10X MANUAL Heli
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1. Purpose: This advisory outlines safety standards for operations
of model aircraft. We encourage voluntary compliance with
these standards.
2. Background: Attention has been drawn to the increase in
model aircraft operation. There is a need for added caution when
operating free-flight and radio controlled craft in order to avoid
creating a noise nuisance or a potential hazard to full-scale air-
craft and persons and/or property on the surface.
3. Operating Standards: Modelers generally are concerned with
safety and exercise good judgment when flying model aircraft.
However, in the interest of safer skies, we encourage operators of
radio controlled and free-flight models to comply with the fol-
lowing standards:
a. Exercise vigilance in locating full-scale aircraft (get help if
possible) so as not to create a collision hazard.
b. Select an operating site at sufficient distance from
populated areas so you do not create a noise problem or a
potential hazard.
c. Do not fly higher than 400 feet above the surface.
d. Always operate more than three miles from the boundary of
an airport unless you are given permission to be closer by
the appropriate air traffic control facility in the case of an
airport for which a control zone has been designated or by
the airport manager in the case of other airports.
e. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance in complying with
these guidelines at the airport traffic control tower or air
route traffic control center nearest the site of your
proposed operation.
Director, Air Traffic Service Federal Aviation Administration,
Washington, D.C.
1. Check the battery voltage on both the transmitter and the
receiver battery packs. Do not fly below 9.0 volts on the trans-
mitter or below 4.7 volts on the receiver. To do so invites a crash
of your helicopter.
Note: When you check these batteries, ensure that you have
the polarities correct on your expanded scale voltmeter.
2. Check all hardware (linkages, screws, nuts, bolts) prior to each
day’s flight. Be sure that binding does not occur and that every-
thing is properly secured.
3. Ensure that all surfaces are moving in the proper manner.
4. Perform a range check before each day’s flying session. The
range check should be as follows:
• Install the antenna on your
PCM
10X transmitter. Do not
extend the transmitter antenna at this time. Turn the
transmitter “on.”
• Turn the model “on.”
• Slowly walk away from the model while moving the control
surfaces. The helicopter should function properly at a
distance of 75–100 feet.
5. Just prior to starting your helicopter, turn “off” your transmit-
ter and then turn it back “on.” Do this each time you start your
helicopter. If any critical switches are on without your knowl-
edge, the transmitter alarm will warn you at this time.
6. Ensure that all trim levers are in the proper location.
7. Check to be sure that all servo pigtails and switch harness
plugs are secured in the receiver. Also, make certain that the
switch harness moves completely in both directions.
Federal Aviation Administration
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Daily Flight Checks
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