Preflight Procedure

 OBJECTIVE:

To introduce the student to flying and develop the student's skill and knowledge of preflight procedures.

ELEMENTS:

1.     Discussion on flying and what student wants to get out of training.

2.     Reasons for the inspection, items that should be inspected, and how defects are detected.

3.     Importance of using the appropriate checklist.

4.     How to determine fuel, oil, and hydraulic quantity, contamination, and leaks.

5.     Inspection of the flight controls. 

6.     Detection of visible structural damage.

7.     Removal of tie-downs, control locks, and wheel chocks.

8.     Removal of ice and frost.

9.     Importance of the proper loading and securing of baggage, cargo, and equipment.

10.  Use of sound judgment in determining whether the airplane is in condition for safe flight.

11.  Proper arranging and securing of essential materials and equipment in the cockpit.

12.  Proper and orderly maintenance of records that reflect the progress of the flight.

13.  Proper use/adjustment of such cockpit items as safety belts, shoulder harnesses, rudder pedals, and seats.

14.  Occupant briefing on emergency procedures and use of safety belts.

15.  Safety precautions related to engine starting

16.  Use of external power.

17.  Effect of atmospheric conditions on starting.

18.  Adjustment of engine controls during start.

19. Prevention of airplane movement during and after start.

Instruction's Actions:

PREFLIGHT:

·       Discuss lesson objective 

·       Discuss common student errors in performing the preflight.

·       Discuss the FAA's emphasis on safety including leaving all problems on the ground.

·       Coach student practice.

·       Evaluate student understanding of maneuver.

·       Critique student performance.

·      Answer student questions.

Student's Actions:

PREFLIGHT:

·       Discuss lesson objective.

·       Listens and takes notes.

·       Resolves Questions.

·       Practices the preflight as directed.

·       Answers questions posed by instructor.

·      Critiques own performance.

Common Errors:

1.     Failure to use or the improper use of checklist.

2.     Hazards which may result from allowing distractions to interrupt a visual inspection.

3.     Inability to recognize discrepancies.

4.     Failure to assure servicing with the proper fuel and oil.

5.     Failure to place and secure essential materials and equipment for easy access during flight.

6.     Failure to maintain accurate records essential to the progress of the flight.

7.     Improper adjustment of equipment and controls.

8.     Excessively high RPM after starting.

9.     Improper preheat of the engine during severe cold weather conditions.

10. Failure to assure proper clearance of the propeller.

LESSON PLAN NOTES:

Motivation:

1. The accomplishment of a safe flight begins with a careful preflight inspection.

2. This is the opportunity for the pilot to determine overall airworthiness of the aircraft.

Development:

1. A complete preflight includes inspecting the airplane’s logbooks for Annual & 100 Hour inspections, ADs, SBs, SAs, pitot/static (if IFR), transponder & ELT inspection, etc.

2. Visual inspection begins during walk up to plane

3. Damage, leaks, obstructions, ice, frost, and general condition

4. If below freezing, is aircraft preheated?

5. Reasons aircraft engines require preheat

6. Air-cooled - cooling is not as uniform as liquid cooled

7. Clearances need to be larger

8. Oil is thicker

9. Perform preflight inspection per POH

10. Perform a walk-around after preflight inspection is complete. Look for anything out of place.