Post-Flight-Procedures

Introduction:

Initial Post-Flight-Procedures Actions:

  • Instal cowl plugs with the strap over the blade
    • This is to prevent forgetting to remove cowl plugs before takeoff as the propeller will instead fling them off if left in place

Post-Flight-Procedures Debriefings:

Post-Flight-Procedures

  • Must be performed in accordance with the airplane manufacturer checklist

Determining Condition for Safe Flight:

  • Approaching the aircraft:

    [Figure 2]
    • Make note of anything unusual
    • Landing gear should be level
    • No cracks on the airframe
    • No leaking fluids (fuel, oil, etc.)
    • Foreign Object Debris (FOD) not present
    • Begin taking note of any remove before flight flags
    • Etc.

  • Inside the aircraft:

    • Check the door for ease of use, which could be a sign of misalignment/structural damage
    • Make sure the inside of the aircraft is not wet, especially if it has rained recently
    • Ensure the windshield is in good condition (no crazing) and clean
    • Ensure the seats and belts are in good working condition and secure
    • Check for 3 critical areas which will be listed on your checklist:
      1. Battery and Ignition Switches - OFF
      2. Control Column Locks - REMOVED
      3. Landing Gear Control - DOWN AND LOCKED (as applicable)
    • Throttle Quadrant:
      • Mixture Control - Idle cut-off
      • Propeller Control - Full forward
      • Throttle Control - Idle
    • Engine controls should be manipulated to ensure full range of check for binding or stiffness
    • Instruments should be checked for fogging on the panel windows
    • Fuel selector should be checked for freedom of movement throuth all positions and returned to the appropriate tank
    • Static lines should be drained as appropriate
    • Master switch and avionics master switches should be moved into the off position
    • ELT should be in the armed position (on will transmit)
    • Clean all windows, as required
    • Overall the aircraft must be equipped for VFR or IFR, depending on the purpose of flight
    • Check for required documents
    • Ensure the gear lever and emergency gear lever, as appropriate, are in the up positions and secure
    • Set trim controls to the neutral position
    • Alternate Static Source
      • Turn on and look for a small increase in the altimeter and VSI
      • Turn off/close alternate air selectors
    • Turn on the battery switch and:
      • Lower the flaps
      • Note fuel gauge quantities
      • Check interior/exterior lights
      • Turn on pitot heat and carefully check the pitot tube for warmth
        • Take care to not leave the heat on for more than a minute or two
      • Check the Pitot tube to ensure there are no blockages
    • When complete with the above, don't forget to turn off the master switch
    • Remove any control locks and check flight controls to be free and correct
      • Move the controls in a box pattern to ensure nothing prevents full range of motion while simultaneously visually inspecting for appropriate movements (i.e., cables are attached correctly)
    • Set the parking brake, if not already
    • Ensure that no loose articles, such as rags, waste, tools, etc., are present that might foul the controls
      • Articles shall be properly stowed to prevent their coming adrift and being lost overboard or damaging the aircraft during maneuvers
      • Care shall be taken to ensure proper load-balance distribution of all weights
    • Check for the presence of a fire extinguisher, with proper charge, and having been inspected within the last year
      • Ensure the fire extinguisher is secured
    • Ensure gear levers in the appropriate position before

  • Left Empennage:

    • First and foremost, make sure you're firm but light when touching the aircraft so as not to cause damage to the structure
    • Look for wrinkles in the skin or structure anomalies
    • Observe for loose or missing rivets
    • Black oxide will be apparently with loose or broken fasteners
    • Small dents may be present but excessive or large dents are unacceptable
    • If a crack is present you may find a stop drilled in (a hole drilled at the end of the crack) which is acceptable corrective action
    • Stains are a sign of fluid leakage
    • Depending on the aircraft you may have a cargo area check inside and door secure
    • Check the static ports to ensure there are no blockages
    • Check any antennas for condition

  • Tail:

    • Same as the empennage with a few extras
    • Verify gust locks are removed
    • Check control surface attachments and movement
    • Check trim tab movement
    • Check the lights for obvious damage
    • Check any antennas for condition

  • Right Empennage:

    • Same as left Empennage

  • Right Wing:

