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05.A. Preflight Inspection

The document outlines the key elements of performing a comprehensive preflight inspection of an aircraft. It discusses checking the airplane using the manufacturer's checklist, inspecting items both inside and outside the aircraft, knowing what to look for to detect any problems, ensuring the proper type and quantity of fuel and oil, checking for ice or frost, and securely loading any baggage or cargo. The goal of the preflight inspection is to determine if the airplane is airworthy and in a condition safe for flight.

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UDAYAPRAKASH RANGASAMY
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45 views

05.A. Preflight Inspection

The document outlines the key elements of performing a comprehensive preflight inspection of an aircraft. It discusses checking the airplane using the manufacturer's checklist, inspecting items both inside and outside the aircraft, knowing what to look for to detect any problems, ensuring the proper type and quantity of fuel and oil, checking for ice or frost, and securely loading any baggage or cargo. The goal of the preflight inspection is to determine if the airplane is airworthy and in a condition safe for flight.

Uploaded by

UDAYAPRAKASH RANGASAMY
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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V.A.

Preflight Inspection

References: AC 61-84; FAA-H-8083-3; FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM

Objectives The student should develop knowledge of the elements related to a comprehensive preflight
inspection. The student will understand what to look for during each part of the inspection and
have the ability to perform the preflight inspection as required by the checklist and the PTS.

Key Elements 1. DA20 Specific Checklist


2. Airworthiness and Safe
3. Fuel Grade and Contamination
4. Oil Level (4-6 Quarts)

Elements 1. Reasons for the Preflight Inspection


2. Checklist
3. The Preflight Overview
4. What to Inspect
5. Detecting Problems
6. Ice and Frost
7. Loading and Securing
8. Determining the Airplane is Safe

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives


2. Review material
3. Development
4. Conclusion

Equipment 1. White board and markers


2. References

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives


2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions
4. Assign homework

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion


2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion The student can perform a comprehensive preflight inspection, understanding what to look for
Standards at each part of the inspection. The student will be able to determine whether or not the
airplane is airworthy and in a condition for safe flight.
V.A. Preflight Inspection

Instructors Notes:

Introduction:
Attention
We don’t want to find a problem with the airplane while we’re in the air. For that reason, we go through a
relatively thorough preflight on the ground, allowing us to find and fix any problems before we get in the air
where things get much more difficult and dangerous.

Overview
Review Objectives and Elements/Key ideas

What
The preflight inspection is a thorough check of the airplane to ensure airworthiness and safety prior to flight.

Why
The accomplishment of safe flight begins with a careful preflight inspection. The preflight inspection
determines the airplane is legally airworthy, and that it is in condition for safe flight.

How:
1. Reasons for the Preflight Inspection
A. To determine the airplane has no obvious problems before taking off
2. Checklist
A. Each airplane has a specific preflight procedure designed by the manufacturer – Section 4 of the POH
i. Using a different checklist will result in missing equipment and confusion
ii. CE - Failure to use or the improper use of a checklist
a. Checklists ensure all necessary items for a specific airplane are checked in a logical sequence
b. They are not just a crutch for poor memory
B. Always have the checklist to be used as a reference to ensure everything is checked
C. CE - Hazards which may result from allowing distractions to interrupt a visual inspection
i. Distractions may result in missing items on the checklist or not recognizing a discrepancy
ii. If distracted, start at the beginning or repeat the preceding two or three items
3. The Preflight Overview
A. The preflight will logically move around the airplane in order to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight
B. It should begin while approaching the airplane on the ramp
i. Make a note of the appearance, looking for obvious problems
a. Gear out of alignment, structural distortion, skin damage, dripping fuel/oil leaks
C. Upon reaching the airplane, all Tie Downs, Control Locks, and Chocks should be removed
4. What to Inspect
A. Inside the Cockpit
i. Airworthiness - Required Documents (AROW)
ii. Logbooks – To ensure the required tests and inspections have been completed (*Not in the cockpit)
a. Annual, 100 hr, Static/Transponder/Altimeter (24 mo), ELT (12 mo), ADs are complied with
iii. Required equipment for the flight (EX: Mode C transponder in Class B/C Airspace, Instruments)
iv. Inspect the items inside the airplane (Instruments, Switches, Mixture, etc, as listed on the checklist)
B. Outside the Airplane
i. Inspect the items outside the airplane (Structure, Controls, Engine, Prop, Gear, Struts, everything)
ii. Defects are detected by following the checklist and looking for something wrong in each item

