Preflight Inspection

Essential Questions

• What is preflight inspection?• Why do we conduct a preflight inspection?• Why is it important to go in order of the

checklist?• What sorts of things am I looking for

specifically during the preflight inspection?• What should I do if I find something that is out

of the ordinary?

Who Preflights?

• we, Cessna pilots, preflight

Who Preflights?

• helicopters preflight

Who Preflights?

• airline pilots preflight

Who Preflights?

• yes, even the navy preflights… get used to it

Preflight Inspection

• The preflight inspection is an inspection that we perform on the plane before each and every flight to ensure the safety and correct operation of all aspects of the airplane.

• cover everything on plane• test systems and instruments• etc.

Preflight Inspection Diagram

Begin1. cabin2. tail3. right wing4. right fuel tank5. nose6. left fuel tank7. left wing8. more left wingEnd

Why do we conduct a preflight inspection?

• make sure airplane is 110% safe to fly• make sure everything is running normally and

correctly• test systems to ensure their operation is safe

for flight (engine, instruments, radios, etc.)

How to Conduct Preflight Inspection

• Remember:– do a good job– don’t rush– be thorough– DO NOT GO OUT OF ORDER; if anything is missed, it

may be unsafe– preflight inspection is one of the most important

phases of flight - don’t mess it up– when in doubt, check it again; once you’re sure,

check it again; once you’re positive, check it one more time

How to Conduct Preflight Inspection

• Categories of inspection– check - look at it and make sure it’s correct• ex. lights ………………… check - check to make sure lights

are functioning properly– on/off - turn switch on or off (as specified)• ex. master …………………… off - turn master off

– set - set it for takeoff• ex. all trim tabs ………………… set - set any trim tabs to

the takeoff setting

How to Conduct Preflight Inspectionsection of preflight in which v you are checking

^ specific thing you’re looking for

check for this on the ^ topic you’re looking at

All three of the above red boxes say that in the cabin, the master switch should be in the off position. This works the same way throughout the entire checklist.

What You’re Looking For

• the purpose of the preflight inspection is to ensure the plane is safe for flight; therefore, look for:– dents– holes– cracks– chips– anything that looks out of the ordinary

What To Do

• What if I find something that doesn’t look right?• TELL THE PIC (pilot in command) or any other

pilot of your flight• In this case, Rohan.• Anything that looks weird, feels weird, or is just

weird, tell PIC. If you have a feeling or you are doubtful of anything, let someone else know. There could be serious consequences for something that’s left unsaid.

Quiz Time!!

• Q: You’re conducting the preflight inspection and you see that one of the screws inside the engine cowling is missing. You know it’s not a major concern. What do you do?

A: Tell PIC/any other pilot

Quiz Time!!

• Q: You see a dent in the aileron that looks symmetrical that matches and is in the same place as another dent in the other aileron. Although the dents are questionable in size, you assume this is part of the design of the plane, so you ignore it and worry about it. Is this the best choice?

A: Absolutely not. It’s a dent and it looks and makes you suspicious, so you should definitely ask about it.

Quiz Time!!

• Q: As you’re checking the oil, you notice that it’s just barely above the 6 quarts line (the minimum is 6). Should you mention this to possibly add another quart of oil, or should you ignore it because the oil level is adequate and meets the requirement?A: Tell PIC/any other pilot

Quiz Time!!

• Q: As you’re checking the strut, tire, and brake of the right landing gear, you notice that the tire seems just a bit flat. It may just be you, or that the plane hasn’t been flying in 2 days and the weight temporarily flattened it. What should you do?A: Tell PIC/any other pilot - The tire pressure is supposed to be 29 PSI but it was only 15. Good call!

Essential Questions

• What is preflight inspection?• Why do we conduct a preflight inspection?• Why is it important to go in order of the

checklist?• What sorts of things am I looking for

specifically during the preflight inspection?• What should I do if I find something that is out

of the ordinary?

Any Questions?

• Email me any time at:• logan@centennialaviationclub.com