Every flight is preceded by a preflight inspection of the
airplane.
Lesson:
To inspect the airplane, we will follow a flow pattern in the same sequence
before each flight.
Cabin Inspection
1. Ensure that all required paperwork is available.
There are four items of paperwork that should be on board prior to flight.
Remember the letters AROW and you will have no problem recalling what
is required:
Airworthiness certificate
Registration certificate
Operating handbook
Weight and balance data.
All these documents need to be on board and the airworthiness certificate
needs to be on display in a place where it is visible to passengers.
As a student pilot, you should carry your logbook and student pilot certificate/medical
on each flight. However, you can start training with a CFI before you
have obtained these.
3. Check to be sure the ignition switch is off and keys are not in the
ignition.
4. Switch on master switch.
5. Check fuel quantity, but be aware that the gauges are only completely
accurate when reading empty. Hence you must also visually inspect the
tanks and will calculate your fuel needs.
6. Lower flaps.
7. Master switch off.
8. Fuel valve on.
Exterior Inspection
During the exterior part of the preflight inspection, look for anything
that appears to be mechanically unsound. Items such as loose or missing
rivets or fasteners, wrinkled surfaces, or anything that just does not
look right should be suspect. If in doubt, do not fly!
1. Inspect the empennage.
2. Remove tail tie-down.
3. Check for free movement and security of elevator
and rudder. Ensure balance weights are secure.
4. Check antennae.
5. Inspect right flap. Check sliders and security of flap. There should
be only slight movement possible.
6. Inspect the right aileron by checking the hinges and ensuring that
there is freedom of movement and that the control
wheel moves in the correct direction when the aileron is moved.
7. Inspect the leading edge of the wing.
8. Remove wing tie-down.
9. Check right main wheel. The tire should be in good condition and adequately
inflated. There should be no signs of brake fluid leaks.
10. Drain a small quantity of fuel from the right fuel tank drain valve
and check for water, sediment and proper fuel grade.
11. Inspect upper surface of wing.
12. Visually check fuel quantity by removing fuel cap and looking in the
tank.
13. Secure fuel cap.
14. Check oil level.
15. Pull out the fuel-stainer drain knob and collect a sample of fuel
to check for and remove any sediment and/or water.
16. Look inside cowling for small animals, lost wrenches, oil leaks,
etc.
17. Inspect the nose wheel and fairing. The nose wheel strut and tire
should be properly inflated. There should be about two inches of nose
wheel strut exposed and no significant leakage of oil from the strut.
Check the shimmy damper and the nuts and bolts for security.
While inspecting the nose of the airplane, remain clear of the arc
of rotation of the propeller at all times.
18. Check propeller and spinner for damage such as nicks or cracks and
security.
19. Check alternator belt.
20. Ensure air intake filter is unobstructed.
21. Landing light should be clean and operational.
22. Inspect static source opening.
23. Inspect upper surface of left wing.
24. Visually check fuel quantity by removing fuel cap and looking in the
left tank.
26. Inspect the leading edge of the left wing. Check stall-warning device
and fuel vent.
27. Remove wing tie-down.
28. Inspect the left aileron by checking the hinges and ensuring that
there is freedom of movement and that the control
wheel moves in the correct direction when the aileron is moved.
29. Inspect left flap. Check sliders and security of flap. There should
be only slight movement possible.
30. Check left main wheel. The tire should be in good condition and adequately
inflated. There should be no signs of brake fluid leaks.
31. Drain a small quantity of fuel from the left fuel tank drain valve
and check for water, sediment and proper fuel grade.
32. Now stand in front of the airplane and take a minute to consider
if you have overlooked anything embarrassing, like the tail tie-down,
or hazardous, like fuel caps not secured. If everything looks good, your
airplane is ready to fly.
First Flight online lessons are
not a substitute for study of the Pilots Operating Handbook/Airplane
Flight Manual for the airplane you intend to fly.
It is essential you refer to the Pilots Operating Handbook/Airplane
Flight Manual for the airplane you intend to fly for the procedures
and checklists that currently apply to your airplane.
