## Avery International Fixed Wing- 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 relati ve to each other? • Are there any twists in the wing? • Do the wings, where removable, the tailplane seat pr operly 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., hinge s 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 se cure? 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 idl e and throttle up properly) Radio Equipment • Are the receiver and battery securely mounted and padd ed 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 (che ck 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 keep ers or fuel tubing should be fitted)?  Are the control throws in the correct direction with proper amount of deflection (as per pl an)?• 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 rig ht down. • Elevator: Pulling back on the stick should move the ba ck of the elevator up. • Throttle: With trim set fully forward, pushing the stick forward should open throttle fully. With trim set fully backward, pul ling 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 t he 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 som ewhere easily visible? (in case it's lost). Range Checking the radio • Verify frequency is available and mark it as yours if ne cessary. • Turn on transmitter check the correct model is selected (i f 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 your s if necessary. • Check the receiver battery pack to ensure enough charge f or 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 th e receiver. • Ensure the throttle is in the correct position and conn ect the motor battery. Flight Operations • Flight operations are to be conducted outside 5 mil es of any airport. If operations are to be conducted follow FAA instructionsinstructing ATC contact and time of operation requi rements in advance of flight operation. • If operating near a local airfield contact Airport Manager of Operations in area. This is to insure all GA pilot s are notified of the UAV/UAS operations in area. WARNING: The motor must now be considered live as the motor coul d start at any time without warning (possibly due to interfer ence or faulty controller). • Arm the controller if necessary and briefly check the moto r 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 swit ch off the receiver if necessary. • Switch off the transmitter and release the frequency for others to use.