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V.A. Preflight Inspection

iii. CE - Inability to recognize discrepancies to determine airworthiness


a. Understand what you are looking at or for, and what is required to be safe/normal
5. Detecting Problems
A. Visible Structural Damage
i. Check for dents, cracks, tears which can affect airplane performance
a. The Diamond aircraft cannot be flown if a dent is found because of their construction
ii. Check for leaks/stains as they are signs of potential problems
iii. Look for missing rivets/bolts/etc.
iv. Inspect the propeller for nicks/cracks
B. Flight Controls
i. Ensure the flight controls move freely/correctly and are attached securely/properly
ii. Inspect the balance weights
iii. Check the flap movement and connection, etc.
C. Fuel Quantity and Contamination
i. Quantity – Confirm the fuel quantity indicated on the gauge by a visual inspection (DA20: Fuel stick)
a. Airplane attitude, gauge malfunctions, etc can result in incorrect readings
ii. Contamination
a. Type, Grade of Fuel – Critical to safe flight
 Looking for 100LL (AVGAS) – Blue with a familiar gasoline scent
 Jet-A is clear, has a kerosene scent, and disastrous effects when in reciprocating engines
a The engine will be destroyed from detonation
1. Detonation – The uncontrolled explosive combustion of the fuel/air mixture in the
cylinder’s combustion chamber
b Refueling trucks are marked with JET-A placards
 Supervise fueling to ensure the right type, and grade of fuel and the fuel caps are in place
 Never substitute a lower grade of fuel for a required higher grade (Detonation will result)
a 80 is Red; 100LL is Blue; 100 is Green; Jet Fuel is Clear
b. Water and Other Sediment – Usually from condensation in partially filled tanks or bad seals
a Water is heavier than fuel and therefore accumulates in the low points
b Prevented by minimizing the opportunity for condensation – keep the tanks full
 Sediment can arise from dust/dirt entering the tanks
c. Checking the Grade and Removing the Water and Other Contamination
 Drain the fuel from the gascolator/tanks checking for color/smell/water/contamination
a If water/contaminants are found continue draining until they have been removed
D. Oil Quantity and Contamination
i. Check the oil level on the oil dip stick to ensure it is at an acceptable amount (4-6 quarts)
a. The plane will use a small amount each flight, if a large amount is used there may be a problem
ii. Contamination can be detected by any discoloration
E. CE - Failure to ensure servicing with the proper fuel and oil
i. Always drain a sample of fuel and ensure the correct fuel is being put into the airplane
ii. When adding oil, ensure it is the type called for in the POH
F. Leaks (Fuel, Oil, Hydraulic)
i. Check to see there are no leaks under the airplane, inside the cowling, or on the wheel struts
a. The fuel vent may appear to be a leak, but allows air into the tank/vents excess fuel
6. Ice and Frost
A. Small amounts of ice/frost can disrupt the airflow over the wing, increasing stall speed and reducing lift
B. Do not fly unless the ice/frost is removed from the airfoils

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V.A. Preflight Inspection

i. Heated hangar, spraying deicing compounds, scraping it off


7. Loading and Securing (Baggage, Equipment, Cargo)
A. Ensure everything is in its place and secure, you do not want items flying around in flight (turbulence)
i. CG could be affected if items are moving during flight
ii. Movement of heavy items could damage the aircraft
B. CE - Failure to ensure proper loading and securing of baggage, cargo, and equipment
8. Determining the Airplane is Safe
A. Note any discrepancies during the preflight and make sound judgments
i. PIC is responsible for determining the airplane is airworthy and safe
a. If you have doubt, ask someone with more experience
ii. Don’t attempt a flight if you are uncomfortable or not completely satisfied the airplane is safe

Common Errors:
 Failure to use or the improper use of a checklist
 Hazards which may result from allowing distractions to interrupt a visual inspection
 Inability to recognize discrepancies to determine airworthiness
 Failure to ensure servicing with the proper fuel and oil
 Failure to ensure proper loading and securing of baggage, cargo, and equipment

Conclusion:
Brief review of the main points
A safe flight begins with a thorough preflight as prescribed in the airplane’s POH. This preflight inspection
ensures the airplane is both airworthy and safe for flight.

PTS:
PRIVATE
To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to preflight inspection. This shall include which items must
be inspected, the reasons for checking each item, and how to detect possible defects.
2. Inspects the airplane with reference to an appropriate checklist.
3. Verifies the airplane is in condition for safe flight.

COMMERCIAL
To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to preflight inspection. This shall include which items must
be inspected, the reasons for checking each item, and how to detect possible defects.
2. Inspects the airplane with reference to an appropriate checklist.
3. Verifies that the airplane is in condition for safe flight.

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