1. Have somebody do a Pre-Flight on your model before the day you want to fly. The radio and engine installation, fuel tank, servos, control surfaces, control surface throws, center of gravity, AMA Number on or in your model, etc should all be checked before the day you go to the field to fly for the first time. The reason is, you want to eliminate as many things as possible from distracting you on the day of your first lesson. 

2. Run your engine and have it set so it will start, idle, take the throttle and run at full throttle without dying. Time spent on working on an engine that won't run, on the day you are hoping to fly for the first time, is frustrating for you and the instructor. 

3. Have your AMA Dues and Flying Club Dues paid up and have the appropriate cards, paper work with you when you come to the field. 

4. Have all the support gear with you when you come. Have fresh fuel, fuel pump of some type, a starter, starter battery, glow plug igniter, extra glow plug, extra prop, rubber bands for the wing, cleaner and paper towels. 

5. Make sure your transmitter and receiver batteries are fully charged when you come to the field. It's a good idea to charge the system overnight when planning on flying the next day.