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Preflight Procedures
5 maneuvers · 93 words
Pre-Solo
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  • Preflight inspection
    How this maneuver goes - Airplane Flying Handbook
    1. Confirm airworthiness — required inspections (annual, ADs) current and required documents aboard. `[verify POH]`
    2. Note the airplane's general condition on approach — damage, misalignment, fuel/oil stains.
    3. Check the cabin — doors, seats/rails, belts/harnesses; set switches, controls, trim, breakers for inspection. `[verify POH]`
    4. Master ON: check fuel quantity, gauges, lights, flight instruments; master OFF. `[verify POH]`
    5. Walk around per the POH sequence — wings, tail, fuselage, control surfaces, attach points. `[verify POH]`
    6. Check fuel quantity/grade/quality — sump each drain for water; check oil; secure caps. `[verify POH]`
    7. Inspect gear, tires, brakes, struts; then engine, prop, spinner, cowling for leaks/security. `[verify POH]`
  • Cockpit management
    How this maneuver goes - Airplane Flying Handbook
    1. Adjust and lock the seat; secure belt and shoulder harness before starting.
    2. Stow and secure loose items so nothing can jam the controls.
    3. Organize charts, checklists, and equipment within reach, in order of use.
    4. Brief occupants on seatbelts, doors, and sterile-cockpit expectations.
    5. Confirm doors and windows latched.
    6. Set radios, avionics, and instruments for the phase of flight. `[verify POH]`
  • Engine start
    How this maneuver goes - Airplane Flying Handbook
    1. Confirm the ramp ahead and behind is clear of people, equipment, and hazards.
    2. Anti-collision lights ON (position lights ON at night).
    3. Set fuel, mixture, throttle, and switches to the start configuration. `[verify POH]`
    4. Hold brakes, hand on throttle, call "CLEAR," and wait for a response.
    5. Engage the starter — crank no more than 30 seconds, then let it cool before retrying.
    6. After start, set ~1,000 rpm to warm up. `[verify POH]`
    7. Confirm oil pressure rises within 30 seconds — shut down immediately if it doesn't. `[verify POH]`
  • Taxiing
    How this maneuver goes - Airplane Flying Handbook
    1. Have the airport diagram out and review the full taxi route before moving.
    2. Test the brakes as soon as the airplane begins to roll.
    3. Steer with the rudder pedals (nosewheel); use power/brakes only to control speed.
    4. Keep speed slow — throttle to idle before braking, so closing the throttle stops you promptly.
    5. Keep centered on the taxiway line; scan near and far for traffic and obstructions.
    6. Slow before turns to avoid side loads or a ground loop.
    7. Set ailerons for the wind — quartering headwind: upwind aileron up; quartering tailwind: upwind aileron down, elevator down.
  • Before-takeoff (run-up) check
    How this maneuver goes - Airplane Flying Handbook
    1. Position into the wind on a firm, clear surface, away from other aircraft.
    2. Roll forward slightly to straighten the nosewheel, then set the brakes.
    3. Confirm oil temp/pressure in the normal range before applying high power. `[verify POH]`
    4. Run up to the specified rpm; check magnetos, carb heat, and engine instruments. `[verify POH]`
    5. Cycle the propeller; check ammeter/alternator and suction/vacuum as applicable. `[verify POH]`
    6. Set controls, trim, flaps, fuel selector, mixture, and avionics for takeoff. `[verify POH]`
    7. Check flight controls free and correct; complete the before-takeoff checklist. `[verify POH]`

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A flight instructor on the ramp pointing something out to a student pilot beside a parked aircraft.