Cessna 172F Skyhawk — C-172FChecklist

CABIN preflight_inspection

PapersA.R.O.W.
Control Wheel LockREMOVE
MagsOFF
AvionicsOFF
Circuit BreakersIN
TrimTAKEOFF
Fuel SelectorCHECK EACH POSITION, SET BOTH
PropCLEAR
MasterON
Fuel GaugesTRUE
FlapsEXTEND
LightsINTERIOR / EXTERIOR
Pitot HeatTEST
Stall IndicatorTEST
MasterOFF
Fuel StrainerPULL (4 sec)
Baggage DoorLOCK

EMPENNAGE preflight_inspection

Left ElevatorCHECK
TiedownDISCONNECT
RudderCHECK
Rudder and Elevator CablesCHECK
Navigation LightSECURE
Trim Tab AlignmentCHECK (within ¼" of elevator)
Right ElevatorCHECK
AntennasCHECK

RIGHT WING preflight_inspection

FlapCHECK
AileronCHECK
Strobe/Navigation LightsCHECK
TiedownDISCONNECT
Fuel QuantityCHECK VISUALLY
Fuel Filler CapSECURE
Right Fuel Tank SumpDRAIN
ChockREMOVE
TireCHECK (24 PSI)
Brake AssemblyCHECK

NOSE preflight_inspection

ChockREMOVE
Nose Strut1-3" EXTENSION
Nose TireCHECK (26 PSI)
Exhaust SystemCHECK
Air FilterCLEAR
Engine Air InletsCLEAR
Prop/SpinnerCHECK
Oil Level7 QTS (under 3 HR flight), 8 QTS (extended flight)
Oil CapSECURE
Engine CompartmentCHECK
Access DoorSECURE
Static PortCLEAR

LEFT WING preflight_inspection

ChockREMOVE
TireCHECK (24 PSI)
Brake AssemblyCHECK
Left Fuel Tank SumpDRAIN
Fuel QuantityCHECK VISUALLY
Fuel Filler CapSECURE
Pitot TubeCLEAR
Fuel VentCLEAR
TiedownDISCONNECT
Landing/Taxi LightsCHECK
Strobe/Navigation LightsCHECK
AileronCHECK
FlapCHECK

START before_start

Hobbs TimeRECORDED
Passenger BriefCOMPLETE
Seat Track/BackLOCK
Seat Belt /HarnessFASTEN
BrakesSET
BeaconON
Navigation LightsAS REQUIRED
MixtureRICH
ThrottleOPEN 1/8"
Carb HeatOFF
PrimeAS REQUIRED
PropCLEAR
MasterON
MagsSTART
Throttle1,000 RPM
AmmeterCHECK
Oil PressureCHECK
MixtureLEAN

PRE-TAXI after_start

FlapsUP
Cabin Heat & AirAS DESIRED
AvionicsON / SET
TransponderCODE / STANDBY
ClockSET
Airspeed IndicatorCHECK
Attitude IndicatorSET
Heading IndicatorSET
VSICHECK
ATIS/AWOSCOPY
AltimeterSET / CHECK
Taxi LightAS REQUIRED

TAXI taxi

BrakesTEST
Attitude IndicatorCHECK
Turn-and-Slip IndicatorCHECK
Heading IndicatorCHECK
Magnetic CompassCHECK

RUN-UP before_takeoff

BrakesSET
MixtureBEST POWER
PrimerIN & LOCKED
Throttle1,600 RPM
Mags (R & L)CHECK (125 RPM max drop, 75 RPM max differential)
Carb HeatTEST
VacuumCHECK
AmmeterCHECK (0 to +2 needle widths)
Oil PressureCHECK
Oil TemperatureCHECK
ThrottleIDLE CHECK
Throttle1,000 RPM
MixtureLEAN

TAKEOFF before_takeoff

Heading IndicatorSET
AvionicsSET
Engine GaugesCHECK
Fuel QuantityCHECK
Fuel SelectorBOTH
Carb HeatOFF
MixtureBEST POWER
TrimTAKEOFF
FlapsSET (0-10°)
Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECT
Doors/WindowLOCKED
Takeoff BriefCOMPLETE
Taking Runway (Lights, Camera, Action)
StrobesON
Landing LightON
TransponderALTITUDE
MixtureBEST POWER

