![]() He was quite surprised to find that the fabric really was torn. When I told my instructor, I'm sure he was expecting me to point out a bit of flaking paint, probably having experienced similar reactions from visiting British pilots in the past. The aircraft at the school I was flying from, although perfectly safe, were not as well maintained as many UK schools, and the paint was peeling off in places. The second time was my first (dual) flight in the USA, when I found a tear in the skin of the tailplane. ![]() The engineering department looked at it, and said that although it could be patched up quite easilly, it was illegal to use anything except the correct part, and it would take a week or more to order the part. One time I was checking the trim, when the trim handle came off in my hand. There have been two occassions when I haven't flown as a result of a pre-flight, both on Super Cubs. When checking myself, I prefer that things are dangling - well, depending on the circumstances of course! But I should get into the habit of leaving the fuel to settle for a while before checking it.ĪerBabe, the nothing dripping, nothing dangling check is for the aeroplane. Not a problem if I'm just re-fuelling at the end of the day, because it will be re-checked before the first flight of the next day. The temptation not to do the same each time, especially if the aeroplane has been recently flown (which is normally the case - if it ain't flying it ain't making money for someone!), makes it tempting to shorten the PFC to fuel and oil, thoughĮnglishal, very good point - I probably do check the fuel far too soon after re-fuelling. Trouble is, I have never found anything amiss (except the landing light, which seems standard). Someone will tell me I forgot something, I'm sure - that's why I have to use the check list! Can't do much about the rudder, except check the connecting cables are there. ![]() Quick look to see the aerials are not dangling, elevator full movement, and trim tab movement. Wheels, tyres, hydraulic leaks, static vent, spinner, alternator, and prop for nicks. Doesn't stop me flying VFR, day time, although I prefer to have them.Ĭheck the flaps, locking nuts, full aileron movement, fuel filler caps locked, after I've checked the contents (bit of a b*****r on the C172, though), and drawn some from the drains. A quick tap with the heel of my hand got that up and running though. Check all the lights are working - usually the landing light isn't and sometimes the nav lights don't. I always do much the same check, every time. ![]()
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