How: Be A Solid Test Pilot

Improve model-aircraft test flights with a practical series on mechanical checks, setup, trim, flight planning and disciplined pilot habits.

Being a Good Test Pilot: Part 4, Trim Pre Flight – Flight Plan

Our series about becoming a solid test pilot continues….. Make sure every surface is perfectly nuetral. No slight rudder, or aileron inputs. Check the elevator for “slight up”. I would define this as the elevator being set dead nuetral then putting...

Being A Good Test Pilot: Part 3, On the Wheels

A continuing series on how to be a solid test flight, we continue…… Check the RX pack, that it’s state of charge is high. For an electric model. Verify with the owner that the pack is full. When was it last charged? Did you do any setup on the bench...

Being A Good Test Pilot: Part 2, Setup

Part 2 in an ongoing series about being a good test pilot. These articals are less about step by step hand holding instructions and more about how to think. We continue…. I always conduct an interview of sorts to fill in the blanks of things I may not be aware...
What Should an RC Test Pilot Check Before Flight?

What Should an RC Test Pilot Check Before Flight?

Short Answer: A Test Pilot Must Be Willing to Say “Not Yet” Before flying somebody else’s new RC model, inspect the model, the builder’s experience, the radio installation, and every mechanical connection that can affect control or landing. If something is not ready,...