Safety Checks - Pre Flight
- Check the oil dipstick.
- Actually remove the gas caps and stick your finger in to see if they are topped off.
- Check all hinges that attach things to the tail and wing structures.
- Check for fatigue cracks.
- Chocks.
- Check and drain a cup of fuel and inspect for water.
- Check for oil and brake fluid leakage.
- Check the weather.
- File a VFR of IFR Flight Plan.
- Visit the FSS for updates on navigation equipment, pilot reports, etc.
- Are you rested?
- Make sure all control surfaces have immobilizers removed.
- Check, for example, are there any bird's nests that are are under your cowling.
- While under the engine cowling check for loose wires, leaks of any kind, loose parts or accessories.
- Be sure and close the cowling attachments after inspecting.
- Pitot tube okay? If covered, did you remove the cover?
- Running lights okay? Strobe? Operate them to make sure.
- Aerials. Cracked? Missing? Bent?
- Propeller. Nicks, gouges, tip broken off, loose?
This is a possible complete outer inspection. Help me out and add to the listed items. Everything helps for safety.
Start a list of Cockpit Checks. It's a lifesaver.
