Preflighting a Cessna 172N

Aeleron Locks Remove
Cabin
Documents Air Worthiness (visible to everyone)
Registration
Operating handbook (POH)
Weight and balance data
also, logbook and student pilot certificate
Maint. Airworthy
Hobbs & Tach Record times
Control Wheel Lock Remove
Avionics & Electrical Off
Master Switch On
Fuel Guages Check Quantity
Flaps Down (10° when cold)
Pitot Heat Check
Lights Check
Master Switch Off
Fuel Visually Check Quantity
Fuselage
Baggage Door Check and Lock
Surface Check for damage
Serial Number Verify
Empennage
Leading Edges Check
Elevator Counterweights Check
Gust locks Remove
Rudder Counterweights Check
Nav Antennas Check
Beacon Check
Tail Tie-Down Remove
Control Surfaces Free movement and secure
Fuselage
Surface Check for damage
ELT Antenna Check
Comm Antennas Check
Right Wing
Fuel Drain, check color
Flap Check connectors
Ailerons Free movement and secure
Aileron counterweights Check
Nav Lights Check
Leading edge Check
Wing Tie-Down Disconnect
Right Tire Not bald, inflation, flat spots
Right brake Check pads & Fluid Leaks
Nose
Oil Level In limits
Fuel Drain
Crank Case Breather Line Check
Right Static Port Clear
Exhaust pipe No cracks
Nose Wheel Inflation
Nose wheel strut In limits
Shimmy dampener Check
Prop & Spinner Check for nicks
Landing/Taxi lights Check
Carburetor Air Filter Clear
Alternator Belt Check tight
Cowl Cover/Insulation Remove
Cowling No animals! :)
Left static port Clear
Left Wing
Leading edge Check
Pitot Tube Remove Cover, Warm and Clear
Fuel Vent Clear
Stall Warning Opening Clear
Wing Tie-Down Disconnect
Nav Lights Check
Ailerons Free movement and secure
Aileron counterweights Check
Flaps Check connectors
Fuel Drain, check color
Left Tire Not bald, inflation, no flat spots
Left Brake Check Pads & Fluid Leaks




[]Rudy Moore