Timer is set for 6 minutes.  Plug battery in and start the motor to check the RPM.  Run the motor for 30 seconds then stop it using the stop/start button.

Once the motor is stopped, will the timer automatically reset to 6 minutes, or is it still counting down from 6 minutes, thus I get a 5 minute and 30 second flight?  I guess the sure way to get the full 6 minutes is to disconnect the battery and then reconnect it.  That should reset everything.

I think I just answered my own question, maybe not.   

Better to be safe, I hate it when the plane quits in the middle of the clover (that can end badly). 

You don't need to check RPM after you start.  If you want to adjust for speed run 2 minute flights and adjust for lap time after landing by changing the RPM in the timer.  Also, you don't need 6 minutes for a pattern.  Most of us in these parts run 5:15 to 5:25.  Usually we set the "delay" in the timer for 30 seconds, this will end up with approx. 6 minute flight, a little over counting landing.  If you find you have a lot of battery reserve left, you are in luck.  Use a smaller battery.

You don't need to check RPM after you start.  If you want to adjust for speed run 2 minute flights and adjust for lap time after landing by changing the RPM in the timer.  Also, you don't need 6 minutes for a pattern.  Most of us in these parts run 5:15 to 5:25.  Usually we set the "delay" in the timer for 30 seconds, this will end up with approx. 6 minute flight, a little over counting landing.  If you find you have a lot of battery reserve left, you are in luck.  Use a smaller battery.

Hi Mike, thanks for your reply.

The six minute number was purely hypothetical.  Brand new airplane and power system as well as a 3 bladed prop which I've never used before.  Actually the first few flights will be 2 minutes each for trimming purposes. For my first full pattern attempt, I will use 6 minutes just for a margin of safety.  As you suggested, I'll dial it back once I get a baseline on pattern duration.

It's funny you mention the 30 second delay.  I've used that, and I always feel like I'm standing out there forever, waiting for the motor to start.  For competition, I reduced it to 20 seconds and it seems more comfortable for me.  If I'm flying alone with my stooge, I usually leave it at 30 seconds.

Hi Mike, thanks for your reply.

The six minute number was purely hypothetical.  Brand new airplane and power system as well as a 3 bladed prop which I've never used before.  Actually the first few flights will be 2 minutes each for trimming purposes. For my first full pattern attempt, I will use 6 minutes just for a margin of safety.  As you suggested, I'll dial it back once I get a baseline on pattern duration.

It's funny you mention the 30 second delay.  I've used that, and I always feel like I'm standing out there forever, waiting for the motor to start.  For competition, I reduced it to 20 seconds and it seems more comfortable for me.  If I'm flying alone with my stooge, I usually leave it at 30 seconds.

Personally, I wouldn’t jump from a 2 minute flight straight to 6 minutes. That might bring your battery down too low, unless you do some fancy cipherin’ and crunch the numbers real good.

I generally do several 2 minute flights to get lap time and wings flat, then a 2:50 flight with some maneuvers to gauge battery consumption. 2:50 is half of my 5:40 ‘pattern time’, and makes it easy to know if the battery will be sufficient. If I land with >60%, then 5:40 is doable.