AFTER TAKEOFF after_takeoff

FlapsUP
Engine GaugesCHECK
Landing LightAS DESIRED

CRUISE cruise

Landing LightOFF
ThrottleSET
MixtureLEAN
Engine GaugesCHECK
Heading IndicatorSET
Fuel SelectorBALANCE AS REQUIRED

FUEL MANAGEMENT ABOVE 5,000’ MSL cruise

When reaching cruise altitude above 5,000’ MSL, promptly switch fuel selector from BOTH to either LEFT or RIGHT and then to opposite tank to ensure both tanks are feeding.
During cruise, use LEFT and RIGHT tank (not BOTH) as required to manage fuel balance.

APPROACH approach

MixtureRICHEN AS REQUIRED
Fuel SelectorBOTH (below 5,000’ MSL)
Carb HeatAS REQUIRED
ATIS/AWOSCOPY
AltimeterSET
AvionicsSET
Heading IndicatorSET
Engine GaugesCHECK
BrakesPEDAL TEST
Seatbelt/HarnessFASTENED
Landing LightON

LANDING landing

Fuel SelectorBOTH
MixtureBEST POWER
Carb HeatON
FlapsAS DESIRED

AFTER LANDING after_landing

Carb HeatOFF
MixtureLEAN
FlapsUP
StrobesOFF
Landing LightOFF
Taxi LightAS REQUIRED
Pitot HeatOFF
TransponderSTANDBY

SHUTDOWN shutdown

AvionicsOFF
Fuel SelectorRIGHT
Throttle1,000 RPM
MagsGROUNDING CHECK
MixtureFULL LEAN
PropCHECK STOPPED
MagsOFF & KEY ON DASH
MasterOFF
LightsOFF

SECURING securing

Hobbs/Tach TimeRECORDED
Control Wheel LockINSTALL
ChocksINSTALL
TiedownsSECURE
Baggage DoorCLOSED
Cabin Doors/WindowCLOSED

FLOODED ENGINE engine_start

MixtureFULL LEAN
ThrottleFULL OPEN
MagsSTART (hold for several revolutions)
Repeat START checklist beginning on step 10 (do not reprime).

GROUND BURNOUT engine_start

MixtureRICH
Throttle2,000 RPM
MixtureLEAN TO 50 RPM DROP BELOW BEST POWER
After 1 minute:
MixtureRICH
MagsRECHECK

RADIO FAILURE avionics_failure

VolumeCHECK
Headset ConnectionCHECK
Audio ControlsCHECK
Circuit BreakersCHECK
SpeakerON
Hand-Held MicrophoneCHECK
FrequencySWITCH
If IFR (or VFR in Class B, C, D airspace): Transponder7600
NOTEIf failure occurs in VFR conditions, or VFR conditions are encountered after failure, continue flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable.
VFR Landing at a Controlled Field:
Remain outside or above Class D airspace until traffic flow determined.
Transmit intentions "in the blind" advising tower of aircraft type, position, altitude, and intention to land.
Enter pattern, report position "in the blind", and watch for light signals from tower.
NOTEIf failure occurs in IFR conditions, continue flight according to the following:
Route to Fly (in order): (AVE. F)
A – Assigned
V – Vectored
E – Expected
F – Filed
Altitude (highest of for the route segment being flown): (MEA)
M – Minimum IFR Altitude
E – Expected as Advised by ATC
A – Assigned by ATC
Descent for Approach:
From enroute altitude upon reaching the IAF but not before:
Expect-further-clearance time (if given)
ETA as calculated from filed ETE
NOTEATC LIGHT SIGNALS

ABORT takeoff

ThrottleIDLE
BrakesAS REQUIRED

ENGINE FAILURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF engine_failure_after_takeoff

