How to Pre Flight an Aircraft
Use a preflight checklist if you have one., Begin your preflight in the cockpit, since before flying, you will need to make sure all cockpit equipment is operating, and the fuel tanks have sufficient fuel for your flight., Exit the aircraft., Walk...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Use a preflight checklist if you have one.
Many rental or fleet aircraft have one which may have all recent service, inspection, and maintenance information updated for each aircraft.
Here are some things you may see:
Flight hours.
Because aircraft maintenance is usually scheduled at flight hour intervals, the actual hours flown are logged to accommodate scheduling service dates for these activities.
Pilot observations.
When more than one pilot is likely to operate an aircraft, it is beneficial to have input from each pilot as to the flight characteristics of the plane.
One pilot may notice a vibration, shudder, or other physical anomaly, or unusual readouts from gauges while in flight, that the next pilot should be aware of.
Service schedule.
If a component (airframe, engine, etc) has a scheduled 100 hrs inspection due after 5 more flight hours, a longer flight could be postponed until the service is performed, or another aircraft utilized. -
Step 2: Begin your preflight in the cockpit
Make sure the aircraft registration, certification, and other paperwork is in the cabin and up to date.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the off position.
Turn on the master power switch.
Check the fuel gauges.
If the fuel is low, call for the service truck to bring your fuel out while you continue to do the rest of your checks.
Listen to the sounds of equipment powering on.
Radio cooling fans, instrument gyros, and other equipment make noticeable sounds, and when unusual sounds are heard, it may be a warning an instrument or radio could fail in-flight.
Check flaps, landing gear lockdown levers, and other flight controllers for smooth, normal function. , As you climb out of the cabin, take a look at the seat support rails (on small aircraft) to make sure the seat is anchored securely and all fasteners are in place.
Check the cabin door to be sure it operates smoothly and shuts securely.
Worn hinges or latches that do not secure properly can cause an inflight emergency.
If the door does not move smoothly into open and closed positions, it may indicate the airframe and internal structure are damaged. ,, Look at the flight control surfaces, flaps, and ailerons.
Make sure that items are secure and have no loose fasteners. , Replace the fuel cap securely. ,, Continue looking at the aircraft surface.
Be particularly careful to observe defects or loose fasteners in the aircraft surface. , While at the tail, you may remove the wheel chock or tail tie-down.
Look at the elevators and the rudder.
As with all control surfaces, these should be tight, with no loose motion or free play. , Give the gear suspension a once-over, too, making sure any boots or covers are in place, and that all support cables are tight. , Remove the fuel cap and look into the tank to be sure it is fueled, replace the tank cap securely, and check out the control surfaces (again, the ailerons and flaps). ,, Look at the alternator belt to make sure it is tight, and the air intake to be sure it is not obstructed. , Never place your body in the swing radius of an airplane propeller.
Check the "spinner" for lubricant leaks, missing bolts and pins, or other problems.
Look at the propeller itself, to be sure the blades are not cracked, bent, delaminated, or damaged in other ways. , Any leaks or appearance of fluid on the aircraft skin should be inspected by a trained maintenance person prior to flight. , Look for loose fittings, tires which may have tread separation, low inflation pressure, and other defects. , -
Step 3: since before flying
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Step 4: you will need to make sure all cockpit equipment is operating
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Step 5: and the fuel tanks have sufficient fuel for your flight.
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Step 6: Exit the aircraft.
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Step 7: Walk around the aircraft
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Step 8: looking for damage cause by impacts or cracks and seams separating from airframe fatigue
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Step 9: hard landings
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Step 10: or other mishaps.
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Step 11: Begin at the right wing
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Step 12: after exiting the aircraft
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Step 13: and look at the forward wing surface for nicks
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Step 14: loose fasteners
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Step 15: or other damage.
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Step 16: Remove the fuel cap (for wing fuel tanks) and visually confirm they have sufficient fuel to make your flight.
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Step 17: Check stall indicator (depending on which wing it is mounted on)
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Step 18: struts
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Step 19: if applicable
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Step 20: and other features on the right wing.
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Step 21: Move down the right side of the aircraft.
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Step 22: Move to the tail assembly.
