RTF Checkout Flights performed by Plantraco?

Every RTF model at Plantraco is test flown and trimmed before it is shipped. it's one of the reasons why Plantraco RTF's are so great. It really gives the beginner a leg up when he/she can fly their RTF model right out of the box.

Checkout flights start with a power up and visual examination to ensure correct propeller rotation, and actuator deviation and ROM, geometry and symmetry, cosmetics, and glaring omissions are also checked at the same time. Throttle test is done to confirm good electrical bahoma connection. Model is launched, sometimes with power and sometimes as a glide test with throttle applied at the end of the glide continuing to the rest of checkout flight plan. The model is then typically flown in a circle and depending on how it responds, the flight will continue to a figure-8 or two. We are looking for the ability of the model to maintain altitude in a turn, and for equal turns in both directions. If anything needs adjustment, the model is landed in the hand if possible, and adjustment is made, and another checkout flight is performed. Some models require no trim adjustments, some do. Sometimes they find one that can hang from the prop, so we put that aside. Sometimes they find one with the wing on backwards, but it still flies well! It's funny. Thrustline, incidence, symmetry - it depends on which model is being tested as to what changes might need to be made.

Models that are delivered with some shipping damage probably won't be flying exactly as they had when they had their checkout flights, but these damaged units are the exception. Usually with a few tweaks, the model will be flying perfectly again. Since there may be a knowledge gap with our customers, as far as how to trim a model airplane, we provide some coaching and instruction to our customers as required if they need help to trim their model.