|
How is a Good Preflight
Check Performed?
by Bill Cummings
From the East Valley Aviators, Apache Junction, Arizona
You might think this is a simple thing to do, but each time I'm at the field, I see mishaps that could have been avoided if the pilot would have only taken the time to make some routine checks. A good preflight check should start before your airplane is assembled. You should go through a meticulous check of all parts of the airplane before assembly, because some very important things cannot be accessed afterwards. Start at the front of the airplane and proceed to the rear.
1. Propeller/Spinner - Check the spinner for cracks, especially around the screw holes. A cracked spinner could come apart when the engine is started and injure you or someone standing close by. Also check the propeller for cracks and nicks. Propellers take a beating. A damaged propeller can be very dangerous if the blades come off at speed.
2. Throttle linkage - Check to make sure that the screws are secure and the pushrod (or cable) is firmly attached and not damaged.
3. Engine mount bolts - Make sure all bolts are present (obvious) and they are tight. Do not forget to check the bolts that hold the motor mount to the firewall!
4. Muffler - Check to make sure the muffler bolts are tight. Also check that the tailpiece is tight and will not rotate.
5. Firewall - Grasp the airplane by the propeller and fuselage, and rock back and forth to make sure the firewall is not loose.
6. Landing gear - Check the wheel collars and axles to make sure they are tight. Spin the wheels to make sure they rotate freely. If you have wheel pants, check that they are secure and tight. Check the landing gear attachment bolts to make sure they are tight.
|
|
|
|
7. Servos/Linkages - With the wing off (or through an access cover) check each servo to make sure the attachment screws are in place and tight. Check each control-rod linkage to make sure it is firmly attached and bolts, screws, and connectors are tight. While in this area, check any wire connections you have access to such as battery, switch. etc. You should also check wing-attachment points to make sure they are solid and tight.
8. Check the batteries with a load test-type checker. The batteries must remain in the safe zone even under load. If they do not, recharge before you fly. Make sure the load test meter is the proper type for the kind and number of cells you are testing. If you have mixed batteries in your airplane (for example a Lithium Ion on the receiver and NiMH on the ignition) it is a good idea to put a note on the charge jack as to type and size as a reminder for both charging and testing.
9. Horizontal stabilizer - Grasp and pull on the stabilizer to make sure it is attached solidly. Pull on the elevator (both halves) to make sure the hinges are tight. Check the control horn and the control rod to make sure they are attached solidly. Also check that you have a "safety device" (piece of fuel line) to make sure the linkage cannot come loose from the control horn. If you use flying wires, check to make sure they are tight.
10. Vertical stabilizer - Grasp and pull on the fin to make sure it is attached securely. Pull on the rudder to make sure the hinges are tight. Check the control horn and the control rod to make sure they are attached solidly. Also check that you have a "safety device" (piece of fuel line) to make sure the linkage cannot come loose from the control horn.
11. Antenna - If your antenna is accessible, check it for nicks or breaks.
Continued on Next Page
|
|
