() Is there any apparent structural damage?
() Are hinges adequate and pinned?
() Is covering secure?
() With a firm but gentle pull, will the elevator detach itself?
() Are control horns secure and in good condition?
() Do the holes in the control horn align with the aileron hinge line? Otherwise, you will have differential throw.
() Is there a gap between the elevator and the horizonal stab?

() Is there any apparent structural damage?
() Are hinges adequate and pinned?
() Is covering secure?
() With a firm but gentle pull, will rudder detach itself?
() Are control horns in the horn aligned with the hinge line? Differential throw?
() If tail dragger, is steering tail wheel isolated from rudder?

() Is landing gear firmly attached to airframe or wing?
() Are wheel collars secure? Flats filed into music wire prevents slippage. Mount so set screws are at the 6 oclock position.
() Main gear should have a slight amount of toe in. This is especially true for conventional (tail dragger) gear.
() Are the wheels aligned with the wing?
() Is the landing gear in their proper location fore and aft?
() On tricycle gear, does plane rest level or preferably with a slight nose down or rake?
() Is stance too narrow? ( Distance between gear legs)

() Are all clevises in good shape?
() Can they be pulled free from the threaded end?
() Does each clevis have a keeper?
() Are pushrods and clevises of adequate size and strength to prevent flex?
() Are pushrods supported?
() Are cables multi-strand and without slack?
() Are there any "z" bends in pushrod wire where it exits airframe? This condition induces flexing of control surfaces. There should be a straight shot from control  horn to servo, unless cabling is utilized.
() Do cables have a guide around pulley?
() Are cable ends properly swagged?
() Do turnbuckles have safety wire?

() While engine is running at full throttle, hold the nose of the plane so that it points straight up for at least 5 seconds...or longer. Then hold the nose down for the same period of time. the engine should keep running in all positions.
Caution: always point exhaust away from everyone and everything. If engine stops, try richening the fuel mixture, it may be too lean. if that doesn't solve problem, do an inspection of the fuel line and fittings for a leak.
() Does engine quit running at low throttle trim? This is a safety requirement!!!!
() Does engine have a reliable idle? Does engine hesitate when quickly throttled up? This usually means the setting is incorrect. When pinched off at idle, the engine should speed up after two to four seconds, then stop. If it quits immediately as you pinch off the fuel line, the setting is too lean. If it continues to run on and on, it is too rich.
() Perform a vibration range check with the engine running at all speeds. If range decreases significantly, some part of your mechanical systems may be mounted too rigidly. The receiver may be mounted too firmly in the fuselage. Loose engine mounts, and mounting screws will contribute to radio failure by the vibration they create. Vibration must be kept to an absolute minimum!