All too often a “newbe” pilot simply shows up at the field with an airplane in hand hoping to fly their new investment. Your airplane will always get a pre-flight check by the Instructor… and that’s when the rude awakenings begin. The batteries haven’t been properly charged or cycled, the engine is not flight worthy yet, and the controls are not properly set along with a host of other items needing immediate attention. About half of the “newbies” go home without seeing their plane fly on the first day. This is a GOOD thing.  
 
Don’t be disappointed or discouraged! Follow your Instructors’ directions to the letter, and get your investment 100% air worthy. Your next attempt to fly will be successful.
 
Often times other pilots will casually look over your airplane. They’re not criticizing, but looking for potential problems that others may have overlooked or missed. The more pilots that look your airplane over, the better your chances are of spotting something.  
 
Here are some simple pointers for you to do on your own, PRIOR to showing up at the field with your new airplane:
 
1)      Are batteries fully charged and tested per the mfg’s recommendations?
2)      Are the linkages properly connected and functional per the owners’ manual?
3)      Has the engine been run and pre-tuned for break-in?
4)      Were the controls checked for proper travel and direction?
5)      Are all the joints properly glued and double checked?
6)      Did you range-check the radio with the engine running?
7)      Is the airplane properly balanced per the owners’ manual?
8)      Did you tighten the propeller and spinner sufficiently?
9)      Are all the screws throughout the airplane in place and tight?
10)       Is all the ground support equipment ready for use? IE: Igniter, starter, fueler, Etc.
 
If you can confidently say yes to all of the above BEFORE you show up at the field, you stand and excellent possibility of getting your first flight. But all of this is pending your Instructors final decision.