Aircraft Inspections PRE and POST-Flight Looking But Not Seeing

A good flight begins with an adequate preflight which reveals how disciplined the pilot will approach the flight Touch each system you are checking and verbalize what you are looking for as a question (i.e. “Are there missing cowl screws?”) Don't ignore signs such as flat spots on tires, drops of oil below the brakes, or flat nose gear strut. Report and have lights replaced which do not work before a necessary night flight. Small items like missing screws need to be reported and replaced.

Basic piloting skills need to be emphasized by ALL CAP PILOTS Consistent landings within PTS standards with stabilize approaches and targeted airspeeds. Don't let the airplane fly you...you fly the airplane. Practice airmanship such as turns around point, stall recovery and steep turns and go around balked landings. Make every flight a learning experience Fly at least twice a month...don't let your airmanship atrophy.

Pre-Flight and Post Flight Movie available at:

POST-Flight Inspection A Post flight inspection is EQUALLY as important as the Pre flight inspection. WHY? 1.It allows for the discovery of any items needing attention or repair. 2.It can be done in the same order as the preflight and using the same preflight checklist. 3.Helps to ensure the safety of the crew flying the same plane immediately following your flight. 4.In leading by example it promotes flying safety, professionalism and demonstrates good stewardship for expensive property in which CAP is entrusted.

POST-Flight Inspection MAKE IT EASY Perform the Post flight inspection in the same order and using the same checklists of the Preflight inspection. Assign the task to a member of the aircrew as part of their “CREW MEMBER” responsibility. Can be included as part of Crew Resource Management. Have another person other than the individual that did the Preflight do the Postflight. This gets a second set of eyes on the plane to possible see things not discovered in the Preflight.

REMEMBER TO NOT GET STUCK IN A COMFORT ZONE Touch each system you are checking and verbalize what you are looking for as a question...Are there missing cowl screws? Are there flat spots on the tire? Check thoroughly and don’t fall into the trap of lazily inspecting a plane you fly regularly If it’s a plane you are flying for the first time, look for things other may have missed because they may have pre-flighted it many times and are stuck in a comfort zone. COMPLETE A POST FLIGHT CHECK after EACH flight.