How to Preflight a Cessna 172

Before you fly you must do the visual inspection required before all flights to ensure that the airplane is safe for flying. There's actually more to it than meets the eye. Some pilots have gotten lazy over the years and either neglect this simple task just to save 10 minutes or have done such a cursory review that it was a waste of effort. Some have lived to tell the tale.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the cabin. Look for current A.R.R.O.W. and maintenance documents that are the airworthiness certificate, registration, radio operators licence, owner's manual also known as the POH, pilot operating handbook and weight and balance data. Make sure that check dates are within expiration for the recent; 100 hour engine time inspection, annual inspection, VOR inspection within the last 30 days, transponder inspection within the last 24 months, Emergency Landing Transmitter within last 12 months and Hobbs meter for current engine time.
2. Remove the control lock. Turn the ignition switch off. Ensure all electrical equipment is turned off. Make sure the propeller area is clear. Turn the master switch on. Turn master avionics on. Check fuel gauges. Turn on all lights (panel, landing, taxi, strobe, navigation) and walk around the plane and check. Turn off. Turn on pilot heat, check for warming, turn off. Lower flaps to 30 degrees. Master switch off. Turn off alternate static source. Set fuel selector valve to both. Check that the baggage door is securely closed and locked.
3. Do an empennage check. Remove the rudder gust lock from the tail. Look up and down both sides of the fuselage for damage. Remove tail tie down. Manually move the elevator up and down and check it's secure. Manually move rudder left and right. Check VOR antennas. Check that the elevation trim tab is deflected up or down according to cockpit setting.
4. Check the right wing. Make sure the flap is securely attached. Manually move aileron up and down. Check wing skin, wing tips and lights for damage. Untie wing tie down. Check main wheel tire pressure. Check that the brakes are secure. Check fuel sample from fuel tank sump for water. Check fuel quantity with calibrated measuring stick. Make sure that the fuel cap is securely reattached.
5. Go over the nose. Check that the oil level is between five to seven quarts. Check the fuel sample from strainer. Check fuel sample from belly quick drain. Check propeller and spinner for damage. Check that air intakes are free and open. Check carburettor air filter is clear. See that the landing light is secure. Check nose wheel is properly inflated and nose strut is hydraulically responsive to movement. Make sure that the static port is open.
6. Check the left wing. Check fuel quantity with calibrated measuring stick. Make sure the fuel cap is securely reattached. Check the main wheel tire pressure. Check brakes are secure. Check fuel sample from fuel tank sump for water. Check pilot tube and drain are clear. Check stall warning opening is free. Check fuel tank vent is clear. Untie wing tie down. Manually move aileron up and down. Flap should be securely attached. Check wing skin, wing tips and lights for damage.