Hi everybody, IÕm Jay Rollins with a five-minute pre-flight for the Cessna 172 N model. Remember,
the pre-flight begins even as you walk up to the plane. Is the plane sitting level?
Is there obvious damage, are personnel nearby to alert, or maybe work tools need
to be removed. In cold weather, look for ice or snow accumulations. Some pilots make it a habit
to check the oil first. After all, if oil is low, that needs to be addressed right away. Once inside
the cockpit, remove the gust lock É ensure the ignition and avionics switches is ÒoffÓ Ð weÕre
about to apply electrical power, but for safetyÕs sake, we donÕt want to apply power to these
systems just yet. Check that the wings are clear, and then turn on the master switch. Lower the
flaps and check the fuel gages. Once the flaps are fully extended return the master to Òoff.Ó Next,
inspect the empennage. Check the integrity of the tailfin, static wicks, and antennas high and
low. Closely inspect horizontal stabilizers for damage, connections, and proper movement. Same for
the rudder. Inspect it for freedom of movement, damage and proper connections.
Be careful not to adjust the special trim tab set at the factoryÉ oh, and donÕt forget to undo the
tie down at the tail! Now continue our pre-flight at the rear of the right wing root and check
the security of the flap. Keep in mind, some ÒplayÓ in the mechanism is normal É next check
the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, and then inspect the right-hand aileron. It
should be securely attached, yet free to move. Remove any tie down, examine the static wick,
the light assembly, and the wingtip itself for integrity. Now check the leading edge of the wing.
Visually check the level of the fuel Ð is it close to what the fuel gage indicated? Properly replace
the filler cap, and if this is the first flight of the day or you just refueled, take a fuel sample
from the underside of the wing checking for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade. Then examine the
right hand main gear. Check the strut for proper extension, the condition of the brake disk, pad,
and lug nuts, and finally check the tire for proper inflation and wear. If you didnÕt already,
then once you reach the nose area, be sure to open the panel and confirm four to six quarts of oil on
the dipstick and that there are no obvious leaks or loose connections visible inside the engine
compartment. Pull the fuel strainer knob for four seconds. If you notice water, then the fuel should
be checked further before flight. Take a close look at the propeller and spinner for nicks or
damage, and make sure the air intakes are clear É now drop down and check the condition of the
landing lights É the nose strut É steering mechanism É the tire, and as always, remove
any tiedowns. Most checks on the left side of the aircraft are identical to those on the right, but
there are a couple of extras. ItÕs very important to confirm that the static port on the left side
of the fuselage is free of ice and obstructions. Ensure both the stall warning and the fuel tank
vent openings are clear. Finally, if you start your takeoff run but the airspeed seems stuck at
zero, most likely this is the cause. Be absolutely certain to remove the pitot probe
cover! And thatÕs a five-minute look at the Cessna 172 pre-flight. Have a great flight!