Left Mag Dead... After Annual???

On 02/27/06 11:39, Roy Smith wrote:
Mark Hansen wrote:
Well, I do a thorough preflight and run up each time, regardless of the
maintenance schedule. I certainly cannot remove the cowl and inspect
the security of the spark plugs ;-\

Why not? The cowl on most types comes off with no tools. When doing
checkouts with new club members, I often pull the cowling and show
them what's underneath.

I've been flying C172 N and M models, and at least on the specific ones
that I've used, you must remove a number of screws.

Also, the club I've joined is geared toward student and low-time pilots,
and has several 'rules' whose primary purpose is in keeping the inexperienced
from getting into trouble - so I assumed they would not be to happy to see
one of the members pulling the cowl and poking around inside.

Of course, if you're providing club check-outs, you probably have more
latitude in this area than a general member would? In my club, for example,
the CFIs have a key to the office, while as a member I do not.

To be honest, I haven't asked if pulling the cowl is against the policy
at my club.


I certainly wouldn't launch into anything but day-vfr for the first
flight after major maintenance, and even then, I like to circle the
airport a couple of laps while climbing to a good altitude.

That's good advice, of course.


--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane
Cal Aggie Flying Farmers
Sacramento, CA