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Preflight Procedures
5 maneuvers · 182 words
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  • Preflight assessment
    How this maneuver goes - Airplane Flying Handbook
    1. Confirm airworthiness — required inspections (annual, ADs) current and required documents aboard.
    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.
    4. Master ON: check fuel quantity, gauges, lights, flight instruments; master OFF.
    5. Walk around per the POH sequence — wings, tail, fuselage, control surfaces, attach points.
    6. Check fuel quantity/grade/quality — sump each drain for water; check oil; secure caps.
    7. Inspect gear, tires, brakes, struts; then engine, prop, spinner, cowling for leaks/security.
  • Flight deck 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.
  • Engine starting
    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.
    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.
    7. Confirm oil pressure rises within 30 seconds — shut down immediately if it doesn't.
  • 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 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.
    4. Run up to the specified rpm; check magnetos, carb heat, and engine instruments.
    5. Cycle the propeller; check ammeter/alternator and suction/vacuum as applicable.
    6. Set controls, trim, flaps, fuel selector, mixture, and avionics for takeoff.
    7. Check flight controls free and correct; complete the before-takeoff checklist.

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