Flying an RC airplane safely begins long before the plane ever leaves the ground. A well-performed pre-flight check is like a pilot’s ritual: it sets you up for a successful flight and drastically reduces the chance of crashes or mid-air emergencies.
Even experienced RC pilots never skip this step. A forgotten battery, loose screw, or reversed control surface can turn a beautiful flight into a crash in seconds. This lesson will teach you how to perform pre-flight checks like a pro and why each step matters.
The Philosophy of Pre-Flight Checks
Pre-flight checks are about predicting and preventing problems before they happen. Think of it as a safety net: the more thorough your checks, the safer your flight.
A crash caused by a missed pre-flight step isn’t “bad luck”—it’s preventable. When you adopt this habit, you will fly more confidently, enjoy longer flights, and save money on repairs.
Step 1: Inspecting the Batteries
Why It Matters
The battery powers your airplane. Without full power, your plane may stall or lose control mid-flight. A damaged battery can even pose a fire hazard.
Detailed Battery Checks
Charge fully: Always use a high-quality charger. Never fly with partially charged batteries.
Inspect for damage: Look for swelling, cracks, or dents. If any are found, do not fly.
Secure battery placement: Make sure it is firmly attached inside the fuselage to avoid shifting during flight.
Pro Tip: Keep spare batteries on hand. Even if your main battery is full, a backup is smart in case of unexpected power loss.
Step 2: Checking Your Transmitter
The transmitter is your control interface. If it fails, your airplane becomes uncontrollable.
Detailed Steps:
Confirm batteries are fully charged or fresh.
Check battery contacts for corrosion.
Turn on the transmitter before the receiver to prevent binding issues.
Test stick movements for responsiveness.
Example: One beginner lost an airplane because the transmitter batteries were low. The plane drifted away mid-flight and landed in a tree. Avoidable with proper checks.
Pro Tip: Always carry spare transmitter batteries during flying sessions.
Step 3: Control Surfaces Inspection
Control surfaces include elevator, rudder, ailerons, and flaps (if equipped). They determine how your plane moves in the air.
Step-by-Step Control Check
Power on transmitter and airplane.
Test each surface individually:
Pull elevator back → plane nose rises
Push elevator forward → nose lowers
Move rudder right → plane yaws right
Move ailerons right → right wing rises
Verify smooth motion without jerking or binding.
Pro Tip: If a surface is reversed, use your transmitter’s settings to reverse it. A reversed elevator is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
Step 4: Propeller and Motor Inspection
A loose propeller or damaged motor is extremely dangerous.
Steps:
Ensure propeller is tight on the motor shaft.
Inspect for cracks, chips, or warping.
Confirm motor spins freely and quietly.
Safety Tip: Always remove the propeller during maintenance or when powering electronics on the bench.
Step 5: Range Check
Even if all controls seem fine, interference or weak signals can cause loss of control. A range check ensures the transmitter can reliably communicate with the plane at a safe distance.
How to do a Range Check:
Follow your transmitter manual for range check mode.
Walk the recommended distance from the plane and test responsiveness.
Verify controls are consistent and smooth.
Pro Tip: Perform range checks in the environment you will fly, because obstacles or other electronics can interfere with the signal.
Step 6: Failsafe Verification
Failsafe is a built-in safety system that tells the airplane what to do if signal is lost.
Check Failsafe:
Set throttle to minimum or neutral position.
Confirm plane responds correctly when signal is intentionally cut (refer to your receiver manual).
Test failsafe before every flying session.
Story: A pilot flying a windy day ignored failsafe checks, lost control, and the plane flew into a tree. Proper failsafe would have prevented the accident.
Step 7: Final Control Direction Check
Before each flight, double-check control directions:
| Control Stick | Expected Airplane Response |
|---|---|
| Elevator back | Nose rises |
| Elevator forward | Nose lowers |
| Rudder right | Plane turns right |
| Aileron right | Right wing rises |
Even minor adjustments to your airplane can reverse control directions. Always check to avoid in-flight surprises.
Additional Pre-Flight Tips
Create a written checklist: A printed checklist reduces the chance of missing any step.
Include environmental factors: Check wind speed, sun direction, and obstacles.
Take your time: Hurrying through pre-flight checks is the #1 beginner mistake.
Observe others: Watch experienced RC pilots perform checks—they may notice things you miss.
Summary – Key Takeaways
Pre-flight checks are critical for safe flying.
Always check battery, transmitter, control surfaces, propeller, range, and failsafe.
Perform a final control direction check before takeoff.
Build consistent habits—even a short flight is not an exception.
Taking these steps improves safety, confidence, and enjoyment in RC flying.
What Comes Next
Once your pre-flight checks are complete and you feel confident your airplane is ready, the next step is Lesson 7: Takeoff and Hand Launch. Here you will learn how to lift your airplane into the air safely, maintain stability during the first moments of flight, and gain altitude for practicing basic maneuvers.