3 Things I Do Beyond The Checklist - Day 24 of The 31 Day Safer Pilot Challenge
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 січ 2024
- Welcome to Day 24 of The 31 Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2024.
Today we look at what can be done beyond the checklist to make safer, smarter pilots.
Take a free trial of our #1 Rated Online Ground School
mzeroa.lpages.co/ground-schoo...
Something I do that I see so few students do (and a lot of certificated pilots and instructors) is to really go hands on with the airplane during the walk around. I worked in the navy fighter community on F-14s and F-18s for a decade and one thing we always learned to do was touch and feel the airplane to see what she tells you. Looking alone will not always tell you every thing. Twist some screws for tightness, juggle a cotter key to make sure it's not on the verge of shearing off during vibration. Actually push on a tire to see how low it really is. These airplanes are meant to be touched and so many things will not reveal themselves with a simple cursory glance. Go hands on with your plane. Move the control surfaces by hand so you can really get a sense or freedom of motion. If there's a catch or a binding spot, you'll feel it. But not if you're afraid to touch it. Take the time to really feel what your airplane is telling you.
I was a plane captain on F-4s at Miramar 74-77. I concur. Went on to be an FE on P-3s for 19 years. Good times!
So good! Excellent addition to the list thank you!
24-4-24! My instructor and I always do the 'roll.' It's not on any of the checklists I've used, but once ext and int preflight are done, we roll the plane forward a foot or so to check the undersides of all three tires. More than once we've found a flat spot that was all the way down to the white lines.
24 for 24. I slow down and am mindful of checklist discipline. I fly a jet for work, fixed wing GA for fun, and just started training in helicopters. At the end of my most recent fixed wing flight review the CFI said, "work on memorizing the checklist in flows so you can get them done faster." After thinking about that I thought, "no, I fly multiple different aircraft so I'm going to be checklist reliant."
24/24! “Going potty” is always the last item of my checklist just before final walk around!😂😂😂
Same!! 😂
SAME!!!
Definitely agree with the "dummy check". I do the same after putting the plane away and returning the keys to the club. I walk back to the plane and give it one last look before leaving the airport.
24 for 24. Last thing I do after cruise checklist is turn it to my emergency section.
I also do the chock and tow bar checks. If the tow bar is on the plane it is in my hand. I never let it go
1. Check all the nuts n bolts by going through touching them if its not loose or anything 2. Sit down at the tailplane and look beneath the whole belly of the aircraft for damage n symmetry of aircraft surface 3. Cleaning windshield as the end as my personal checklist item 4. In dummy check look for if cowling hood is rightly correctly closed
24/24, good advice. I fly a PA-28 from my old school. I’ve gotten in a habit of pulling the plane forward to check the complete condition of the tires. We’ve went out before and the plane had flat spots all the way to the cords from a student on the brakes incorrectly. So, I always pull the plane forward enough to see all three tires in their entirety. Also, we had an instance where an instructor and student came in and a main link broke at the knuckle(this particular landing wasn’t hard according to the instructor). Anyway, I always look over the main links closely with a light as part of my outside preflight.
24/4/24 N177VC. I repeat to myself “Think like a commercial pilot” to get myself properly focused - taxi on center line, no distractions, focus on situational awareness, both on ground traffic and listening to radio for airport traffic. I’m in a pilot controlled airport.
Chocks….now as soon as the line guy gets done putting fuel in it now….i pull the chocks…I’ll never forget again now!!
24 for 24 here. I like to use the Japanese Shisa Kanko method. It’s where you point and call out the thing you are checking. By adding a physical action to the thing you are checking, your mind will easily remember whether you actually checked the item or not. I’ll use the dummy check the next time I fly to double check my work the next time.
