A question we received:
Why do I see pilots walking around their airplanes before they start and take off?
Amy Q, Memphis
What you see them doing is called a preflight check. Before takeoff, you want to make sure your aircraft is airworthy.
A preflight check for an aircraft involves several steps, including:
- Documentation: Check the airworthiness certificate, aircraft registration, operating limitation documents, and radio operator’s license
- Weight and balance: Check the aircraft’s weight and balance
- Fuel: Check the quantity, octane color, and contamination of the fuel
- Exterior inspection: Walk around the aircraft and check for dents, cracks, corrosion, and the condition of the landing gear, tires, and brakes
- Interior inspection: Check the cockpit and cabin, including the instrument panel, lights, avionics, seatbelts, and harnesses
- Engine: Check the oil level, spark plugs, and overall condition of the engine
- Propeller: Check the propeller for nicks
- Brakes: Check the brake pads and ensure they are engaged
- Flight controls: Test that the flight controls move freely and correctly
- Switches and valves: Ensure all switches and valves are in the correct positions
- Cabin doors: Confirm that the cabin doors are latched
- Elevator trim: Adjust the elevator trim and set it to the takeoff position
Some pilots recommend doing preflight checks out loud to avoid missing items. It’s also good to be gentle with the aircraft, avoiding slamming doors or mashing the flight controls.
The following video, from FLY8MA.com Flight Training, show a Piper Cherokee Preflight runthough. It’s a great video.
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