an 18 channel TX in the thread above.

The reason for the 18 or more channels is so you can have a number of individual servos driving one control surface without the use of "Y" leads.

For example, a large model that requires 4 aileron servos, 2 for each  wing half. The servos would be connected to 4 different channels on the RX and mixed using the TX settings. Using 4 individual channels means it is possible to set each servo individually to take into account the throw and geometry for the operation. As the wing tapers in thickness from the root to the tip, the 2 servos would have to move differently to provide the same amount of movement at the control surface, in this case the aileron. The same principle can be applied for the elevator and the rudder.

It would be impossible to carry out the above using "Y" leads because the servos would all move the same amount, and when connected to the control surface they would work against each other instead of working together.

I guess this should have been a new thread really, I added it because I saw the mention of 18 channels and got carried away with the explanation.

Martin.

[Rocketeer]

RE: Pre Flight checks

Greetings,

Thanks Martin.


Bill L.
in Okla.