So, now you're at the field and eager to be up there. Not so fast, spend some time checking your equipment thoroughly. A little time spent now could save money in a few minutes!

Visual inspection for transit damage
All ball joints intact and in position
Blades unfolded
Nothing obviously loose
Canopy held securely in place
Nothing obstructing or rubbing against the control rods etc
Fuel her up

Starting checklist

Check frequency with other fliers
Extend transmitter aerial and switch transmitter on FIRST
Check charge state of batteries
Check you have the right model selected
Switch receiver on
Leave helicopter still for about five seconds to allow the gyro to initialise
Check control actions by moving both sticks through their entire range
Check position of the trim controls, all centred
Move throttle trim to the starting position
Check collective lever is fully back
Check Idle up switch is in correct mode
Apply power to glow plug
Hold rotor head firmly
Engage starter and start the engine
Remove glow leads or driver
Walk heli out to flight line WITH the transmitter in your other hand

Make sure you keep your aerials are clean, you'll be surprised how often glitches can be put down to poor reception because of a dirty aerial!

These days, I use a 2400 MAH RX pack but will fly twice and recharge as a precaution. The recharge usually puts back about 350 MAH so there's a big margin for error.

Do check the model selection is correct. I started my old Concept once with the transmitter set up for the X-Cell I had at the time. The throttle servos work in opposite directions so it eventually started at full throttle, with a smell of burning clutch!