AirspeedMEMORY80 MPH (flaps UP)
MixtureMEMORYFULL LEAN
Fuel SelectorMEMORYOFF
FlapsMEMORYDOWN (70 MPH glide)
Master & MagsMEMORYOFF

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DURING FLIGHT engine_failure_in_flight

AirspeedMEMORY80 MPH (flaps UP) (Glide Ratio = 1.5 SM/1,000’ AGL)
If Airstart Warranted:
Carb HeatON
MixtureRICH
Fuel SelectorBOTH
PrimerIN & LOCKED
MagsCHECK ALL
MasterON

FORCED LANDING forced_landing

AirspeedMEMORY80 MPH (flaps UP)
SquawkMEMORY7700
EmergencyMEMORYDECLARE
ELTMEMORYON
MixtureMEMORYFULL LEAN
Fuel SelectorMEMORYOFF
Seatbelt/HarnessMEMORYFASTENED
FlapsMEMORYAS REQUIRED (70 MPH with flaps full)
Master & MagsMEMORYOFF
DoorsMEMORYUNLATCH

ENGINE ROUGHNESS engine_failure_in_flight

If over 5,000’ MSL:
Vapor In Fuel TankEXECUTE
If 5,000’ MSL or below, or Vapor In Fuel Tank procedure doesn’t correct:
Carb HeatON
If roughness continues after 1 min:
Carb HeatOFF
MixtureADJUST FOR MAX SMOOTHNESS
Fuel SelectorBOTH
PrimerIN & LOCKED
Engine GaugesCHECK
MagsL then R then BOTH
MagsSMOOTHEST SETTING
PowerREDUCE
MixtureFULL RICH
LAND AT NEAREST AIRPORTEXECUTE

VAPOR IN FUEL TANK (above 5,000 MSL) fuel_system_malfunction

During Operation on a Single Tank:
Fuel SelectorSWITCH TO OPPOSITE TANK
During Operation on Both Tanks:
Fuel SelectorSWITCH TO A SINGLE TANK FOR 60 SECONDS
Fuel SelectorSWITCH TO OPPOSITE TANK

HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE oil_system_malfunction

PowerREDUCE
MixtureRICH
AirspeedINCREASE
If high temp persists:
LAND AT NEAREST AIRPORTEXECUTE

LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE oil_system_malfunction

Oil TempCHECK
PowerREDUCE
If oil temp shows rise, engine failure imminent:
Forced LandingEXECUTE
If oil temp does not show rise:
LAND AT NEAREST AIRPORTEXECUTE

ENGINE FIRE ON GROUND engine_fire_ground

MixtureMEMORYFULL LEAN
Fuel SelectorMEMORYOFF
MagsMEMORYOFF
MasterMEMORYOFF

ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT engine_fire_in_flight

MixtureMEMORYFULL LEAN
Fuel SelectorMEMORYOFF
Master & MagsMEMORYOFF
Cabin Heat & AirMEMORYOFF
AirspeedMEMORY105 MPH
Forced LandingMEMORYEXECUTE

ELECTRICAL FIRE electrical_fire

MasterMEMORYOFF

WING FIRE cabin_fire

Landing/Taxi LightsOFF
Navigation LightsOFF
Strobe LightsOFF
Pitot HeatOFF
SideslipAS REQUIRED
Forced LandingEXECUTE

SMOKE AND FUMES IN COCKPIT smoke_removal

Cabin Heat KnobIN
Cabin Air KnobIN
Upper Air VentsOPEN
Pilot’s WindowAS REQUIRED (below 100 MPH)

HIGH AMMETER READING (more than 2 needle widths positive deflection) electrical_failure

MasterOFF

NEGATIVE AMMETER READING electrical_failure

Electrical LoadREDUCE

VACUUM SYSTEM FAILURE vacuum_failure

If VMC:
Attitude Indicator & Heading IndicatorCOVER
Maintain VMCEXECUTE
If IMC:
Attitude Indicator & Heading IndicatorCOVER
Fly using Turn-and-Slip Indicator, Altimeter, and Airspeed Indicator
Declare EMERGENCYEXECUTE

