Before boarding an aircraft and taking off, it is essential to ensure that the plane is in safe condition. As a current or future aircraft mechanic or pilot, there are some key things that you should check in your aircraft. By taking the time to do these checks, you can help ensure a smooth and safe flight for those on board the plane:
Fuel Tanks
Checking the fuel tanks is one of the most essential things you should do before takeoff. This will ensure that you have enough fuel for your flight and that the tanks are properly sealed. To check the fuel tanks, first, make sure that the aircraft is on level ground. Then, open the fuel cap and visually inspect the inside of the tank. If there are any leaks, you will need to repair them before taking off. Once you have checked for leaks, close the fuel cap and use a flashlight to look inside the tank. Ensure that the gasoline is at the correct level and that there is no sediment or debris in the bottom of the tank. By taking a few minutes to check the fuel tanks before takeoff, you can help ensure a safe and successful flight.
Oil Levels
Low oil levels can cause the engine to overheat, leading to severe damage. The oil also lubricates the engine, so if it is too low, the engine will wear out more quickly. Checking the oil level is a simple task that only takes a few minutes, but it could save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. To examine the oil’s level, casually remove the dipstick from the oil tank and wipe it clean. Then put it back into the tank and pull it out once again. The oil’s level should sit between the full and empty marks on the dipstick. If it is below the minimum mark, add more oil until it reaches the correct level. This simple step before takeoff will help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Tire Pressure
It’s essential to check the aircraft’s tire pressure before takeoff. If the pressure is too low, the tires could overheat and fail. If the pressure is too high, the tires could burst. Checking the tire pressure is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes.
First, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire. Next, compare the readings to the recommended pressures listed in the aircraft’s manual. If any of the tires are below the recommended pressure, add air until they reach the correct level. Finally, recheck each tire’s pressure to ensure they are all at the right level. By taking just a few minutes to check the tire pressure before takeoff, you can help ensure safe takeoff and landing.
Brakes
Before you an aircraft takes off, it’s essential to check its brakes. This will ensure that they are in good working order and will be able to stop the plane if necessary. To do this, first, make sure that the parking brake is set. Then, apply pressure to the pedals slowly and evenly. If they feel spongy or unresponsive, have a mechanic check them before taking off. Once you’re in the air, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the brakes, looking for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to land as soon as possible and have the brakes checked. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to keep yourself and your passengers safe while flying.
Flight Instruments
Finally, before takeoff, you will want to do a quick check of all of your flight instruments. This includes checking the altimeter, airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, compass, and crosswind calculator. A handy tool you should have to check some of these instruments is an air data test set.
Air data test sets are used to measure airspeed and altitude and simulate flight conditions for testing purposes. It’s essential to ensure that all of your flight instruments are functioning correctly before takeoff, as they provide crucial information during the flight. By regularly checking them with an air data test set, you can be confident in the accuracy of your readings and have a successful flight.
Once again, remember to check the fuel tanks, oil levels, tire pressure, brakes, and flight instruments. By taking the time to do these simple checks before every flight, you can help ensure a safe and smooth ride for yourself and your passengers.