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Step 23: Look at the antennae assembly
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Step 24: which is usually located at the tail
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Step 25: as well as the tail wheel
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Step 26: to be sure no lubricants or brake fluid is leaking
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Step 27: and that the tire is properly inflated.
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Step 28: Move to the opposite side of the aircraft
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Step 29: continuing to look over the aircraft skin to the wing.
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Step 30: Move to the front of the aircraft and look at the exhaust; looking for oil blow-out and other damage.
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Step 31: Check the engine oil
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Step 32: the ignition wires
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Step 33: magneto electrical connections
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Step 34: and the fuel lines and other hoses to be sure they are seated properly and tightly clamped.
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Step 35: Move to the propeller.
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Step 36: Check for fuel or lubricant leaks around the engine compartment
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Step 37: cowling
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Step 38: and fuel tank locations.
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Step 39: Take a look at the wheels
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Step 40: landing gear
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Step 41: and landing gear compartment doors.
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Step 42: Remove the wing tie downs and wheel chocks
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Step 43: walk to the front of the aircraft
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Step 44: and take a long
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Step 45: careful look to make sure you have not overlooked anything.
Detailed Guide
Many rental or fleet aircraft have one which may have all recent service, inspection, and maintenance information updated for each aircraft.
Here are some things you may see:
Flight hours.
Because aircraft maintenance is usually scheduled at flight hour intervals, the actual hours flown are logged to accommodate scheduling service dates for these activities.
Pilot observations.
When more than one pilot is likely to operate an aircraft, it is beneficial to have input from each pilot as to the flight characteristics of the plane.
One pilot may notice a vibration, shudder, or other physical anomaly, or unusual readouts from gauges while in flight, that the next pilot should be aware of.
Service schedule.
If a component (airframe, engine, etc) has a scheduled 100 hrs inspection due after 5 more flight hours, a longer flight could be postponed until the service is performed, or another aircraft utilized.
Make sure the aircraft registration, certification, and other paperwork is in the cabin and up to date.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the off position.
Turn on the master power switch.
Check the fuel gauges.
If the fuel is low, call for the service truck to bring your fuel out while you continue to do the rest of your checks.
Listen to the sounds of equipment powering on.
Radio cooling fans, instrument gyros, and other equipment make noticeable sounds, and when unusual sounds are heard, it may be a warning an instrument or radio could fail in-flight.
Check flaps, landing gear lockdown levers, and other flight controllers for smooth, normal function. , As you climb out of the cabin, take a look at the seat support rails (on small aircraft) to make sure the seat is anchored securely and all fasteners are in place.
Check the cabin door to be sure it operates smoothly and shuts securely.
Worn hinges or latches that do not secure properly can cause an inflight emergency.
If the door does not move smoothly into open and closed positions, it may indicate the airframe and internal structure are damaged. ,, Look at the flight control surfaces, flaps, and ailerons.
Make sure that items are secure and have no loose fasteners. , Replace the fuel cap securely. ,, Continue looking at the aircraft surface.
Be particularly careful to observe defects or loose fasteners in the aircraft surface. , While at the tail, you may remove the wheel chock or tail tie-down.
Look at the elevators and the rudder.
As with all control surfaces, these should be tight, with no loose motion or free play. , Give the gear suspension a once-over, too, making sure any boots or covers are in place, and that all support cables are tight. , Remove the fuel cap and look into the tank to be sure it is fueled, replace the tank cap securely, and check out the control surfaces (again, the ailerons and flaps). ,, Look at the alternator belt to make sure it is tight, and the air intake to be sure it is not obstructed. , Never place your body in the swing radius of an airplane propeller.
Check the "spinner" for lubricant leaks, missing bolts and pins, or other problems.
Look at the propeller itself, to be sure the blades are not cracked, bent, delaminated, or damaged in other ways. , Any leaks or appearance of fluid on the aircraft skin should be inspected by a trained maintenance person prior to flight. , Look for loose fittings, tires which may have tread separation, low inflation pressure, and other defects. ,
About the Author
Lori Cox
Lori Cox has dedicated 9 years to mastering lifestyle and practical guides. As a content creator, Lori focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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