sure that propeller retainer bolts are tight and properly safetied.
Inspect metal blades for corrosion, cracks, nicks, and scratches, particularly on the leading edge of each blade from the tip inboard.
Even very small nicks and scratches set up stress concentrations which can lead to structural failures, especially in the propeller blades.
Propellers should be inspected at preflight and postflight. This permits repairs to be made to scratches and nicks before further operation and with less likelihood of delaying a trip.
Remember, the longer a scratch or nick exists the greater the probability of failure.
No: FC8468 C89901 A. Dome. E. Counterweight.
B. Hub bolts. F. Deicer boot C. Hub. C. Deicer boot leads.
D. Blade. H. Spinner bulkhead.
FIGURE 7-3. Three-blade propeller checkpoints.
FIGURE 7-4. Propeller tip damage.
FIGURE 7-5. Wood propeller blade-cracked and separated laminations.
This is an example of a propeller blade tip which has been damaged by lightning. Damage such as this should alert pilots and mechanics to the probability of internal damage due to internal arcing.
Wood or composition blades should be inspected for condition of metal tipping and leading edge strips. Check for loose rivets or screws, separation of soldered joints, and other signs of creeping or looseness of the metal 68
tipping. Check for lamination separation, especially between the metal leading edge and cap.
Ensure that tip drain holes are open so that the centrifugal force of the revolving propeller will dissipate excess moisture. If other than a fixed-pitch propeller, make certain that the blades are installed in the hub satisfactorily and properly safetied. Wood blades installed into metal hubs should be frequently examined for cracks extending outward on the blade.
FIGURE 7-7. Propeller spinner checkpoints.
FIGURE 7-6. Propeller governor checkpoints.
Inspect the propeller control system for security of attachment, oil leaks, freedom of movement and full travel. Inspect wiring for condition, routing, damage, and chafing. Inspect tubing for security, kinks, scratches, oil leaks, and chafing. Ensure that all exposed nuts are properly torqued and safetied.
The control system may incorporate a full feathering system including relays, solenoids, governors, or control valves, and distributors.
Inspect the various external components of the system for security of attachment, oil leaks, chafing, or damage to the electrical wiring.
Check for loose connections and proper safetying.
Certain engine-propeller combinations require installation of a spinner for proper engine cooling. In these cases, the engine should not be operated unless the spinner is properly installed.
Inspect the propeller spinner and spinner mounting plate for security of attachment, cracks, chafing of the blades, proper safetying, and any other defects.
Cracked spinner assemblies should be repaired or replaced immediately by a certificated person to prevent the possibility of parts breaking away in flight and damaging portions of the aircraft structure, or injuring personnel during operation on the ground.
Inspect the fluid anti-icer assembly for general condition and security. Ensure that the slinger rings, nuts, and delivery tubes are properly installed and that the nuts holding the delivery tubes to the slinger ring sockets are securely fastened. Inspect reservoir and lines for proper installation, chafing, or leakage.
Check connections for condition and security of clamps. Check fluid level and follow manu- 69
and brush holders for condition and attachment. Check cockpit controls for condition and satisfactory operation. Inspect wiring for chafing, routing, deterioration, and security.
Defects noted in the deicing system should be referred to a certificated mechanic for adjustments and repairs. Severe damage to the deicing shoe will require replacement. Normally, small cuts may be repaired with a sealer specified by the manufacturer.
FIGURE 7-8. Propeller liquid anti-icing system checkpoints.
facturer's instructions when filling reservoir with anti-icing fluid.
If the system depends on electrical heat for the removal of ice, inspect the deicing shoe for damage and condition of the electrical con- FIGURE 7-9. Propeller electrical deicing system nection to the blade. Examine blade slip rings checkpoints.
Section 8. RADIO FIGURE 8-1. Inspection chart-radio.
Radio equipment should be removed periodically by certificated personnel to inspect shock mounts and bounding, and to clean and inspect racks and adjacent structure. Plugs and connectors should be opened and inspected for corrosion, dirt, and moisture. Ensure that all plugs and connectors are properly mated and secured.
Disconnect battery ground cable BEFORE removing radio equipment. Check for broken bonding strips. Poor radio reception will generally result from broken bonding strips.
Examine installation of communication and navigation equipment (transceivers, ADF, OMNI, DME, etc.) for security of attachment. FIGURE 8-2. Communication/navigation equipment Check all jacks, knobs, and switches for se- installation checkpoints.
curity. Volume controls should work smoothly.
Switches should have positive action. Indicator dials should be clean and have proper motion. Check for defective light bulbs. Spare light bulbs and fuses should be readily available in the cockpit or cabin.
Inspect dynamotors for security of attachment and cleanliness. Inspect power supply installation for security of attachment. Check wiring and connections for proper grounding, condition, insulation, and security. Check switches for operation and condition.
Periodically, check the voltage regulator system. Low voltage settings will result in improper radio operation. High voltage setting (over 10 percent) may result in damage to radios, particularly those incorporating transistors.
COMM NAV
116.00 0800 FIGURE 8-3. Bonding radio equipment to shock mount.
Inspect electrical wiring and shielding for defects, chafing, and security. Ensure that connections, terminals, and clips are tight.
Look for evidence of shock mounted equipment contacting adjacent components or structure. Inspect fuses for corrosion, continuity, and security.
FIGURE 8-4. Communication/navigation equipment shock mount.
FIGURE 8-5. Typical communication/navigation equipment control.
An operational check should be performed on all equipment during engine warmup. Reception should be free of interference caused by ignition, generators, navigation lights, or any other electrical or mechanical unit.
