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AIRCRAFT PRE FLIGHT CHECK

The first thing that needs to be considered is if the aircraft can complete the mission or reason for the flight.

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  • Can it handle the passengers, luggage, and fuel load that's needed to complete the flight? - Useful Load

  • What altitude is required for the route of flight and can the aircraft achieve these altitudes?

  • Will density altitude play a factor in achieving the altitude required?

  • How far can the aircraft fly before refueling?

  • Are the planned runways for takeoff and landing long enough?

  • Basically ask yourself can the aircraft do the job?

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Does the aircraft have the required equipment for the type of flight?

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A TOMATO FLAMES  For VFR Day Flights  14 CFR part 91.205 (a)(b)

  • Anti Collision Lights depending on year of craft - part 91.205 (b)(11)

  • Tachometer

  • Oil pressure gauge

  • Magnetic Compass

  • Altimeter

  • Temperature gauge for liquid cooled engines

  • Oil Temperature gauge

  • Fuel gauge

  • Landing Gear Position Lights

  • Air Speed Indicator

  • Manifold Pressure Gauge 

  • ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter

  • Seat Belts

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FLAPIS for VFR night flights plus A TOMATO FLAMES  part 91.205 (c)

  • Fuses extra

  • Landing Light

  • Anti Collision Lights

  • Position Lights

  • Instrument Lights

  • Source of power

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GRABCARD for IFR flights plus VFR day and night requirements  part 91.205 (d)

  • Generator - Alternator

  • Radio - Navigation Equipment

  • Altimeter

  • Ball Slip - Skid Indicator

  • Clock with second hand or digital representation 

  • Attitude Indicator

  • Rate of Turn

  • Directional Gyro

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Inoperative Instruments And Equipment  part 91.213

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Aircraft Inspections

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AAV1ATE

  • Annual is it current

  • Airworthiness Directives completed

  • VOR pilot check within 30 days for IFR flights

  • 100 hr inspection current if for hire

  • Altimeter and Pitot Static system inspected every 24 months for IFR

  • Transponder inspected within the last 24 months

  • ELT inspected every 12 months Battery replaced after 1hr of use or 50% of useful battery life

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Next we're checking the visual condition of the aircraft.

 

  • As you walk up to the aircraft does it look ok?

  • Are there any oil leaks, flat tires, broken windows or big dents?

  • Check the engine oil and engine compartment for loose or frayed wires.

  • Make sure there's no critters living in there.

  • Dip the fuel tanks to confirm the available fuel for the flight.

  • Sump the fuel tanks and system drains for contaminates or water.

  • Confirm you have the correct color of fuel. 

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If anything is wrong at this point the issue needs to be addressed before going any further.

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Now we will dive into the pre flight inspection.

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Required Documents.

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ARROW

  • Airworthiness Certificate visible and valid

  • Registration visible and current

  • Radio License if flying out of the country

  • Operating Limitations POH on board or owners manual on older planes

  • Weight and Balance current and on board

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Listed below are some generic pre flight checks.

These may be different on your aircraft.

Complete the pre flight inspection according to your aircraft's POH

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  • With the mags off and keys on the glare shield turn on the master switch and turn on all exterior lights and inspect.

  • Check the stall switch and listen for the stall horn or look for light indication on instrument panel.

  • If equipped with pitot heat turn on and inspect pitot tube then turn off pitot heat.

  • Inspect fuel gauges for proper function then turn off lights.

  • Lower the flaps and turn off master switch.

 

​Start your walk around inspection from the door and go completely around the aircraft during the inspection.

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  • Check top bottom and sides of fuselage for cracks, dents, and loose rivets.

  • Check for missing screws on inspection covers.

  • Check condition of Radio, GPS, VOR, Transponder, ELT, and ILS antenna.

  • Check overall condition of empennage.

  • Look for cracks, dents, and loose rivets top, bottom, and sides.

  • Check Elevators and Rudder for ease of movement and condition.

  • Check mounting points of hinges. Look for missing bolts and locknuts.

  • Check control cable connections for condition and missing bolts or nuts.

  • Check overall condition of wings top and bottom.

  • Look for cracks, dents, loose or missing rivets.

  • Check for missing screws from inspection covers.

  • Check and wiggle flaps looking for excessive play.

  • Check flap tracks, hinges, and control cables or rods.

  • Check alerions for ease of movement.

  • Check hinges for missing bolts, nuts, cracks, and control rods.

  • See if wing tips are missing screws or are loose.

  • Remove the tiedown.

  • Give the wings a wiggle up and down to check for play or funny sounds.

  • It should move the entire aircraft and feel solid.

  • Check wheels, tires, brakes, brake lines, and landing gear.

  • Make sure wing struts are solidly attached.

  • Check the nose of the aircraft and nose gear.

  • Make sure the static port is free from debris.

  • Check cowling for missing or loose screws.

  • Check propeller spinner and propeller for nicks or cracks.

  • Check the air filter, front cowling, alternator belt, and visible engine cylinders. 

  • Inspect the remaining wing just like the other one and remove tiedown.

  • And if you haven't already inspect the pitot tube.

 

​Preform weight and balance calculations.

This step could be done at any point before the flight but make sure not to skip this step. You may not know exact weights of passengers and luggage until they arrive.

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I'm sure I've missed some things but hopefully this gives you a good starting point.

The main thing I stress is if there's a problem with the aircraft it's better to find it on the ground than in the sky. So be very through.

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