VikingUAS Ranger EX- Aircraft Safety Checklist 

Before Your First Flight.... 

Balance 

• Is the longitudinal center of gravity (fore and aft) within the range 

shown on the plans? 

• Is the model balanced laterally (side to side)? 

Alignment 

• Are all the flying surfaces at the proper angle relative to each other? 

• Are there any twists in the wing? 

• Do the wings, where removable, the tailplane seat properly on the 

fuselage everytime? 

• Is the engine set at the proper thrust angle as shown on the plans? 

Control Surfaces 

• Are all control surfaces securely attached? (i.e., hinges glued, pinned). 

Pull on each one to test. 

• Are the control horns secured to the model? 

Control Linkages 

• Have all the linkages been checked to be sure they are secure? 

Engine / Motor Security and Operation 

• Are all engine mount screws tight, including mount to bulkhead if 

applicable? 

• Is the propeller nut and/or spinner tight? 

• Does the throttle work without binding? 

• Does the throttle trim tab shut down the engine? 

• Has the propeller been balanced and checked for damage?

• Are propeller tips painted a contrasting color? (whilst not essential it 

makes the propeller much easier to see) 

• Has the engine been thoroughly test run? (engine idle and throttle up 

properly) 

Radio Equipment 

• Are the receiver and battery securely mounted and padded with foam 

to protect from vibration and shock? 

• Are all electrical connectors are secure? 

• Is the receiver's antenna fully extended and in good condition? 

• Are the batteries charged and in good condition (check under load with 

a volt meter if unsure)? 

• Are all servo securely fastened to the rails or trays? 

• Are servo arms firmly attached with screw in place? 

• Are all push rods firmly secure in servo arms (again keepers or fuel 

tubing should be fitted)?  Are the control throws in the correct 

direction with proper amount of deflection (as per plan)? 
• Rudder & Tail wheel: Left stick should move the rear of the rudder and 

tail wheel to the left. 

• Aileron: left stick should move left aileron up and right down. 

• Elevator: Pulling back on the stick should move the back of the 

elevator up. 

• Throttle: With trim set fully forward, pushing the stick forward should 

open throttle fully. With trim set fully backward, pulling stick back 

should fully close the throttle. 

• Has a full range check been performed? (see below) 

Undercarriage (where fitted) 

• Is the undercarriage firmly attached to airframe and the wheels 

securely retained? 

• Does aircraft taxi in a straight line? 

General 

• Is the covering tight with no visible signs of damage? 

• Are all retaining bolts in place and secure? 

• Are any hatches, cowls and canopies secure? 

• Are all components structurally sound? 

• Is your name and contact details marked on the model somewhere 

easily visible? (in case it's lost). 

Range Checking the radio 

• Verify frequency is available and mark it as yours if necessary. 

• Turn on transmitter check the correct model is selected (if applicable) 

and then turn on the receiver. 

Important: make sure the transmitter aerial is down fully. 

• Ask someone to help and walk away from the model until signs of loss 

of control are apparent. 

• If electric powered ensure that the range is not worse with the motor 

running. 

Before EVERY flight: 

• Verify your frequency is available and mark it as yours if necessary. 

• Check the receiver battery pack to ensure enough charge for the flight 

intended. 

• Check for damage and the control throw direction of all surfaces. 

• Turn on the transmitter and check the correct model is selected (if 

applicable). 

• If the model has a receiver battery then, switch on the receiver. 

• Ensure the throttle is in the correct position and connect the motor 

battery. 

Flight Operations 

• Flight operations are to be conducted outside 5 miles of any 

airport. If operations are to be conducted follow FAA instructions 
instructing ATC contact and time of operation requirements in 

advance of flight operation. 

• If operating near a local airfield contact Airport Manager of 

Operations in area. This is to insure all GA pilots are notified of 

the UAV/UAS operations in area. 

WARNING: The motor must now be considered live as the motor could start 

at any time without warning (possibly due to interference or faulty controller). 

• Arm the controller if necessary and briefly check the motor functions 

correctly. 

• Take the model out to the strip and warn people you are about to take 

off. 

• As soon as you land disconnect the motor battery and switch off the 

receiver if necessary. 

• Switch off the transmitter and release the frequency for others to use.