IFR Avionics Preflight Checklists

[EDR]

Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?
I am in the process of developing my own and would appreciate seeing
what others are doing. Please cut and paste a posting to the group or
email me directly.
Thanks.

[Hankal]

>Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?

My SOP is to set all instruments from left to right.
Then set frequencies in radios. Set frequencies for VORs.
Do a taxi check going to run-up area.
Others may do it different, but that is the way I do it.
Hank N1441P

[[email protected]]

On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 18:59:34 GMT, EDR > wrote:

>Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?
>I am in the process of developing my own and would appreciate seeing
>what others are doing. Please cut and paste a posting to the group or
>email me directly.
>Thanks.

The following is specifically for my aircraft and abbreviated.

IFR Pre-Flight Checklist

* * * AUDIO PANEL .
MKR 'OMI' Lamps & Audio Test
IDME Repeat Lamps

* * * COM 1 & 2 .
Frequency
TWR / APP / Channel / Volume
Test
Microphone (Radio Check)

* * * NAV 1 & 2 .
Frequency
Ident
Radial

* * * VOR 1 & 2 .
Bearing Accuracy Nearest VOR
+/-5° +/-10° Reciprocal
To / From / Flag
Glideslope Zero / Flag

* * * DME 1 & 2 .
Frequency
Ident
NM
G/Speed

* * * TRANSPONDER * * *
STB Squawk Code (7700 UK)
Ident
FL Ref. 1013mb
Timer Fuel / Airtime

* * * ADF .
Frequency
Ident
Test ANT' = 90°
Bearing Accuracy Nearest BCN

* * * AUTOPILOT .
Pull (RH) Turn L+R
Push (RH) Track VOR 1 & 2
Over-Ride L+R

* * * GPS .
Route Selected
Satellites Acquired

* * * INSTRUMENTS .
AI Align
ALT 1 & 2 QNH / FL (+/-30ft /mb)
VSI Zero
DI Set to Compass
Response to direction as A/C turning:
Ball / Turn Co-ordinator / Compass / DI / VOR / ADF


David

Piper Warrior G-BHJO
Scotland, UK

E-mail (Remove Space after pilot): pilot

[Andrew Sarangan]

EDR > wrote in message >...
> Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?
> I am in the process of developing my own and would appreciate seeing
> what others are doing. Please cut and paste a posting to the group or
> email me directly.
> Thanks.

Avionics Master On

Check NAV radios by tuning to a LOC frequency or a nearby VOR.

Load all the relevant frequencies into the NAV, COMM and ADF radios.

Check marker beacon receiver

Get ATIS and clearance

Avionics Master Off

Start Engine

I do all of this prior to starting the engine. That way there is no rush.

[[email protected]]

On 1 Jan 2004 18:45:03 -0800, (Andrew
Sarangan) wrote:

>EDR > wrote in message >...
>> Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?
>> I am in the process of developing my own and would appreciate seeing
>> what others are doing. Please cut and paste a posting to the group or
>> email me directly.
>> Thanks.
>
>Avionics Master On
>
>Check NAV radios by tuning to a LOC frequency or a nearby VOR.
>
>Load all the relevant frequencies into the NAV, COMM and ADF radios.
>
>Check marker beacon receiver
>
>Get ATIS and clearance
>
>Avionics Master Off
>
>Start Engine
>
>I do all of this prior to starting the engine. That way there is no rush.

I can see some advantages for setting up this way but would prefer to
start up from cold with maximum battery capacity for the starter (it's
often very cold in Scotland!).

As an ex Broadcasting Engineer I've seen most faults occur when
equipment is first switched on. After doing all your checks you will
now be switching on again. Another spike, another surge and another
operation would not be my choice though it does take for ever. We do
charge ourselves on Tach not HOBBS so less pressure on time :).

Even after doing it my way I've had an alternator fail some 10 minutes
after take-off and just before entering cloud. Another time the ADF
needle failed to move in flight and later checked ok on the ground.

You can't win them all..!!!


David

Piper Warrior G-BHJO
Scotland, UK

E-mail (Remove Space after pilot): pilot

[EDR]

Thanks David, this is what I am looking for.
What make/model autopilot do you have? (single or two-axis?)
What make/model GPS? (IFR certified? enroute and terminal?)

