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Ground Checks
Ground Checks

Before the pilot starts to carry out checks on the aircraft itself, it is important to check

the area around the aircraft. The pilot will be looking out for a number of things.

The position of the aircraft in relation to other things to ensure there is room to

manoeuvre the aircraft safely..

The area is free of rubbish and stones which could be picked-up by jet intakes or

propellers.

The aircraft has chocks in place (until parking brakes are on).

Fire extinguishers are readily available.

External Aircraft Checks

Many faults or potential problems can be discovered by carrying out visual checks on

the aircraft. Before flying the pilot will walk around the aircraft systematically to

ensure nothing is missed out. In addition to making an inspection of specific parts of

the aircraft, the pilot must look out for damage or wear on the 'skin', 'popped' rivets,

and leaking oil, fuel or hydraulic fluid. A typical walk round could be as follows.

1. Cockpit

Check Magneto Switches are Off (the Magneto Switches are part of the ignition

system in the aircraft).

Makes sure brakes are set to PARK

Flaps should be lowered ready for inspection

Check door locks.

Switch on navigation lights

2. Port Left Undercarriage

Hydraulic fluid leaks.

Condition of tyres and tyre pressure.

Condition of pads and callipers

Look around for any signs of fluid leakage from any other part of the aircraft.

3. Port Fuselage

Check surfaces for ice or damage

Make sure any windows are clean and in good condition

4. Port Tail Plane

Check surfaces for ice or damage

5. Port Elevator

Make sure it has full and free movement

Check for damage and make sure it is secure

Check control linkage mechanism

6. Tail Fin

Check both sides for ice or damage

Make sure it is secure

Check navigation light

7. Rudder

Check both sides for ice and damage

Make sure it has full and free movement

Check control linkage mechanism

The pilot will then work along the starboard (right) of the aircraft repeating the checks

above in the following order.

8. Starboard Elevator.

9. Starboard Tail Plane

10. Starboard Fuselage

11. Starboard Undercarriage

Once these checks have been completed the pilot will now need to look at the aircraft

wing.

12. Starboard Flap

Check for ice and damage.

Make sure drain holes are clear.

Ensure flap is secure.

13. Starboard Aileron

Check for ice and damage.

Check for full and free movement.

Ensure drain holes are clear.

14. Wing Tip

Check for ice and damage

Check navigation light.

15. Leading Edge

Check for ice and damage.

16. Upper Wing Surface

Check for ice and damage

17. Lower Wing Surface

Check for ice and damage

18. Engine

Open the engine inspection panel and check oil level and inspect engine for

loose wires. Make sure intake and air filter is clean and not blocked.

19. Propeller

If the aircraft has a propeller check it for damage and make sure it is secure.

The pilot now needs to carry out the wing checks on the left in the following order.

20. Lower Wing Surface

21. Upper Wing Surface

22. Leading Edge

23. Wing Tip

24. Port Aileron

25. Port Flap

In addition to these checks the pilot will need to ensure that all tie downs are

removed, check the fuel level, and all covers protecting parts of the aircraft such as

exhaust and pitot head and vents are removed.

Look at the diagram below. The numbers correspond to the checks above.

Aircraft Ground Checks

By: msmperera

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