    • Inspect for the same things previously mentioned
    • Verify gust locks are removed
    • Ailerons should move in opposing directions and you should see the yoke move
    • Lights and stall warnings should be inspected and clear of obstructions
    • Pitot Tubes should be checked for obstructions and bugs
    • Landing gear should not show excessive wear and be locked (if retractable, to prevent collapse when moved)
    • Fuel quantity should be as expected relative to last flight/refueling/cockpit displays (accuracy permitting)
      • Ensure the cap is secure
    • Flaps/Ailerons should be inspected for freedom of movement and/or security of the hinges and actuators
    • Inspect static wicks and count for expected amount
    • Inspect wing tip/lights for dents or cracks
    • Inspect leading edge for dents or cracks
    • Inspect fuel quantity as expected
    • Remove tie-downs/chocks
      • Place out of way of tires and preferrably not in water
    • Inspect main gear
      • Check brake assembly for excessive wear, damage, cracks, or hydraulic fluid
      • Check the tire for inflation, flat spots, no cord showing
      • If retractable, check linkages for conditions, obstructions, and up/down lock switches
      • Check strut for proper inflation (2.50" +/- .25")
      • Ensure any castle nuts are safety pinned
    • Drain sump drain
      • Check for water, sediment
      • Verify proper grade by viewing color - clear color (on the bottom) indicates water
      • Ensure to properly dispose of contaminated fuel

  • Wing Root/Fuel Sump:

    • The cabin should be inspected from the other side for over all condition
    • Tires should be inspected for proper inflation, FOD, damage, showing chords
    • Brakes should be checked for corrosion, loose connections, fluid leakage and cracks
    • The fuel should be sumped and checked
      • The reading you saw on the gauges should be appropriate to what you see in the tanks
      • Grade/color should be appropriate and sediment or water should not be present
      • Incorrect fuel can result in engine failures, if you're lucky on the ground, if not, during takeoff and climb
      • Water will sink to the bottom
      • Take samples until all sediment or water that may be found is removed
    • Fuel Strainer Drain:
      • Drain a small amount of fuel
      • Check for water (water will sink), sediment, and verify color for proper grade
      • Sumped fuel should be disposed of in accordance with local procedure, and never dumped on the ramp

  • Nose:

    [Figure 3]
    • Check engine oil levels and if you're flying the same aircraft often, for sudden drops in fuel usage
    • The cowling should be secure, all screws in place
      • Ensure foregin objects (such as birds nests) are not lodged inside, especially if the aircraft has not flown, moreso if it is parked outside, and even more if there are no cowl plugs installed
      • Be sure to close and lock it after you're done
    • The propeller and spinner should be checked for damage
      • Treat the propeller as though the engine magnetos are always live, so as not to be caught off-guard if any propeller movement results in ignition
    • The drive belts should be checked for proper tension and signs of wear
    • Leaking fluids should be noted as well as FOD
    • All visible wires and lines should be checked fro security and condition
    • The shock strut should be properly compressed
      • Apply force to verify suspension
    • Cooling/induction intake:
      • Check clear of foreign debris
    • Lights:
      • Check as appropriate
    • Nose Gear:
      • Check springs and struts for damage and cracks
      • Check retraction mechanism for obstructions
      • Check up/down lock switches
      • Check gear doors for condition
      • Check strut for prober inflation
      • Check tires for prober inflation and wear
      • Check components are secure with castle nuts and safety (cotter) pins
    • Tie-Down: remove and place to side
    • Check engine cowling secure and fastened
    • Ensure the engine compartment is clear of FOD such as paper or birds nests
    • Check the fuel sump
    • Exhaust Stack:
      • Check secure and free from cracks and debris
    • Oil Cooler Intake:
      • Check free from obstructions or blockages
    • Oil Quantity:
      • Check oil level appropriate to engine temperature
    • Propeller/Spinner:
      • CHeck for nicks, cracks, and that the spinner and each blade is secure
      • Check for oil leaks from propeller hub

  • Left Wing:

    • Generally the same as other side
    • Verify fuel tank vent is clear
      • Blue stains from aviation fuel may be present due to fuel expansion as temperature increases
    • Ensure stall warning vane for freedom of movement and that it is not obstructed
      • The microswitch contact should be audible
    • Pitot Mast:
      • Verify ram air intake and drain hole are free of obstructions, and, if applicable, the static porn on mast is clear
Airplane Flying Handbook, Check the Propeller and Inside the Cowling
Airplane Flying Handbook, Check the Propeller and Inside the Cowling

Winter Considerations:

  • During Post-Flight-Procedures in cold or winter weather conditions, check for ice on any moving or aerodynamic part, including landing gear

Night Post-Flight-Procedures:

