[Myzee]

F-15 is finished and ready for maiden. One final go over and I found this. Busted new elevator servo horn. Could have been catastrophic.

[HAL9KPCM]

Good catch and yup, we should go over everything on a regular basis.

[Max]

Indeed! Inspecting should be part of everyone's routine. My saying is "Cleaning is Inspecting" Even with my electrics, I still spray and wipe the models from time to time. I jiggle and wiggle every control surface and observe the linkages at both ends. Its amazing what comes loose or wears out.

[Myzee]

I lost a gasser helicam in the winter once. A servo arm screw had backed out. You only do that once before you start looking at everything on a regular basis!

My post reminds of what Jeremy said about complacency.

[floyd]

Glad you found it. Every used plane I buy I take everything out and check the air frame over then put it all back in my way. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've found over the years. I've also seen other members show up to fly with half the elevator hinges broke, or a rudder ready to fall off, loose engines. I've seen hinges glued with epoxy that the servo couldn't move. Just like real planes ours need to be checked over regularly before flying. If your unsure, an extra set of eyes may see what you've missed. I know of one club years ago that not only had flying instructors but had ground instructors also to get you to go over your pre-flight check list. That's something I've always supported.
Cheers Floyd

[Warbird_ace]

Originally Posted by floyd

Glad you found it. Every used plane I buy I take everything out and check the air frame over then put it all back in my way. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've found over the years. I've also seen other members show up to fly with half the elevator hinges broke, or a rudder ready to fall off, loose engines. I've seen hinges glued with epoxy that the servo couldn't move. Just like real planes ours need to be checked over regularly before flying. If your unsure, an extra set of eyes may see what you've missed. I know of one club years ago that not only had flying instructors but had ground instructors also to get you to go over your pre-flight check list. That's something I've always supported.
Cheers Floyd

Also true with helis & quads. All used helis & quads I've boughten I've completely disassembled and re-assembled with new loc-tite. Like you said Floyd, I too found some dangerously loose screws this way.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Warbird_ace

Also true with helis & quads. All used helis & quads I've boughten I've completely disassembled and re-assembled with new loc-tite. Like you said Floyd, I too found some dangerously loose screws this way.

People don't seem to realize all our RC flying models can kill. We aren't flying toys. Every pilot should have a mandatory preflight list in my opinion that all the clubs should enforce. With all the injuries I've seen we can never have too much safety on the ground. Cheers Floyd

[grosbeak]

When I learned to fly at my club I learned to preflight my airplanes too. I still do - every airplane I bring to the field gets preflighted after assembly and before radio check. I've found stuff more than once that would likely have resulted in total loss if overlooked.

[excelsiuss]

There is a reason we do a range check(if you dont you should) and a control check before each session.

Myles Im pretty sure you would have noticed that you had no elevator before your maiden as the Range/control check would have shown this. and is recommended by MAAC and just makes good sense.

[Myzee]

Probably wouldn't have noticed until I was in the air as the arm was split at the end, but still connected. So on the ground everything worked as normal. Would never have survived when actual force was applied to the elevator.