Thanks Ben. I've started using the Shisa Kanko method when doing pre-landing checks. It really works. Here's a useful video for anyone who's interested: ua-cam.com/video/9LmdUz3rOQU/v-deo.htmlsi=zHB8azBtRTnvaJ27
24 for 24, Jason! "The dummy check" is the most important item on the checklist. It gives you a second chance to verify every thing you just checked. It saved my iPad once because I left it sitting on the co-pilot side of the wing. Another pre-flight item I added to my planes checklist - especially in the world of EFB's, a spare battery pack for the ipad or phone. Sometimes, it's not enough to rely on ships power for your tech and an extra power source is absolutely necessary for a long cross country.
24 for 24! Great videos, MzeroA! This isn't necessarily a preflight check item, but I never put on my headset until after I've started the plane. These new headsets are really good at blocking out the noise. Which is great inflight - but I need to hear my engine and listen for any abnormalities during start. It's also important for me to hear any warnings from someone outside the plane that may be seeing something I can't. What if there's an unexpected obstruction? What if there's smoke?
Very good advisement. I usually wait until l’m in air before I turn on the noise canceling on my headset.
Checking tire pressure (with gauge). Removing the chocks. Doing the "roll" check for all tires. Break system pipes for leaks. Look for "fraying" on surface control's wires. Making sure the oil check compartment door is closed. Making sure after sump, there are no leaks. Sometimes, make sure you brought the flight log book too or is the walk of shame back to the office.
I rent aircraft about once a week. The first thing I do is check the fuel tanks, so the FBO can get a fuel truck rolling if needed while I take care of other aspects of the preflight and I'm not delayed on a flight-planned departure time. The last thing I do (and I tell my passengers to do) is to go to the restroom, because there isn't one on a plane this size!
24 for 24! I am a student pilot, and I try to always be very rigorous with each section of the checklist. An additional check I perform beyond the checklists is the main landing gear wheel brake system pipes, as I have found small fluid leaks due to loose nuts. Currently in my training I fly almost only a C-150. Many thanks Jason and the community for all you share, I find it a great help in my study.
In ForeFlight, I have an "en route checklist" under the checklist tab that is a quick reference text listing of every temp, pressure, rpm, or speed, as well as their normal ranges, for the plane. No racking your brain, no digging through the manual. Instant answer.
Another great video. I do check the color and quantity of the oil, I visually check the fuel sumps AND I smell the fuel. You would never know if Jet A fuel, which is clear or straw color, was added by mistake. It may slight change the ‘blue’ color that you’ll never notice, but your nose should pick up on that Kerosene smell. Lastly, before start, I visually check the fuel caps to ensure I did replace them and turned to the appropriate ‘locked’ position.
24/24...The dummy walk for me can be a life saver, it should be a must do for any smart, safe pilot.
24/24✈️ great lesson Jason. As an owner. I have to be even more diligent. It easy to become complacent. Treat every preflight like you are renting and stay focused. When I rented. I doubled and triple checked😂. Stay safe!
Absolutely correct!👍
As owners we are often the only people flying the plane. Stuff can happen - especially out on the ramp. There is no one else to find the problems! Preflight on your own airplane is arguably more important than in a rental!!
@@jeffconstantine4341 I agree. I have developed a preflight for my plane that is much more detailed then the poh. But as an owner I also know how my plane has been flown and maintained. Beyond a review of the logs, it is sometimes questionable how rental planes are flown and treated. So when I have rented I even contact the A & P of the plane if I am taking passengers.
24 for 24. Not a pilot yet, but learning as much as I can! Thank you!
24 for 24!
Great tips!!
#1 ALWAYS PRAY 🙏 b4 startup!!!
You will be glad you did!!!!
ET
24for24 a dummy check is a definite must
Over 20 yrs ago now, when I first got a hangar for my Beech… started taxiing with the tow bar still on the front wheel! Luckily some people saw it and flagged be to stop!
I learned that one time to NEVER take my hand off the tow bar! I always take it with me if I stop towing the airplane, even if just for a minute…
I use this memory item for my C172 IFR training “CFI TM” (think it as CFI trademark), C is for checklists, F for frequencies, I for instruments (it includes the flight plan/approach) T for timer (I always forget it) M for missed approach/minimums (basically a reminder for briefing every approach). Thank you for your amazing content Jason!