> The following is specifically for my aircraft and abbreviated.
> IFR Pre-Flight Checklist
> * * * AUDIO PANEL .
> MKR 'OMI' Lamps & Audio Test
> IDME Repeat Lamps
> * * * COM 1 & 2 .
> Frequency
> TWR / APP / Channel / Volume
> Test
> Microphone (Radio Check)
> * * * NAV 1 & 2 .
> Frequency
> Ident
> Radial
> * * * VOR 1 & 2 .
> Bearing Accuracy Nearest VOR
> +/-5° +/-10° Reciprocal
> To / From / Flag
> Glideslope Zero / Flag
> * * * DME 1 & 2 .
> Frequency
> Ident
> NM
> G/Speed
> * * * TRANSPONDER * * *
> STB Squawk Code (7700 UK)
> Ident
> FL Ref. 1013mb
> Timer Fuel / Airtime
> * * * ADF .
> Frequency
> Ident
> Test ANT' = 90°
> Bearing Accuracy Nearest BCN
> * * * AUTOPILOT .
> Pull (RH) Turn L+R
> Push (RH) Track VOR 1 & 2
> Over-Ride L+R
> * * * GPS .
> Route Selected
> Satellites Acquired
> * * * INSTRUMENTS .
> AI Align
> ALT 1 & 2 QNH / FL (+/-30ft /mb)
> VSI Zero
> DI Set to Compass
> Response to direction as A/C turning:
> Ball / Turn Co-ordinator / Compass / DI / VOR / ADF
> David
> Piper Warrior G-BHJO
> Scotland, UK

[Marco Leon]

Can I ask why you would want to separate VFR vs. IFR avionics checks? I like
to include any IFR avionics pre-takeoff checks in my standard checklist so I
check them during VFR flights as well. I like to know if *anything*
regarding avionics is not operational. Plus, there are only a few
IFR-specific checks:

* GPS database - Updated
* Charts (IFR) - Updated
* Pitot/Static/Transponder - Certified
* VOR - Checked

I may check my flight instruments more closely beofre an IFR flight but I
check them regardless. I'm curious to know what you expect to be different
about your VFR versus IFR checklists.

Regards,

Marco

"EDR" > wrote in message
...
> Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?
> I am in the process of developing my own and would appreciate seeing
> what others are doing. Please cut and paste a posting to the group or
> email me directly.
> Thanks.



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[EDR]

In article >, Marco Leon wrote:

> Can I ask why you would want to separate VFR vs. IFR avionics checks? I like
> to include any IFR avionics pre-takeoff checks in my standard checklist so I
> check them during VFR flights as well. I like to know if *anything*
> regarding avionics is not operational. Plus, there are only a few
> IFR-specific checks:

For VFR flight, the avionics are non-essential. I can fly without
turning on the avionics master, leaving everything off. The only thing
I need to depart or land at a controlled field is a COMM radio. (I can
get an exemption for not having other equipment for CBAS.)

If it is turned on and something goes TU, it doesn't matter (unless you
are flying into an area of changing or marginal weather where you
anticipate converting from VFR to IFR).

For IFR flight, I intend to use all the equipment, so I run through all
the avionics preflights. If the autopilot isn't working and am flying
single-pilot, that may be a go/no go item. Same for any other avionics
item. If it isn't working and it's deemed essential, decisions must be
made before launch.

[Marco Leon]

I agree that many--if not most--of the IFR avionics are not necessary for
VFR. I got that. Do you not check any of the non-essential avionics before a
VFR flight?

Maybe it's because I own the aircraft I fly and I would like to know what is
and what is not working. I am also based at an airport under New York Mode C
Veil. However, even on a rental I would want to know if anything is inop.
Wouldn't you?




"EDR" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, Marco Leon wrote:
>
> > Can I ask why you would want to separate VFR vs. IFR avionics checks? I
like
> > to include any IFR avionics pre-takeoff checks in my standard checklist
so I
> > check them during VFR flights as well. I like to know if *anything*
> > regarding avionics is not operational. Plus, there are only a few
> > IFR-specific checks:
>
> For VFR flight, the avionics are non-essential. I can fly without
> turning on the avionics master, leaving everything off. The only thing
> I need to depart or land at a controlled field is a COMM radio. (I can
> get an exemption for not having other equipment for CBAS.)
>
> If it is turned on and something goes TU, it doesn't matter (unless you
> are flying into an area of changing or marginal weather where you
> anticipate converting from VFR to IFR).
>
> For IFR flight, I intend to use all the equipment, so I run through all
> the avionics preflights. If the autopilot isn't working and am flying
> single-pilot, that may be a go/no go item. Same for any other avionics
> item. If it isn't working and it's deemed essential, decisions must be
> made before launch.



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[[email protected]]

On Fri, 02 Jan 2004 14:18:26 GMT, EDR > wrote:

>Thanks David, this is what I am looking for.
>What make/model autopilot do you have? (single or two-axis?)

Century I ( =Piper, Autoflight II), single axis.

>What make/model GPS? (IFR certified? enroute and terminal?)

Skyforce II (VFR only) plus I use my old Flightmate Pro non-map GPS as
backup for the backup (with battery backup!).

