Preflight Checklist

RC Aircraft Preflight Checklist

Complete a consistent and thorough preflight inspection before every flight with the downloadable Flight Pro Preflight Checklist. This generic checklist works with virtually any RC aircraft and radio system.

It provides a quick final review of your transmitter setup, aircraft battery, telemetry, control surfaces, gyro or stabilizer correction, range check, flight timers, and flying-area conditions before takeoff.

What the checklist covers

  • Correct aircraft profile selection
  • Transmitter battery condition
  • Throttle Cut and throttle-stick position
  • Reverse thrust, landing gear, and flap settings when equipped
  • Flight modes, rates, and stabilization settings
  • Receiver and telemetry connection
  • Aircraft battery selection and installation
  • Main battery and telemetry connections
  • Airframe, propeller, fan, landing gear, and hatch security
  • Servo linkages, hinges, and overall aircraft condition
  • Control directions and surface centers
  • Gyro or stabilizer correction direction on all axes
  • Range check and flight-timer reset
  • Weather, runway, spectator, and flying-area safety

Printing instructions

The PDF is formatted as a 6 × 4-inch landscape checklist. For the best results, select Actual Size or 100% in your printer settings. Do not select “Fit to Page” if you want the finished checklist to remain exactly 6 × 4 inches.

For a durable and reusable field card, print the checklist on heavy cardstock and laminate it. You can also save the PNG image to your phone or tablet for quick access at the flying field.

Important: Do not fly if any checklist item fails. Correct the issue before takeoff. This checklist supplements—but does not replace—the aircraft, radio, battery, or stabilization-system manufacturer’s instructions and required safety procedures.