24 for 24! Going beyond the checklist, in high wings I raise the wing in the direction of the turn before committing to check for traffic; in low wings, I lower the wing. I would rather see something coming my way than have it suddenly be on top of me.
In addition to the preflight, I also add a post-flight dummy check before leaving the ramp: master off, keys removed, doors latched, plane secured, etc. Would be embarrassed to admit how many times that’s saved me.
Excellent again
24 for 24. 😊 Jason, thank you for yet another useful video. One of my favorite things about it was the priceless expression on your face when you said, regarding cold starts, "..It isn't gonna start..." That was perfect. I learned to fly in Fairbanks, AK, and Anchorage so many years ago and that comment brought back some funny (and not so funny 😮) memories. Thank you for being so wonderfully generous with your knowledge and importantly your _time_ .🙏
All caught up. 24 for 24. I like reading through all the comments. Great idea Jason! My comments are more how I handle the checklist rather to ensure they are done that going beyond the checklist. I primarily fly a Cessna 182P and V35 Bonanza. I like using the GUMPS check.
G - Gas on fullest tank
U - Undercarriage down
M - Mixture full rich
P - Full forward
S - Seatbelts/Switches: fastened/landing lights on
I also like DTCIGARS - quick and efficient way of ensuring everything is done prior to takeoff. It covers most if not all which can get you pilots into trouble.
D - Doors Closed
T - Trim set
C - Control surfaces
I - Instruments (GPS, radios, barometric pressure, transponder 10:00 10:00 )
G - Gas on fullest tank
A - Altimeter
R - Radios
S - Seatbelts/ switches (lights)
Lastly, after landing I use.
Flaps, flaps, lights, lean, trim, transponder.
Flaps - retract
Flaps - open cowl flaps
Lights - turn off
Lean - for taxi
Trim - rest trim for takeoff
Transponder (1200)
All just technique, but a quick and thorough way to cover important items.
Another great video Jason! 24-24
24 of 24! While I never called it the dummy check, I always do a final walk around to see / touch / feel everything I went through on preflight.
24 for 24!
Just taking a step back, before and after, and looking at the aircraft.
I have not done the “dummy” thing as a student pilot yet. But as a truck driver, I’ve forgotten to latch one side of hood, and forgot a fuel cap, and made sure the roll up door was latched and locked (just wasn’t latched properly closed). So I’m getting slower and double checking my walk arounds more and more.
24/24 great ideas
24 for 24 - Current plane is a DA40NG - checking static ports is not on the list. Also, based on a fractured spinner bulkhead on a PA28 years ago, I look all around where the spinner mounts for cracks. And big thumbs up on the dummy check. Great way to avoid chocks (I've done it), tow bars (haven't done it yet), tie downs, etc. Also, during the dummy check, I try to just step back and look at the plane for anything odd.
24 for 24: I am grateful I had a good CFI for my Private Pilot training. He showed me the importance of checking both quantity and quality of oil. He also showed me the "Dummy Check" just a different variation. I kneel down at the front of the airplane about 10 feet in front of the spinner and scan under the belly from wingtip to wingtip. Then as I enter the plane, a piper Cherokee 6 (I learned in a tomahawk) I scan the top of the aircraft. Now for the story of the step in the checklist I missed: I flew up to visit visit and have lunch with family in Graham, TX. After lunch am departing the airport on a hot Texas summer day. I taxi with the door propped open. And yes, you guessed it, I forgot to shut it prior to takeoff. Now had I jut held it open on taxi during takeoff it would have shut on its own. I, however, had a big block lego I used to keep the door open on taxi still wedged in there. So I reduced throttle to idle, taxied back then made sure to properly secure the door prior to takeoff. SO MANY PEOPLE WITNESSED THIS.........hahahahaA good pilot is always learning!!!!hahaha
24 for 24! I fly a C172. My extra list includes: 1) I always check to confirm that the fuel caps are secure. Even after I've checked the level of fuel. I'll still touch them one more time. I've heard too many stories about this. 2) I always check the oil twice to be sure I read it properly and do examine the quality of the oil. 3) After I have completed the preflight walk around, I stand in front of the plane and scan the entire plane. I then go to the back and do the same thing. I'm looking at the fuel caps, making sure the tow bar is off, etc. (I guess it's my version of the dummy check). 4) In cold weather, we always preheat the engine for at least 30 minutes before starting. It makes starting so much easier. 5) Post flight, we always try to leave the seat belts latched and laying across the seat. It makes for a clean environment when you enter the plane and gives a level of professionalism to passengers. If I'm flying by myself, I confirm that the passenger seat seat belt is laying across the seat and latched. I've pulled the plane out of the hanger before and found the passenger seat belt hanging out of the door.
