Every flight is preceeded by a pre-flight inspection of the airplane.
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 dispaly such that 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
flight instructor before you have obtained these.
2. Remove the control wheel lock.
3. Check that the ignition switch is off and keys are not in the ignition.
4. Switch on master switch.
5. Check fuel quantity, but be aware the gauges are only completely accurate when
reading empty. Hence we will also visualy inspect the tanks and will calculate
our fuel needs.
6. Lower flaps.
7. Master switch off.
8. Fuel valve on.
Exterior Inspection
During the exterior part of the pre-flight inspection we
are looking for anything that looks 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.
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.
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.
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 thecontrol 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.
Now stand in front of the airplane and take a minute to consider
if you have overlooked anything embarassing, 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. tjs@firstflight.com