>
>> The following is specifically for my aircraft and abbreviated.
>> IFR Pre-Flight Checklist
>> * * * AUDIO PANEL .
>> MKR 'OMI' Lamps & Audio Test
>> IDME Repeat Lamps
>> * * * COM 1 & 2 .
>> Frequency
>> TWR / APP / Channel / Volume
>> Test
>> Microphone (Radio Check)
>> * * * NAV 1 & 2 .
>> Frequency
>> Ident
>> Radial
>> * * * VOR 1 & 2 .
>> Bearing Accuracy Nearest VOR
>> +/-5° +/-10° Reciprocal
>> To / From / Flag
>> Glideslope Zero / Flag
>> * * * DME 1 & 2 .
>> Frequency
>> Ident
>> NM
>> G/Speed
>> * * * TRANSPONDER * * *
>> STB Squawk Code (7700 UK)
>> Ident
>> FL Ref. 1013mb
>> Timer Fuel / Airtime
>> * * * ADF .
>> Frequency
>> Ident
>> Test ANT' = 90°
>> Bearing Accuracy Nearest BCN
>> * * * AUTOPILOT .
>> Pull (RH) Turn L+R
>> Push (RH) Track VOR 1 & 2
>> Over-Ride L+R
>> * * * GPS .
>> Route Selected
>> Satellites Acquired
>> * * * INSTRUMENTS .
>> AI Align
>> ALT 1 & 2 QNH / FL (+/-30ft /mb)
>> VSI Zero
>> DI Set to Compass
>> Response to direction as A/C turning:
>> Ball / Turn Co-ordinator / Compass / DI / VOR / ADF
>> David
>> Piper Warrior G-BHJO
>> Scotland, UK

David

Piper Warrior G-BHJO
Scotland, UK

E-mail (Remove Space after pilot): pilot

[EDR]

In article >, Marco Leon wrote:

> I agree that many--if not most--of the IFR avionics are not necessary for
> VFR. I got that. Do you not check any of the non-essential avionics before a
> VFR flight?

I usually fly a 1945 Aeronca Champ. The only instruments I have are
airspeed, tach, altimeter, compass, oil temperature, oil pressure and
fuel indicator. If I have a radio, it is a handheld comm and gps. The
airplane has no electrical system nor starter. Because of battery life
in the handhelds, they may be used for takeoff and/or landing and
turned off for enroute. Depending on the terrain, a sectional will give
me more information than the gps. GPS is good for distance, but at the
altitudes I fly at, I usually have to fly around terrain.

> Maybe it's because I own the aircraft I fly and I would like to know what is
> and what is not working. I am also based at an airport under New York Mode C
> Veil. However, even on a rental I would want to know if anything is inop.
> Wouldn't you?

Depends on what I am renting, terrain I will be flying over and
forecast weather. As long as the fan out front keeps turning, I stay
cool. It all depends on what type flying you are doing as to what
equipment you need operational.

[Andrew Gideon]

"Marco Leon" <mleon(at)optonline.net> wrote:

> I agree that many--if not most--of the IFR avionics are not necessary for
> VFR. I got that. Do you not check any of the non-essential avionics before
> a VFR flight?
>
> Maybe it's because I own the aircraft I fly and I would like to know what
> is and what is not working. I am also based at an airport under New York
> Mode C Veil. However, even on a rental I would want to know if anything is
> inop. Wouldn't you?

I was thinking something similar as I read this thread. I check, for
example, all the lights even if I've no plans to be flying at night. It
permits me to avoid cancellation of a night flight if I can replace a dead
bulb ahead of time. The same applies to avionics: I'd rather know about
the failure with sufficient lead time that it can be fixed before I've a
flight that requires it.

Also, it makes no sense to have tools that might or might not be working.
Even if the tool isn't expected to be required, it makes sense to know
whether or not it is available.

- Andrew

[Stan Gosnell]

EDR > wrote in :

> Does anyone use a separate Avionics Checklist prior to departing IFR?
> I am in the process of developing my own and would appreciate seeing
> what others are doing. Please cut and paste a posting to the group or
> email me directly.
> Thanks.

I don't have a copy of our checklist here at home, but I'll try to do it
from memory.

1. GPS - Go through whatever function checks you have for your GPS. They
should be in the manual that came with the unit.

2. VORs
a. Tune both nav radios (if you have more than one) to a VOR.
b. Center both course needles with a TO indication and compare them.
c. Change both CDIs (if you have two) more than 10 degrees and check
for full-scale deflection of the needles. Then move the CDIs past 90
degrees and check for TO/FROM change. Center both needles with a FROM
indication and compare them. If you only have one CDI, insure that the
centered indications are more or less correct, depending on the distance
from the station.
d. Set the CDIs to the desired course.
e. Identify the station with the audio, and if you have a
VALID/INVALID light, tune the VOR off the station and check for an INVALID
light with no signal.

3. ADF - check the bearing pointer, see that it points in the right
direction for the station tuned, and moves with a new station.

4. DME - Check that it's operational, and giving correct information, if
you can receive a signal.

5. Marker Beacon - test.

6. Radar Altimeter - test.

--
Regards,

Stan