24 for 24 - More great stuff from MzeroA!
Thanks Jason! I always do a FINAL walk around and then a FINAL FINAL walkaround!
Above and Beyond! 24/24!
Removing tow bar whenever you stop to do your preflight. It’s easy to forget because you can’t see it from the pilot/copilot seat. I once taxied across the tie down area and after shutting down and stopping I realized I had left the tow bar on. It had just slid along and didn’t touch the prop or damaged the tow bar but imagine if it had been pushed up by a tar strip or stone/debris and contacted the prop. That lesson stuck. And I shared it with the others on the airport and heard at least three others saying they had done the same at some point. One of them ended up paying for an IRAN of his engine and replacement of his prop as a result. It takes ten seconds to remove the pull bar and place it outside the lateral wheel track when you stop. Small inconvenience to save a fortune in possible repair, time and embarrassment.
24/24! I always walk around the airplane without the checklist. Helps me not missing the tail tie down, the charger plug, the leak, etc. Look at the whole, then get to the details.
24/24, ready for more
24 for 24! A couple of things I do beyond the checklist is to 1. check that the cotter pins are present and in good shape on the main wheels - HOPEFULLY preventing loosing a wheel. 2. This time of year in WI, I always kick the tires to make sure the brakes are not frozen.
Thanks Jason , extra special video today ! !
24-4-24! Love these videos!👍🏼
24 for 24 done. 👍🏼 In my experience it is a good practice also to perform those same beyond the checklist inspections you mentioned after you land, refuel and park the aircraft. Sometimes you find things after a flight that are better found then I have taken care of before the next flight.
24/24. I love the "Dummy Check" idea!
24-4-24 in 2024 🎉🎉. The “dummy check” is an smart idea and this is how it should be done!
24 for 24! I really enjoy your videos Jason! Keep up the good work.
24 for 24 from Hungary.
The most commonly forgotten thing for me is the Pitot tube cover, just like you Jason with the oil door - strapped in, headset on, I look out the left window and there it is...
But the most embarrassing thing for me was that 1 time when I left the folder with all the aircraft documents on the horizontal stabilizer - startup blew it right off with the documents flying all around the apron - luckily all survived the incident. What made it double embarrassing is that I was with passengers...
Anyway, to your question, the extra things I do during preflight which are not part of the checklist:
1. knock on the underside of the fuselage while walking back towards the tail - if any of the elevator or rudder cables are about to or already came loose or disconnected, I'd immediately hear the rattling of the components
2. knock on the wing support (Cessna 152/172) to ensure it's not about to fall off
3. (after carefully checking that it is clean) suck on the stall warning horn to ensure it is actually working
24 for 24. I make personal notes for items I need to remember that aren't on the checklist but the instructor has to occasionally remind me of. Helps cut down on those red-faced moments.
24 for 24. One thing I do is I walk out to the front of the plane and scan the lines of the plane from wing down to the gear and back up across etc. That way I make sure I didn’t forget anything and it gives me an opportunity to really stop and look at the plane and focus on what I’m about to do.
