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this film will show you how to do a line check
although the plane captain will have checked your plane before a flight it is up
to you to make a thorough and complete inspection before each hop
we will demonstrate this inspection with a SNJ
but it is the same with any plane you may fly
approaching the aircraft
stay completely clear of the propeller
place your parachute on the horizontal stabilizer
preparatory to beginning your check
by using a definite procedure for your line inspection you will be less apt to
forget anything
establish this pattern of checkpoints in your mind
the cockpit
the trailing edge of the port wing
the port side wingtip
the port side leading edge
landing gear and port side engine section
the front engine section and prop
the starboard engine section
the starboard wing leading edge
the starboard wingtip
the trailing edge
starboard fuselage
the empennage and tail section
the port side fuselage and baggage compartment
the first checkpoint is the cockpit
both front and rear cockpit should be examined for any loose articles or
rags that might foul controls
check the magnetos and battery switch using slight pressure
to be sure they are in the full off position
unlock the controls by releasing the lever at the lower left side of the
stick
visually check the oil level being sure to replace the cap
check the port side fuel level
and again replace the cap firmly
inspect both top and bottom of the trailing edge of the port wing looking
for tears or breaks
wrinkles or bulges
snap rivets looseness or dents in the skin and in the aileron fabric
all of which might indicate structural failure
check the movement of the ailerons and the condition of the fittings
make sure that lock nuts are secured and
that the pins are made fast by safety cotter pins or wire
when you reach the wing tip
move the end of it up-and-down firmly but gently to detect any excessive
movement
examine the leading edge of the port wing with equal care
when you approach the engine section
keep well clear of the propeller
look at the landing gear
notice the amount of oleo showing
and check the struts
be sure bolts are tight and tires properly inflated
check the hydraulic lines for breaks or leakage
examine the cowling and exhaust stack for looseness and loose fasteners
taking care to keep clear of the propeller walk around in front of the plane
look at it to see that it is sitting level
examine but do not move the propeller
for cracks
necks or permanent damage
look for any loose fittings or other irregularities about the engine
make sure there is no oil or fuel leakage
still keeping clear of the propeller
start your inspection of the starboard side
be sure that chocks are properly placed under the wheel
check the cowling
and the leading edge
just as you did the port side
examine the pitot tube
then check the starboard wingtip and test it for excessive play
check the trailing edge of the star board wing tapered underneath surfaces
just as you did the port wing
check the fuel level
then firmly secure the cap of the starboard fuel tank
examine the starboard side of the fuselage
at the empennage or tail group
examine the rudder and elevators for freedom of movement
and condition of the surface
move the rudder so you can see the rudder horn and cables on both sides
inspect the stabilizer and trim tab fittings
for freedom and lubrication
check top and bottom surfaces of the elevators
then examine the tail wheel assembly for proper inflation and oleo fluid
continue your inspection of the port side of the fuselage
make sure all gear in the baggage compartment is firmly secured
and finally that the door is tightly locked
after putting on your parachute
you are ready to get in the plane