Headsets and microphones should be inspected for broken or sticking switches, and dirty, worn, or damaged plugs. Inspect cord for wear and damage.
Unsatisfactory operation of communication or navigation equipment should be referred to authorized personnel for repair or adjustment.
Open junction boxes and inspect for extraneous material, security of connections, and condition of wiring and cables. Inspect remote control shafts for condition, security, and ease of operation.
The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) should be inspected for general condition, security of attachment, and other defects. The antenna cable and remote switch cable should be securely attached with no corrosion of com- 72
FICURE 8-6. Antenna installations checkpoints.
ponents and routed so as not to interfere with controls. Be sure that the battery replacement date has not expired. Look for leakage and corrosion of the battery pack or ELT unit if batteries are utilized internally. Inspect the ELT antenna for security, corrosion, or damage. Inspect the cockpit ELT remote function switch for security and proper position. Note: Operational tests may be conducted only at certain times. Generally, operational tests will be performed by repair agencies following maintenance or repair of ELT.
Check antennas for condition and security of attachment. Inspect wire antennas for proper tension. Inspect insulators, fittings, terminals, and supporting masts for condition and security. Clean all insulators.
A broken antenna may foul the controls or cause other damage. Inspect rigid antennas and masts for evidence of lightning strikes.
Check rubber seals for evidence of cracks or leakage.
Check manual and automatic rotation of automatic direction finder (ADF) loop.
FIGURE 8-8. ADF antenna-fixed loop.
Refinishing an ADF loop housing requires a special paint.
Inspect trailing edge static wicks for proper FIcURE 8-7. ADF Antenna-internal loop-tail mount. length, condition, and security.
FIGURE 8-9. Bonding wires and trailing edge static wicks.
Section 9. MISCELLANEOUS Miscellaneous equipment should be inspected for general condition, proper storage, and to ensure that it is readily accessible. Ensure that all equipment is secured so that it cannot interfere with the controls.
Parachutes, lift rafts, flares, and similar emergency equipment should be inspected by qualified, personnel within prescribed time pe- OF riods according to manufacturer's recommendations. All noted defects or discrepancies should be referred to an approved repair facility.
FICURE 9-2. Autopilot control panel.
FIGURE 9-1. Rotating beacon installation.
Inspect rotating or flashing beacons for security of mounting, cleanliness, and general condition. Inspect wiring for condition and possible chafing. Check switches for proper operation. Examine connections for tightness, corrosion, and condition of insulation. Ensure that fuses or circuit breakers are in good condition and operating satisfactorily.
Inspect the autopilot system for general condition, security of attachment, and for other defects. Functional checks should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 9-3. Emergency locator transmitter - remote mount.
Check ELT mounting and connections for security. Check batteries for expiration/replacement date. Any evidence of corrosion should be investigated by qualified personnel.
Perform an operational check periodically.
Fire extinguishers should be checked for indication of being discharged, proper quantity of extinguishant, and location-away from any area of excessive heat or direct sunlight.
The first aid kit should be checked to determine the condition and sufficiency of its content.
9-4. Emergency locator transmitter - portable mount.
• Section 10. PREFLIGHT INSPECTION 2 13 14 17 15 16 FICURE 10-1. Inspection chart-preflight.
The following Preflight Inspection Checklist may be used as a guide when developing a preflight checklist for your aircraft.
should be modified to suit the aircraft type and to include the manufacturer's recommendations (normally found i:: the Pilots/Owners Operation Handbook).
The numbers on the inspection chart correspond to the numbers indicated on the itemized list. By following the numerical route, an effective and organized preflight inspection can be accomplished.
1. The first three items to be accomplished are :
Battery and ignition switches-OFF Control locks-REMOVED Landing gear control-GEAR DOWN
AND LOCKED After completion of item Number 1, proceed with the preflight inspection.
Carefully observe the general overall appearance of the airplane.
2. Fuselage: Right side Exterior of cockpit doors/passenger door-check for security of hinges and latch lock. Check condition of skin and windows.
Baggage compartment-contents secured and door locked.
Airspeed static source-free from obstructions.
Condition of covering-missing or loose rivets, cracks, tears in fabric, etc.
3. Empennage:
Deicer boots-condition and security.
Control surface locks-"REMOVE."
Fixed and movable control surfacesdents, cracks, excess play, hinge pins and bolts for security and movable surfaces for full travel and freedom of movement.
Tailwheel-spring, steering arms and chains, tire inflation, and condition.
78 Lights-navigation and anticollision lights for condition and security.
4. Fuselage: Left side Same as item 2.
5. Wing:
Control surface locks-"REMOVE."
Control surfaces, including flaps-dents, cracks, excess play, hinge pins and bolts for security and condition, movable surfaces for full travel and freedom of movement.
General condition of wings and covering-torn fabric, bulges or wrinkles, loose or missing rivets, "oil cans," etc.
6. Wing tip and navigation light-condition and security.
7. Deicer boots-general condition and security.
Landing light-condition, cleanliness, and security.
Stall warning vane-freedom of movement. Prior to inspection, turn master switch "ON" so that stall warning signal can be checked when vane is deflected.
8. Landing gear:
Wheels and brakes condition and security, indications of fluid leakage at fittings, fluid lines, and adjacent area.
Tires-cuts, bruises, excessive wear, and proper inflation.
Oleos and shock struts- cleanliness and proper inflation.
Shock cords-general condition.
Wheel Fairings-general condition and security. On streamlined wheel fairings, look inside for accumulation of mud, ice, etc.
Limit and position switches security, cleanliness, and condition.
Ground safety locks-"REMOVE."