Whenever I take the padlock off the hangar door I immediately close the lock so that when I leave the hangar I can't lock my hangar key inside. Don't ask me how I came up with this one. Also, if you fly a plane where the pilot and passenger headsets plug into the same panel, verify that you have the pilot headset on your head (tandem seat configuration and panel behind and above pilot seat so not visible unless you turn and look). Turns out that the tower can't hear you when you are wearing the passenger headset. Again, don't ask how I know. Suffice it to say that I learned about communicating with the tower using a series of clicks (that they could hear). The scary thing is that I left an uncontrolled field on that flight and clearly nobody was hearing my radio calls. Just yesterday I had to notify the plane in front of me in the runup area that they had a pitot cover flapping out the bottom of the pilot door. Oh, and I added "FLIGHT PLAN....CLOSED" to the shut down checklist. Our club used to have this on a sign on the inside of the hangar door. That one only took me 2 or 3 phone calls from Flight Service to figure out (slow learner). Also (sheesh, this list is getting long) I used to belong to a club and one morning (before I thought the tower was opened) I made some calls to the tower just to make sure and got no response. I was on COM1 for those calls. I was listening to ATIS on COM2 and that was coming in loud and clear. Given the time of day and the fact that I heard no response, I assumed the tower was closed and I proceeded to taxi and made radio calls consistent with an uncontrolled airport (which it is 12 hours a day). I announced taking the runway and as I rotated, much to my chagrin, I saw a green light coming from the tower. I proceeded to my destination while troubleshooting the problem and it turned out that the previous pilot had turned the COM1 volume down all the way but not off (not sure why someone would do that). As expected, when I returned to the towered field, I got the dreaded "Possible pilot deviation, advise when ready to copy the number to call..." This resulted in me writing up a NASA report and having a nice conversation with a pleasant fellow from the local FSDO. No adverse action came from that but I never forgot it. After that, I check ATIS on both COM 1 and 2. That's all of my confessions.
24 for 24 already!! Look forward to MzeroA videos! Appreciate what you guys do for us
24 for 24: I’d add one thing that isn’t often on checklists, as they focus on your own aircraft…check the other parked aircraft near you while you’re doing your preflight or as part of the dummy check, then again once you’ve finished shutdown do the same: I once finished a lesson and was doing final post flight checks and noticed neighbouring aircraft hadn’t been chocked by its student: could’ve been a hazard. Also being aware on ground what other aircraft are doing while they’re wrapped up in their checklists…eg loose gear, wash behind props
I always do the dummy check before I get in the airplane even if I have only been out of it for two seconds. I physically point at the things I’m looking at and I touch the gas caps. I do this without fail because it gives me peace of mind. Once many years ago on my final walk around (dummy check) I discovered that a gas cap was not properly seated and ever since then I know I won’t feel comfortable on the flight unless I did the walk. I had the same walk around habit when I was in the fire department. It saved us from losing loose equipment many times over the years. Thanks for another great video.
24 4 24 !!!!!
Thanks Jason !!!!! Above and Beyond!!!!!
Left chocks on for my PPL checkride!!! Someone used those tiny little Cirrus chocks on the 172 I was using. No wider than the wheel. Impossible to see unless you were REALLY looking. Now I REALLY look every time.
24/24 i love a checklist!
24/24. In the springtime, I always reach my hand up through the cowling, on a 150, and check between and around the cylinders for birds nests. As far as the dummy check, that would have saved me from taxing to the run-up area with the tow bar still attached to the nose wheel. Luckily, someone called me on the radio and told me.
I posted in this thread my experience of actually taxiing and departing with the tow bar attached. A humbling moment indeed.
@@frankloy2701 I read that. That would scare the hell out of me. I'm glad nothing serious happened.
I left the pitot cover on and didn't realize it until the airspeed indicator didn't work on takeoff. I had to abort and the tower guy at Lakeland KLAL knew what I did and made a wise crack that left of bit of burn.
24/24 During preflight I always turn on all the lights to make sure they're working.
- I always start with my seatbelt unbuckled, once it’s running, then buckle. Why? I watched a CFI with student both panic, trying to get their belts undone when the over primed engine backfired and caught fire.
- Check the flight controls, prior to taxi. If there’s an issue, you’re going to have to taxi back anyways, so why even leave your parking spot.
