Preflight check

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Crew during the pre-flight inspection

The pre-flight inspection (Engl. Preflight check ) includes the daily check of the technical condition of the aircraft prior to flight operations (check tour) and the start check before every flight, usually by the pilot. Depending on the aircraft type and crew size , the flight engineer or the on- board mechanic may also be responsible for the inspection tour .

Technical exam

The technical inspection of the aircraft ( tour ) is to be carried out with the help of a clear list ( checklist ) and can contain, for example, the following points:

  • Complete overview (changes in the structure, damage such as paint cracks, dents, folds in the covering or unusual waves in the sheet metal)
  • Check the rudder, flap and wing connections (connected and secured)
  • Rudder and flap control (common, non-positive, correctly connected)
  • Check for foreign bodies in mechanical parts, air outlets, air intake ports
  • Floor safeguards and covers removed
  • Tire condition and pressure, brakes
  • Propeller (cracks, seat, spinner firmly screwed on, possibly propeller adjustment)
  • Checking the fuel tank for condensate water (drainage sample)
  • Checking the engine (oil level, fairing, ignition equipment, exhaust system)

Start check

To distinguish from the preflight check is the start Check (engl. Runup check ) directly prior to rolling on the runway or latching the tow ( gliding ) is performed. It can consist of the following points:

  • Are the pilot and possibly passengers fastened tightly? Possibly. Emergency parachutes put on?
  • Is the hood or entrance door closed and locked?
  • Instrument controls and settings ( e.g. QNH or QFE altimeter )
  • Trim adjustment, implementation of the center of gravity and weight control (loading plan!)
    • Any necessary trim weights available / safely stowed? (Gliding)
    • Spurkuller removed? (Gliding)
  • Rudder and flap control (freely moving, flap adjustment , airbrakes locked)
  • Radio test, anti-collision light switched on, possibly transponder switched on, transponder frequency
  • Fuel quantity (calculation of temperature at cruising altitude, reserve), fuel tap open, fuel pump switched on if necessary
  • Engine check (oil temperature and pressure, cylinder head temperature, carburetor preheating , cooling air flap open, possibly ignition magnets, propeller adjustment and full throttle engine speed)
  • Checking the wind conditions (strength, direction)
  • Runway or take-off site as well as approach and take-off air space free?

example

For the model Piper PA-31T Cheyenne IIXL (without drive, without taxiing) 

PREFLIGHT CHECK - COCKPIT
Electrical Switches ................................... OFF
Avionics Master ....................................... OFF
Gear Handle .......................................... DOWN
Parking Brake ......................................... SET
Battery Master.......................................... ON
Flaps .................................. test to 15° and UP
Annunciator ....................................... CHECKED
Fuel Quantity ..................................... CHECKED
Gear Lights ................................... three green
Oxygen Pressure ................................... CHECKED
Oxygen Control ........................................ OFF
Battery Master ........................................ OFF
Trim ......................................... T/O position

history

Pre-flight checks were carried out even before the First World War . For example, the aviation pioneer Hellmuth Hirth wrote :

“I have made it my top priority to carefully check the kite every time before I climb it and not to rely on anyone. All wires, especially the vital ones, are checked to make sure that all fuses are intact, especially the control cables, and that the fabric covering is not damaged. [...] It is the first and foremost duty of every pilot to remain conscientious in this regard. "

- Hellmuth Hirth : My flight experiences

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ http://www.pilotline.ch/pilotenberuf_reportage_p4.html
  2. ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original from March 4, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www3.nd.edu
  3. ↑ Hellmuth Hirth: My flight experiences - 20,000 kilometers in the sea of ​​air. Adult edition, Ferd. Dümmlers, Berlin 1915.