![]() ![]() In 1987, a Beech HA-1 (a modification of the Beech 18), crashed shortly after taking off from Memphis International Airport.Taking a look at some of these accidents, from minor to fatal, gives a sober reminder of the potential results of skipping the preflight. ![]() The Potential ConsequencesĪ search of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) website for “inadequate preflight inspection” will result in over 500 results. Holding yourself to a high standard shows both yourself and your colleagues you take safety seriously and prevents any unwanted experiences with an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector. It can be easy, especially as your experience builds, to overlook items during preflight you may consider minor. Either way, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing it’s been seen.įinally, remember the professionalism we mentioned at the beginning of the article. It may be something that is a non-issue or could be the indicator of a larger problem. If something appears to be missing, or you are unsure of the condition of a particular item, bring it to the attention of an instructor or mechanic. Items like cotter pins, pitch links, and oleo struts are unfamiliar to many without an aviation background and knowing what to look for – and what is not acceptable – is key to ensuring your aircraft is ready for a safe flight. When you’re new to an aircraft type it can provide a step-by-step guide for everything to check during your inspection and as you build familiarity it can serve as a true checklist to ensure you haven’t missed any steps.ĭuring your first flights, utilize your instructor as a resource for checking items, especially things you may be unfamiliar with. Once you’re at the aircraft and you’ve secured your personal belongings, grab the appropriate checklist as a reference for your preflight inspection. Schweizer lists the first item in the prelight section of the Model 300 helicopter as “have a thorough understanding of operating limitations” – have you reviewed the limitations for your aircraft lately, especially if you are flying multiple? The Preflight Method What is your personal condition and are you ready for flight? The FAA uses the “IMSAFE” checklist as a measure of pilot readiness, but you may go even further with your own personal limitations. Preflighting begins before even showing up at the aircraft. Since the standardization of aircraft manuals by the FAA around the GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association) format, the manufacturer-approved preflight procedure can always be found in Section 4 of a POH. To start with, is there a “best” way to preflight? While there are many techniques different pilots may utilize when preflighting, one standardized source of information is your Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft/Rotorcraft Flight Manual (AFM/RFM). The professionalism required of us as aviators means we always take the time to ensure a safe flight for ourselves and our passengers. You can stand at the window in an airline terminal and see pilots making their methodical walks, checking various components before launching on yet another flight. No matter your experience or certificate level, a preflight is an integral part of your routine. Taking the time to inspect your aircraft, both inside and out, can prevent everything from an embarrassing situation to a fatal accident. From the first day of your training, you are exposed to the retinue of a thorough preflight inspection. ![]()
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