  • Night flying requires that pilots be aware of, and operate within, their abilities and limitations
    • This means more attention to the details of Post-Flight-Procedures preparation and planning
  • Preparation for a night flight should include a thorough review of the available weather reports and forecasts with particular attention given to temperature/dew point spread
    • A narrow temperature/dew point spread may indicate the possibility of fog or clouds
  • Emphasis should also be placed on wind direction and speed, since its effect on the airplane cannot be as easily detected at night as during the day
  • On night cross-country flights, appropriate aeronautical charts should be selected, including the appropriate adjacent charts
    • Course lines should be drawn in black to be more distinguishable
    • Prominently lighted checkpoints along the prepared course should be noted
    • Rotating beacons at airports, lighted obstructions, lights of cities or towns, and lights from major highway traffic all provide excellent visual checkpoints
  • The use of radio navigation aids and communication facilities add significantly to the safety and efficiency of night flying
  • All personal equipment should be checked prior to flight to ensure proper functioning
  • All airplane lights should be turned ON momentarily and checked for operation
    • Emphasis on momentarily when turning on lights such as taxi/landing light and the strobe so as not to blind other pilots
  • Position lights can be checked for loose connections by tapping the light fixture
    • If the lights blink while being tapped, further investigation to determine the cause should be made prior to flight
  • The parking ramp should be examined prior to entering the airplane
  • During the day, it is quite easy to see stepladders, chuckholes, wheel chocks, and other obstructions, but at night it is more difficult

Inoperative Equipment:

  • The FAA has developed a process for determining airworthiness when inoperative equipment is discovered
  • First, determine if there is a minimum equipment list
  • If not, determine if the item is part of the Type Certificate Data Sheet
  • If not, determine if the item is on the Kinds of Equipment list
  • If not, determine if the item is required per FAR 91.205
  • if the item is not required on any of the above, the instrument must be removed or deactivated, placarded inoperative, and logged in the maintenance manuals per FAR 91.213 and in accordance with FAR 43.9

Reclining Seats:

  • Personnel embarked in aircraft equipped with seats that have a reclining back shall be instructed to lock the seat in the erect position for all takeoffs, landings, and emergencies
  • Reclining seats that will not lock in the erect position shall not be used for passenger transport

Best Practices:

Private Pilot - After Landing, Parking and Securing (ASEL, AMEL) Airman Certification Standards:


Private Pilot (Airplane) After Landing, Parking, and Securing Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.XII.A.K1:

    Airplane shutdown, securing, and postflight inspection.
  • PA.XII.A.K2:
    Documenting in-flight/postflight discrepancies.

Private Pilot (Airplane) After Landing, Parking, and Securing Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.XII.A.R1:

    Activities and distractions.

  • PA.XII.A.R2:

    [Archived].

  • PA.XII.A.R3:

    Airport specific security procedures.

  • PA.XII.A.R4:

    Disembarking passengers safely on the ramp and monitoring passenger movement while on the ramp.

Private Pilot (Airplane) After Landing, Parking, and Securing Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.XII.A.S1:

    [Archived].

  • PA.XII.A.S2:

    Park in an appropriate area, considering the safety of nearby persons and property.

  • PA.XII.A.S3:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

  • PA.XII.A.S4:

    Conduct a postflight inspection and document discrepancies and servicing requirements, if any.

  • PA.XII.A.S5:

    Secure the airplane.

Post-Flight-Procedures Case Studies:

Conclusion:

  • Remain mindful that performance calculations are usually more optimistic than performance in reality
  • Treate every Post-Flight-Procedures like it is your first with that aircraft
    • It's much better to discover an issue on the ground than face it in the air
  • Ensure any panel opened is securely latched to prevent in flight deployment, and in the case of a cargo compartment, loosing cargo or having it bind on flight controls
  • Consider checking the NTSB, by airport, for each new destination
  • Remember, there are two parts to checking if the flight controls are free and correct:
    • Free: nothing prevents their movement (bags, kneeboards, your legs)
    • Correct: when you turn the flight controls, they indicate the correct direction of movement
  • Especially at unfamiliar airports, review, and have available the airport diagram to maintain situational awareness
  • If required to obtain airport reservations at airports designated by the FAA given Special Traffic Management Programs, see AIM 4-1-21, Airport Reservation Operations and Special Traffic Management Programs
  • Post-Flight-Proceduress are important, but Post-Flight-Procedures following maintenance is especially important
    • Note anything out of the ordinary, especially as it relates to the maintenace performed
  • Dress for prefligt for comfort and to mitigate distractions - don't get too cold, hot, or wet before you're about to conduct a flight
  • Pilots that fail to familiarize themselves with all information concerning the flight, and violate airspace or procedures may find themselves subject to FAA Compliance Action, a certificate suspension or revocation, fines, or even criminal penalties
  • Consider the use of a flight risk assessment tool, or FRAT, before flight
  • Consider actual versus realized performance when doing any performance calculations
  • Consider practicing maneuvers on a flight simulator to introduce yourself to maneuvers or knock off rust
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References: