On a preflight, wiggle one aileron whilst watching the other. If it doesn't move in perfect sync, something wrong inside the aircraft.
If you aren't sure your gear is down, go away from the airfield, and fly a steep turn at low level such that you can see your shadow.
Finding a difficult to see airstrip, find four points on the map which you can see, that create a cross with the airfield in the middle. Fly between two, and expect it when the other two are one on each wingtip.
Always ask for an overhead join if not in a hurry, it's amazing what you can see that helps you fly a safe circuit and landing.
Always carry a GPS turned on when spinning, it's the one instrument that doesn't get thrown.
If you've rigged the aircraft, you should have checked everything. But do a separate preflight as well.
G