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#1
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Preflieght for first flight after annual
I've done a number of these over the years, but prior to tomorrow's, I'm
thinking about how the preflight routine changes. I'll check all the screws on all the inspection panels, pull off the engine cowlings and poke about, looking for anything obviously loose. Check that the seats are on the rails correctly. Check the items that were worked on, at least the one's I can see. Anyone else have any special list of things they check at this point? Thanks, Michael |
#2
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When I was training at FRG, the CFI told me that just checking for bird
droppings on the prop was not sufficient. You gotta stick your hand into the cowling to make sure there isn't a nest in there. |
#3
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Michael,
You've got it. May I also suggest that the first flight be day, VFR with no pax. I've had some very interesting problems coming out of inspections including total electrical failure shortly after takeoff and a gear that wouldn't retract (twice). All the best, Rick |
#4
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Michael 182 wrote: I've done a number of these over the years, but prior to tomorrow's, I'm thinking about how the preflight routine changes. I'll check all the screws on all the inspection panels, pull off the engine cowlings and poke about, looking for anything obviously loose. Check that the seats are on the rails correctly. Check the items that were worked on, at least the one's I can see. Anyone else have any special list of things they check at this point? Michael, I would suggest that you do a careful check on control throws and directions.....ie the control input you feed in does what and how much you expect on each of the control surfaces. There have been a number of accidents and incidents caused by accidental control cable reversals during maintenance. Other than that, treat the a/c like it's a new one that you have never seen. Craig C. |
#5
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"Michael 182" wrote in message
... I've done a number of these over the years, but prior to tomorrow's, I'm thinking about how the preflight routine changes. I'll check all the screws on all the inspection panels, pull off the engine cowlings and poke about, looking for anything obviously loose. Check that the seats are on the rails correctly. Check the items that were worked on, at least the one's I can see. Anyone else have any special list of things they check at this point? That's a good question. But IMHO there's not much that belongs on a post-annual preflight inspection that doesn't belong on pretty much any preflight inspection. Granted, my preflight inspections take longer than those of many other pilots. But things break, even if a mechanic hasn't been working on them recently. All of the things you mentioned are things I check on all preflight inspections. I have found a variety of issues after an annual inspection, but they were all things found as part of what I consider a normal preflight inspection. In your case, it does sound like you are talking about an airplane that doesn't provide good access to the engine compartment during a normal preflight, so there's justification for going the extra mile, certainly. I have the luxury of an engine cowl that provides open access to nearly every part of the engine, and flashlight access to the few remaining spots. As Rick says, it's a good idea to make the first flight sans passengers; I figure daytime VFR ought to go without saying. I believe that technically, FAR 91.407(b) doesn't apply to inspections. I don't log the "test flight" after an inspection in the airplane logbooks, but I do still refrain from carrying passengers until after that flight. Pete |
#6
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I also check for tools/rags/screws etc left behind, in any place that they
could be left. Tony C-GICE In article , "Michael 182" wrote: I've done a number of these over the years, but prior to tomorrow's, I'm thinking about how the preflight routine changes. I'll check all the screws on all the inspection panels, pull off the engine cowlings and poke about, looking for anything obviously loose. Check that the seats are on the rails correctly. Check the items that were worked on, at least the one's I can see. Anyone else have any special list of things they check at this point? Thanks, Michael |
#7
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Tony Roberts wrote:
I also check for tools/rags/screws etc left behind, in any place that they could be left. And all fluid(s) levels (oil/brake)... Putting new disc rotors/pads on our brakes tomorrow, wear levels prevented reuse according the the annual we just went through on the 172F... Course doing an owner assisted annual helps you to keep track of tools, screws and rags... G |
#8
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Michael 182 wrote:
Anyone else have any special list of things they check at this point? Triple-check the "controls free and correct" part. I hear it's very hard to stay in the air after someone reverses the aileron cables. George Patterson Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry, and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing? Because she smells like a new truck. |
#9
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I'm sure all the ideas that'll be described will make sense, but the most
important suggestion has to be to stay within gliding distance of the runways after takeoff and hang around for a couple circuits until all is well. I speak from experience having lost an engine after an annual... Ray On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 14:56:13 -0600, Michael 182 wrote: I've done a number of these over the years, but prior to tomorrow's, I'm thinking about how the preflight routine changes. I'll check all the screws on all the inspection panels, pull off the engine cowlings and poke about, looking for anything obviously loose. Check that the seats are on the rails correctly. Check the items that were worked on, at least the one's I can see. Anyone else have any special list of things they check at this point? Thanks, Michael -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ |
#10
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In a perfect world the mechanic would have to crawl into the right seat
and go along for the first flight... denny |
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