Pre-Flight Inspections
Before each flight, a complete inspection of the aircraft must be performed starting with an external inspection followed by an internal inspection as detailed below.
Cabin Inspection
AFlight Manual: verify that a copy is on board
BWeight and balance: verify within limits
CSeat belts used to lock controls: free
DFlight controls: operate controls to ensure free movement of rods and control surfaces
EParking brake: engaged
FThrottle: adjust friction lock
GMagnetos: OFF
HMaster switch: ON
IVoltmeter: check (10-12 V); Ammeter: check (red)
JGenerator switch: ON, verify generator light is on
KFuel pump: ON, verify light on, audible noise and correct fuel pressure gauge operation
LAvionics switch: ON, verify operation; when finished, reset to OFF
MFlap control: operate to full extension verifying travel limits and gauge indication
NTrim control: operate to full travel verifying travel limits and gauge indication
OStall warning horn: verify operation
PNavigation and strobe lights: verify operation
QLanding light: verify operation
RGenerator switch: OFF
SMaster switch: OFF
TFuel level: verify according to flight plan
UBaggage: verify correct stowage with anchor net
WARNING
The fuel level indicated by the quantity gauges (on the instrument panel) is only indicative. For flight safety, the pilot must verify the actual quantity of fuel on board before takeoff.
External Inspection
To perform the external inspection, follow the checklist below with the order of stations indicated in figure 4-1.
WARNING
Visual inspection is defined as follows: check for defects, cracks, delamination, excessive play, insecure or improper installation as well as general condition. For control surfaces, visual inspection also includes verification of freedom of movement and security.
ALeft fuel tank cap: visually verify desired level and that it is secure. Left tank vent: verify no obstructions.
BRemove protective cover and verify that Pitot tube mounted on left strut is not obstructed, do not blow into vents, stow cover in aircraft.
CLeft wing leading edge and skin: visual inspection
DLeft aileron: visual inspection
ELeft flap and hinges: visual inspection
FLeft main gear: verify inflation 40 psi (2.8 bar), tire condition, alignment, fuselage skin condition.
GHorizontal stabilizer and tab: visual inspection
HVertical stabilizer and rudder: visual inspection
IRight main gear: verify inflation 40 psi (2.8 bar), tire condition, alignment, fuselage skin condition.
LRight flap and hinges: visual inspection
MRight aileron: visual inspection
NRight wing leading edge and skin: visual inspection
OVerify freedom of movement of stall detector microswitch on right leading edge, activate Master switch and verify that stall warning horn in cabin is operative, deactivate Master switch.
PRight fuel tank cap: visually verify desired level and that it is secure. Right tank vent: verify no obstructions.
QRight side static port: verify no obstructions, do not blow into vents (see note).
RNose wheel and shock absorber: verify inflation 32 psi (2.2 bar), tire condition and condition of shock absorber rubber discs.
SPropeller and spinner: verify no nicks and security.
TOpen engine cowling and perform following checklist:
- Verify no foreign objects.
- Verify no leaks in cooling circuit, check coolant tank level, ensure honeycomb radiator is not obstructed.
- Verify no leaks in lubrication circuit, check oil tank level, ensure honeycomb radiator is not obstructed.
- Open both fuel valves, inspect fuel circuit for leaks, verify integrity of fireproof protection sleeves, drain circuit using container to collect fuel by opening specific drain valve located on firewall, close fuel valves. Verify no water or other contaminants.
- Verify integrity of engine mount silent-blocks.
- Verify connection and integrity of air intake system, visually inspect that dynamic air intake is not obstructed.
- Verify all parts are secure and safety wired.
UClose engine cowling.
VVerify that left side static port is not obstructed.
ZRemove tow bar and chocks.
NOTE
Avoid blowing into the Pitot tube mounted on the left strut and into the airspeed system static ports as this could damage instruments.
NOTE
The draining operation must be performed with the aircraft parked on level ground.