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Preflight Checks: The most important actions any new pilot can take to ensure successful first flights are the preflight checks. All RTF manufacturers cover these in their manuals, but two actions are critical.

    Charge the transmitter and receiver batteries. Center the transmitter trim tabs for the three control surfaces. Turn on both radio systems and examine the control surfaces. Every one must be in the neutral, center position.

    If a surface is not centered, such as left rudder or down-elevator, leave the radio system turned on and adjust the clevis that connects to the control horn until that surface is in the neutral, center position.

    No aircraft will fly straight unless all control surfaces, especially the rudder, are centered. It is easiest to learn on an airplane that flies straight and goes where it is pointed. RTFs are so well designed that it is nearly impossible to misalign the wing halves during assembly. Therefore, if a great deal of aileron trim is required to fly straight, it usually means the rudder is off-center.

    The last crucial step is to check the aircraft's longitudinal CG. Does the completely assembled airplane balance front to back exactly at the point that the instructions require?

    Most RTFs do balance perfectly. If yours does not, a few stick-on lead weights, available at the hobby shop, might be required. A photo shows the Arrow having its CG checked using the Great Planes stand that is designed for this purpose. Never fly a new model without checking and adjusting its CG.

    The last check is to make sure all screws, such as the servo control-arm screw, the nose-wheel steering-arm locking screw, and any other fasteners not checked during assembly, are firmly tightened.

Click on photo to view large image with caption

Next month I will build and modify the HobbiStar 60 Mk III ARF trainer. If you want more extensive photo details about checking an RTF trainer than it is possible to cover here, read "Ready to Fly? Well ... Maybe" on Sport Aviator at http://www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=2&ID=23.  MA