INOPERATIVE TRIM trim_malfunction

FlapsAS REQUIRED
PowerAS REQUIRED

FLAP MALFUNCTION flap_malfunction

Circuit BreakerCHECK / RESET
If breaker pops again:
FlapsLEAVE WHERE SET

STRUCTURAL ICING icing

Pitot HeatON
Carb HeatON
ThrottleMAX RPM
MixtureBEST POWER
Cabin HeatMAX DEFROST
EXIT ICING CONDITIONSEXECUTE
If landing with structural icing:
FlapsLEAVE UP

DOOR OR WINDOW OPENING IN FLIGHT door_open_in_flight

FLY THE AIRPLANEMEMORYEXECUTE
If Window:
WindowCLOSE / LOCK
If Door:
LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICABLEEXECUTE

LANDING WITH A FLAT MAIN TIRE landing

ApproachNORMAL
Flaps30°
TouchdownGOOD TIRE FIRST
Hold airplane off flat tire as long as possible
Maintain directional control using good-tire brake

LANDING WITH A FLAT NOSE TIRE landing

ApproachNORMAL
FlapsAS REQUIRED
TouchdownON MAINS
Hold nosewheel off ground as long as possible
When nosewheel touches downFULL UP ELEVATOR

SPIN RECOVERY spin_recovery

PowerMEMORYIdle
AileronsMEMORYNeutral
RudderMEMORYFull opposite rotation direction
YokeMEMORYFull forward with neutral ailerons
RudderMEMORYNeutral when rotation stops
YokeMEMORYPull smoothly from dive

INITIAL preflight_inspection

Wx & Density Alt
Weight & Balance
Performance Req
Flight Plan - File
Papers - A.R.O.W.
Control Lock
Fuel - Both
Master - On
Flaps - Extend
Pitot Heat - Test
Lights - Int/Ext
Stall Indicator - Test
Fuel Gauges - True
Master - Off
Fuel Strainer

EXTERIOR preflight_inspection

Fuel Quantity
Fuel Quality
Caps/Drains/Vents
Engine/Oil
Prop/Air Intake
Exhaust System
Surfaces & Controls
Pitot & Static Ports
Gear/Tires/Brakes
Antennas
Ties/Chocks
Baggage Door
Final Walk Around

INTERIOR before_start

Passenger Brief
Hobbs Time
Circuit Breakers
Brakes - Pedal Test

START engine_start

Seat Track/Back - Lock
Avionics - Off
Carb Heat - Off
Beacon - On
Nav Lights - As Req
Mixture - Full Rich
Throttle - Slight
Prime - As Req
Brakes
Prop - Clear
Master - On
Mags - Start
1,000 RPM
Ammeter
Oil Pressure
Mixture - Lean

PRE-TAXI/TAXI taxi

Seat Belts/Harness
Flaps - Up
Heat/Vent
Avionics - On/Set
Transponder - Stby
ATIS/AWOS
Altimeter - Set
Taxi Light - As Req
Brakes - Test
Attitude Indic - Test
Turn & Slip - Test
H.I./Compass - Test

RUN-UP before_takeoff

Brakes - Set
Fuel - Both
Trim - Takeoff
Flight Controls
Instruments
Mixture - Best Power
Primer - In & Locked
1600 RPM
Mags (R&L) - Test
Carb Heat - Test
Vacuum
Amps
Oil Pressure
Idle - Check Closed
Mixture - Lean

TAKEOFF takeoff

Flaps - 0-10°
Carb Heat - Off
Pitot Heat - As Req
H.I. to Compass
Doors/Window
Takeoff Brief

TAKING RUNWAY takeoff

(Lights, Camera, Action)
Strobes - On
Landing Light - On
Transponder - Altitude
Mixture - Best Power

CLIMB climb

80-90 MPH
Flaps - Up
Power
Mixture
Instruments
Landing Light - Off

CRUISE cruise

Power
Mixture
Instruments
Fuel Selector - As Req
H.I. To Compass

APPROACH approach

Mixture - Richen
Fuel - Both
Carb Heat - As Req
ATIS/AWOS
Altimeter - Set
Instruments
H.I. To Compass
Landing Light - On
Seatbelt/Harness