- Never leave the tow bar attached, unless your hand is on it. Why? A group of hanger rats were sitting at our terminal building one cold, calm day, watching some flying activity when a C150 came in after a cross country that took him across semi frozen Lake Erie. As he taxied up, we all noticed the tow bar still attached. Upon exiting the bird, I thought he was going to puke. He did turn white for a while.
24/24 same as you Jason. When I was flying smaller aircraft I would walk around twice. The first time to cover the POH items the second to observe. I would look at what was around the aircraft, how I would taxi clear, what direction I would go and even which direction I would depart the field or lake I was flying out of. Good work as always, keep it up Jason!! 10:00
24 for 24, Great information!
24-24 and confession time.. 10 years ago me and a buddy went up for our routine IFR currency, 1st flight was in the Mooney, after an hour and a half we tucked it back into the hangar, jockeyed a Cessna 150 out to get the Cessna 172 out, hit the same 3 airports (in reverse order) as before and as I was coming in for our final landing (9:30ish at night) my safety pilot said make this your best landing ever followed by the towbar is still connected. Luckily it was a collapsible towbar and jammed keeping it well away from the prop arc.. All checklists have been modified to include "Towbar Removed" in 3 separate areas prior to engine start, wasn't my proudest moment but it was my best landing EVER...
24 for 24. After pulling onto the runway, just before takeoff, I always check that my flaps are set, mixture is full rich, and the window is closed. It's a very quick check, but it has saved me from making a mistake a few times.
24/24 I step back and look at the plane before and after flying to make sure all is okay. Love your three tips
24 to 24! Always a FINAL walk around ~10 feet from the aircraft. With cross-check: "cowl plugs and pitot static cover removed". The hands on is with the checklist "in hand". During TO and LDG, brief "HEELS ON THE FLOOR" to avoid landing with the brakes locked. Please publish a summary of all these things... maybe even as an "expanced 10x checklist". Jer/ Eberhard
24 for 24. Started student pilot but had t put things on hold for a bit. Enjoying the videos.
Dummy Check is a kind way, we call it the Oh Shirt* Check! (OSH) because we've seen or done coffee on the wing, chocks in, traffic cone in front of prop... going SLOW is fast, and FAST is slow... Great call on the oil quality and awareness of the engine condition!
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast
24 4 24! I check for the actual tire pressure with a pressure gauge and reinflate as necessary. Makes a huge difference for ground handling when you have the right tire pressure. Also clean the windshield inside and out for visibility.
24 for 24! I fly a PA28 Piper, and one thing I do additionally is check fasteners on the rear tail section, that if they came loose, would interfere with the movement of the flight surfaces (the stabilator for instance).
24 of 24 I almost left the tail tied down once. So dummy check is very important, it kept me from looking like a fool that day. Piper Cherokee-I always look very close at the cylinder heads especially number 3 for any signs of hot spots, cracks or blowby around the gaskets. I also pay close attention to any oil spray inside the cowling and under the fuselage. Before i start the preflight, I look at the entire airplane for damage and the ground for liquid or stains.
24 for 24! One thing I’ve been doing outside of the checklist is during the run up, I check revisionary mode on the G1000. Not only does this give the engine more time to warm up prior to setting the mixture, especially out here in Colorado, but it also ensures that it is working correctly in case the pfd or mfd fails. Thanks for another great video Jason!
Generally 172’s. My first instructor told me to take the screwdriver end of the fuel sampler and gently tap the exhaust stack and prop blades (fixed pitch metal prop). He said that those items should be one piece and if they ring that is a good indication that they are free of major cracks. If you get a thud sound that suggests that you might want to have it checked.
24 of 24. Thanks Jason! I touch (or point where applicable eg. hot exhaust pipe) and verbalize each item on my check list. I keep my personal minimums at the top of my check list. I also keep a sticky note of three good and three things that could have been done better from my previous flight on my check list to review before my next flight.
I perform the preflight inspection every time in the same manner. When done, I step back about 25 to 50 feet from the aircraft and walk a complete 360 circle...my version of the dummy check. Also, I check spare batteries, spare radio and spare flashlight are available and organized in my bag.
