Maiden Tips

You are planning to maiden your new pride and joy - what do you need to know/do to maximise your chances of success?

I've put together a list of things I think are important. It's not exactly aimed at the complete beginner, perhaps the beginner on their second plane through to whatever. I'm still writing up a series of articles for beginners first flight etc but that is still a work in progress.

Here's my list - you might find it useful:

• CoG as far forward as recommended (or further if you get info on the net to suggest that).
• Control throws measured and deflect the recommended amount. If you have a computer radio mix in some exponential (say 30% as starting figure) to make the aircraft more docile on small stick movements.
• All control surfaces trimmed by eye, and enough throw left in trim settings to trim further in either direction once in flight.
• Make sure control surfaces deflect in correct direction - double check each of the following carefully:
• Aileron: push stick right, right aileron comes up, left aileron goes down - stick pushed to the left, left aileron comes up, right aileron goes down.
• Elevator: pull back (push stick down), elevator comes up. Push up (push stick up) elevator goes down.
• Rudder: push stick right, rudder moves to the right - push stick left, rudder moves to the left.
  
• Before takeoff remind yourself where the trim tabs for all controls are on your radio.
• Try to plan your takeoff so you don't need to do anything but climb until you reach 50 metres altitude (rolling takeoff is best if it can be done).
• Don't try and trim the aircraft until you reach 50 metres - instead compensate for lack of trim with stick inputs.
• Establish a cruising speed at 50 metres (the speed where the aircraft is comfortably in the air, capable of maintaining altitude in level flight easily) and trim your aircraft.
• Once trimmed you now have the remaining duration of the battery to figure out how to land her.
• At altitude intentionally stall her a few times to figure out the stall speed and whether there are any bad tendencies when stalling.
• At altitude figure out what throttle setting will give you that slight downward dive with constant speed for your landing approach.
• At altitude close the throttle and figure out what her glide curve is like.
• If you are confident you still have battery left throw in a loop (you gotta have some fun right - this will also help you trim your rudder), victory roll and whatever other aerobatics you feel brave enough to try.
• While you still have plenty of battery left start your landing attempts. Be ready to wave off two or three while you figure out the correct approach speed, angle, flare point etc.

Don't forget your normal takeoff checklist as well.

If you can think of other things that should be on this list please let me know by posting a comment, or emailing me ozrcboy@gmail.com

Good Luck!