LANDING landing

Fuel - Both
Mixture - Best Power
Carb Heat - On
Flaps - As Req

AFTER LANDING after_landing

Flaps - Up
Carb Heat - Off
Mixture - Lean
Strobes - Off
Landing Light - Off
Taxi Light - As Req
Pitot Heat - Off
Trim - Takeoff
Transponder - Stby

SHUTDOWN shutdown

Avionics - Off
Fuel - Right
Mags - Ground Check
Mixture - Full Lean
Mags - Off
Master - Off
Lights - Off

SECURING securing

Hobbs/Tach Time
Control Lock
Chocks
Tie Downs
Baggage Door
Cabin Doors/Window

AIRSPEEDS MPH IAS reference

VS0 38
VS1 44
VR 60
VX 66
Short/Soft Final (40°) 70
Normal Final (30°) 75
VY 80
Vmax Glide 80
Final (0°) 80
Base (20°) 80
Past Abeam (10°) 90
Cruise Climb 90
VFE 100
Downwind 100
VA 122
VNO 140
VNE 174

DATA reference

Engine: Continental O-300-D 145 HP
Max T.O. Weight: 2300 #
Max Bag Area: 120 #
Fuel: 100LL (Blue)
Usable Fuel: 36 Gal
Oil Capacity: 8 Qts (Min 6)
Electrical: 12-14 V 60 Amp
Nose Tire: 26 PSI
Main Tire: 24 PSI

Cessna 172F Skyhawk — C-172FChecklist

Ratings & reviews

CABIN preflight_inspection

EMPENNAGE preflight_inspection

RIGHT WING preflight_inspection

NOSE preflight_inspection

LEFT WING preflight_inspection

START before_start

PRE-TAXI after_start

TAXI taxi

RUN-UP before_takeoff

TAKEOFF before_takeoff

AFTER TAKEOFF after_takeoff

CRUISE cruise

FUEL MANAGEMENT ABOVE 5,000’ MSL cruise

APPROACH approach

LANDING landing

AFTER LANDING after_landing

SHUTDOWN shutdown

SECURING securing

FLOODED ENGINE engine_start

GROUND BURNOUT engine_start

RADIO FAILURE avionics_failure

ABORT takeoff

ENGINE FAILURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF engine_failure_after_takeoff

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DURING FLIGHT engine_failure_in_flight

FORCED LANDING forced_landing

ENGINE ROUGHNESS engine_failure_in_flight

VAPOR IN FUEL TANK (above 5,000 MSL) fuel_system_malfunction

HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE oil_system_malfunction

LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE oil_system_malfunction

ENGINE FIRE ON GROUND engine_fire_ground

ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT engine_fire_in_flight

ELECTRICAL FIRE electrical_fire

WING FIRE cabin_fire

SMOKE AND FUMES IN COCKPIT smoke_removal

HIGH AMMETER READING (more than 2 needle widths positive deflection) electrical_failure

NEGATIVE AMMETER READING electrical_failure

VACUUM SYSTEM FAILURE vacuum_failure

INOPERATIVE TRIM trim_malfunction

FLAP MALFUNCTION flap_malfunction

STRUCTURAL ICING icing

DOOR OR WINDOW OPENING IN FLIGHT door_open_in_flight

LANDING WITH A FLAT MAIN TIRE landing

LANDING WITH A FLAT NOSE TIRE landing

SPIN RECOVERY spin_recovery

INITIAL preflight_inspection

EXTERIOR preflight_inspection

INTERIOR before_start

START engine_start

PRE-TAXI/TAXI taxi

RUN-UP before_takeoff

TAKEOFF takeoff

TAKING RUNWAY takeoff

CLIMB climb

CRUISE cruise

APPROACH approach

LANDING landing

AFTER LANDING after_landing

SHUTDOWN shutdown

SECURING securing

AIRSPEEDS MPH IAS reference

DATA reference

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