24 and 24. I do a post flight dummy check in the cockpit. After everything is chocked and tied down, I make one more check inside to make sure all switches are off and gust lock is in.
1. I make sure the wings/elevator are well attached by moving the plane gently from wing tip.
2. After flight airplane inspection
3. Make sure seat is well attached
24 for 24! Roger That! Thanks Jason!
Also look at your struts--Case in Point. During a preflight check in KSNA on a B-757 there was no inner liner visible on all three struts. I've been in the aviation industry since 1980 and never have I ever observed not only one strut but three. First thing I did was ask the flight attendants if they were the same crew that brought the plane in since the pilots had already gone home; so I asked them and they said yes and I asked how hard/firm the landing was since it is a short runway for a B-757. They said it was firm so I said uh-huh and I said are all of your backs ok? They smiled and said yes. I said good because this plane needs to be serviced by contract maintenance because this is a no go item. Of course explaining this to the 186 passengers aboard the aircraft was interesting since I told them I have never seen anything like this in my 42 year career. Good news was that it was only a 35 minute delay and we were close to on time heading to KDTW. I did fly at .82 mach instead of .79 to make up the time.
24/24. Always do a “hot mag” check before shut down.
Tow bar attached when starting... :)
24 for 24, amazing that you bring the items up that you did I think I am guilty of most of them, chocks left in, etc. But, one thing I added is to check that the oil filler cap is on secure. I fly a '63 182 and the filler door and dipstick doors are in different locations. I took off one time and immediately had oil running up the windscreen. Lots of runway left, landed and taxied back to find the filler cap was loose and popped off. Was a big mess to clean and did get a call from the FAA but all was good. I check it every time now especially after oil changes or oil was added. And of course the dummy check is a must!!!
24 for 24! Flying out of eastern PA, especially right now in the winter, I believe everything you said is very important, it’s easy to miss something or even rush through a preflight when it’s freezing cold and all you want to do is get that heat on and go.
24 for 24. I always make sure the Garmin 530 is up to date. Also I check my headsets. I was at a non-towered airport doing touch and go’s. I realized when after another plane landed that I could hear them but they could not hear me.
24/24. After runup, I call up the tower and hold the checklist in my hands until I hear the words "cleared for takeoff" to avoid a possibly runway incursion. At non-towered fields I hold the checklist until I have made my radio call and checked for traffic.
24/24! The cowling on my Bristell is easily removed. First flight of the day I take it off and look for any anomalies, fluid leaks, hose condition, etc.
Nice
24 for 24. Shake the wings. Wiggle the control surfaces. Look for buckling. Sometimes damage is under the surface and not visually obvious.
24/24 I always speak my checklist out loud, even if when I’m by myself
24 for 24! Our family “beyond the checklist” items include before engine start: “Check for Wallet” and “Return Rental Car Keys.” Talk about learning the hard way! 😂
24 for 24 😊. Had to add a special note on my checklist to remember to pull in the wing mats before start! 🤦♀️ It’s very embarrassing to have to shut down just to go grab your wing mat that just went unintentionally flying.
Glad to report I am all caught up and looking forward to next week. My "extra" is a walk around to check the lights before I go in and complete my preflight. On a side note, I have completely enjoyed episode 16... especially the photo bombing runway marshal, and the fact that since I moved to the U.K., you found that 26 c was "chilly". Oh to fly in Florida! Loved episode 23 with the "game".... such a great idea!
24-24. What I do extra: if the engine is cold, winter months in MS, and I’m the first flight of the day, oil is cold and thick. If the temp is below 32 but above 25, i would carefully spin the prop. A mechanic told me to do that. ONLY if you’re the first flight of the day or the plane has been sitting for a few days. Because always settle back into the oil pan. 3 to 5 times works. You can feel the difference because the first turn it’s stiff after a few turns it loosen up.
24 of 24 - after the pre-flight take a few steps back from the front of the plane and take in the full picture to make sure nothing's out of place
24/31 In Florida my dummy check includes making sure I shut the doors before takeoff.