Aircraft Pre Flight Checklist

Below is an example Aircraft Checklist for a Piper Warrior PA28. Please use this only for reference and ensure you use the checklist supplied with your aircraft at the time of flight.

COCKPIT  

  1.  POH and Documents AVAILABLE

  2.  Control Wheel RELEASE BELTS

  3.  Avionics OFF

  4.  Parking Brake SET

  5.  Electrical Switches OFF

  6.  MAGNETO Switch OFF

  7.  Mixture IDLE CUT OFF

  8.  MASTER Switch ON

  9.  Fuel Quantity Gauges CHECK

10.  Annunciator Panel CHECK

11.  MASTER Switch OFF

12.  Flight Controls CHECK

13.  Flaps CHECK

14.  Trim CHECK, SET NEUTRAL

15.  Pitot and Static Drain DRAIN, CLOSE

16.  Windows CHECK CLEAR

17.  Tow bar STOW

18.  Baggage SECURE

19.  Baggage Door CLOSE, SECURE

WALKAROUND  

RIGHT WING  

  1.  Wing FREE OF ICE, SNOW, FROST

  2.  Control Surfaces CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE

  ICE, SNOW, FROST

  3.  Hinges CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE

  4.  Static Wicks CHECK

  5.  Wing Tip and Lights CHECK

  6.  Fuel Tank CHECK SUPPLY VISUALLY,

  SECURE CAPS

  7.  Fuel Tank Sump DRAIN, CHECK FOR SEDEMENT

  AND PROPER FUEL

  8.  Fuel Vent CLEAR

  9.  Tie Down REMOVE

10.  Main Gear Strut PROPER INFLATION

  (4.5 IN. of strut exposed)

NOSE  

  1.  Fuel and Oil CHECK FOR LEAKS

  2.  Cowling SECURE

  3.  Windshield CLEAN

  4.  Propeller and Spinner CHECK

  5.  Air Inlets CLEAR

  6.  Alternator Belt CHECK TENSION

  7.  Landing Light CHECK

  8.  Nose Chock REMOVE

  9.  Nose Gear Strut CHECK INFLATION

  (3.25 IN. of strut exposed)

10.  Nose Wheel Tire (30 psi) CHECK

11.  Oil CHECK LEVEL

12.  Dipstick PROPERLY SEATED

13.  Fuel Strainer DRAIN, CHECK FOR SEDEMENT

  AND PROPER FUEL

LEFT WING  

  1.  Wing FREE OF ICE, SNOW, FROST

  2.  Fresh Air Inlet CHECK CLEAR

  3.  Main Gear Strut PROPER INFLATION

  (4.5 IN. of strut exposed)

  4.  Tire (24 psi) and Brakes CHECK

  5.  Fuel Tank CHECK SUPPLY VISUALLY,

  SECURE CAPS

  6.  Fuel Tank Sump DRAIN, CHECK FOR SEDEMENT

  AND PROPER FUEL

  7.  Fuel Vent CLEAR

  8.  Tie Down REMOVE

  9.  Pitot Cover REMOVE, HOLES CLEAR

10.  Wing Tip and Lights CHECK

11.  Hinges CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE

12.  Static Wicks CHECK

NORMAL PROCEDURES

FUSELAGE  

  1.  Antennas CHECK

  2.  Empennage FREE OF ICE, SNOW, FROST

  3.  Fresh Air Inlet CHECK CLEAR

  4.  Stabilator and Trim Tab CHECK FOR INTERFERENCE

  5.  Tie Down REMOVE

  6.  MASTER Switch ON

  7.  Cockpit Lighting CHECK

  8.  Nav and Strobe Lights CHECK

  9.  Stall Warning CHECK

10.  Pitot Heat CHECK

11.  All Switches OFF

12.  Passengers BOARD & BRIEFED

13.  Cabin Door CLOSE & SECURE

14.  Seat Belts and Harnesses FASTEN CHECK INERTIA REEL

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE  

  1.  Brakes SET

  2.  Carburetor Heat FULL OFF

  3.  Fuel Selector DESIRED TANK

  4.  Radios OFF

STARTING ENGINE WHEN COLD  

  1.  Throttle 1/4″ OPEN

  2.  MASTER Switch ON

  3.  Electric Fuel Pump ON

  4.  Mixture FULL RICH

  5.  Anti-Collision Light(s) ON

  6.  Starter ENGAGE

  7.  Throttle 1000 RPM

  8.  Oil Pressure CHECK

If engine does not start within 10 sec., prime and repeat START