Pre-flight Inspection

Pre-Flight Inespection

The visual inspection or walk around is done by the pilot as the final airworthiness check.

In this section we describe were and what to look for when inspecting your aircraft. Any pilot who has build an aircraft will look much deeper and further than normally is required.

There are number of items that need to be checked on the exterior of the aircraft during the walk around:

 ·Cabin

 ·Nose and engine

 ·Right wing trailing edge, wingtip and leading edge

 ·Plane Tail

 ·Left wing leading edge, wingtip and trailing edge

Cabin and Cockpit

In the cabin we need to check for a number of items, most importantly are papers like: the pilot operating handbook or aircraft flight manual, Wight and balance and insurance. Check the movement of the stick/yoke and listen for any odd sounds and check if elevator/ailerons move in the correct direction without problems.

Nose & Engine

Remove the cowlings if you can and check for something loose or event missing, inspect de fan and the oil engine level.

Right wing trailing edge, wingtip and leading edge

The flaps are now in the full down position, this gives us the change to inspect the tracks they move in. Visually look over the wing for dents or wrinkled skins or fuel stains. Proceed towards the wingtip inspecting the aileron.

Tail Plane
Check the trim tab and rudder hinges for any flutter, take a good look at rudder stops and rudder cables. Verify that farings are attached properly with all screws in place.
Verify the marker beacon and the VOR antenna and take a look at the underside.

Left wing leading edge, wingtip and trailing edge
Visually look over the wing for dents or wrinkled skin. Proceed from the root towars the wingtip inspecting  the leading edge.
Make sure the wingtip is firmly attached to the wing.