LuckyArmpit
Feb 18, 2005, 08:28 PM
Here are a few tips for those of you new to RC flying, especially glow powered aircraft. I've learned the hard way a few times to start pre-flight checking your plane, radio system, linkages etc.
Always check to make sure your control rods/clevises are tight but can move without hesitation when you move the servos/sticks. And, take off the spinner now and then and make sure your prop is on tight! Ask me how I know about that one! :D Check your motor and motor mount so that the screws are tight! I screwed up one time and the dang engine was held on by one screw!!! It made the plane have an "up elevator" attitude because the engine shifted while running!!! I don't use the self tapping screws on the engine or engine mount (to firewall). I use machine screws with lock washers and nylon lined nut. Makes a much better hold than using sheet metal screws that are self tapped in the plastic motor mount. These will come loose!! So, check to make sure these screws are tight!
Make sure your pressure line that goes from the muffler to the tank is connected to the muffler and, that your fuel line is connected to the needle valve. I once had the fuel line come off during flight and wondered why in the heck was I dead sticking a landing. Here I had the fuel line on but just barely. The vibration from the engine squiggled it off.
Mostly, I will charge my field battery, glow plug igniter and rx/tx batts the night before when I know I'm going to the field. This way, you should have no surprises at the field!!! Always carry spare glow plugs and props with you.
Oh yeah, a most important item. On your control rods, I swear by this one,
use metal clevises, or make zee bends for use on the control horns and/or the servo arm. DO NOT USE the easy connectors period on a control surface. I learned the hard way by losing my elevator on a Cessna Skylane. Yep, she crashed!!!! The only time I use an easy connector is on the throttle servo arm. Don't care how hard you tighten it or if you dremel a flat on the metal rod, it will still eventually come loose. I check my throttle servo before the day's flying to make sure its tight. If it fails in flight, you just lose throttle on the engine but if on a control surface like an aileron, your pride and joy will become a permanent fixture in terra firma!
Lastly, make sure you have a good and solid connection from your servos to the receiver. Remember, the engine while running creates vibration which shakes the snot out of your plane! Nothing worse than flying and then saying, "oh ****, I don't have any aileron"!!!! You find out that the aileron servo/servos connector came out of the rx. And wrap your rx in the foam rubber it came with! Yes, crystals will fracture! I know about that one too!!!!
Any of you other hobbyists, chime in with your opinions as I'm sure there are some things I missed or omitted.
Please remember to be safe and keep your cotton-pickin hands/fingers away from a running prop!!!!
Dave...
Always check to make sure your control rods/clevises are tight but can move without hesitation when you move the servos/sticks. And, take off the spinner now and then and make sure your prop is on tight! Ask me how I know about that one! :D Check your motor and motor mount so that the screws are tight! I screwed up one time and the dang engine was held on by one screw!!! It made the plane have an "up elevator" attitude because the engine shifted while running!!! I don't use the self tapping screws on the engine or engine mount (to firewall). I use machine screws with lock washers and nylon lined nut. Makes a much better hold than using sheet metal screws that are self tapped in the plastic motor mount. These will come loose!! So, check to make sure these screws are tight!
Make sure your pressure line that goes from the muffler to the tank is connected to the muffler and, that your fuel line is connected to the needle valve. I once had the fuel line come off during flight and wondered why in the heck was I dead sticking a landing. Here I had the fuel line on but just barely. The vibration from the engine squiggled it off.
Mostly, I will charge my field battery, glow plug igniter and rx/tx batts the night before when I know I'm going to the field. This way, you should have no surprises at the field!!! Always carry spare glow plugs and props with you.
Oh yeah, a most important item. On your control rods, I swear by this one,
use metal clevises, or make zee bends for use on the control horns and/or the servo arm. DO NOT USE the easy connectors period on a control surface. I learned the hard way by losing my elevator on a Cessna Skylane. Yep, she crashed!!!! The only time I use an easy connector is on the throttle servo arm. Don't care how hard you tighten it or if you dremel a flat on the metal rod, it will still eventually come loose. I check my throttle servo before the day's flying to make sure its tight. If it fails in flight, you just lose throttle on the engine but if on a control surface like an aileron, your pride and joy will become a permanent fixture in terra firma!
Lastly, make sure you have a good and solid connection from your servos to the receiver. Remember, the engine while running creates vibration which shakes the snot out of your plane! Nothing worse than flying and then saying, "oh ****, I don't have any aileron"!!!! You find out that the aileron servo/servos connector came out of the rx. And wrap your rx in the foam rubber it came with! Yes, crystals will fracture! I know about that one too!!!!
Any of you other hobbyists, chime in with your opinions as I'm sure there are some things I missed or omitted.
Please remember to be safe and keep your cotton-pickin hands/fingers away from a running prop!!!!
Dave...