Generic Single-Engine Piston — Ground Operations (FAA Airplane Flying Handbook)

Taxi taxi

• NOTETaxi checks are sometimes specified by the AFM/POH; accomplish any items that are required. Where none are specified, use the taxi to verify and cross-check the flight instruments.
• Airspeed indicatorAT OR NEAR ZERO
• Attitude indicatorPITCH AND ROLL LEVEL, NO FLAGS
• AltimeterFIELD ELEVATION WITHIN LIMITS
• Turn indicatorCORRECT DIRECTION, BALL OUTSIDE TURN, NO FLAGS
• Directional gyroSET AND CROSS-CHECKED TO MAGNETIC COMPASS
• Vertical speed indicatorZERO

Before-Takeoff Check before_takeoff

Normally performed after taxiing to a run-up position near the takeoff end of the runway.

• GO TOUse the before-takeoff checklist in this aircraft's AFM/POH to perform the run-up.

  AFM/POH for the specific aircraft

• CAUTIONChoose a run-up location that is firm and free of debris. The propeller may pick up pebbles, dirt, sand or other loose objects and hurl them rearward, damaging the propeller and possibly the tail.
• CAUTIONProlonged ground operation may overheat the cylinders long before oil temperature indicates a rise. Head as nearly as possible into the wind, and monitor cylinder head temperature if equipped.
• Allow the airplane to roll forward slightly to align the nosewheel or tailwheel with the longitudinal axis
• Oil temperatureWITHIN RANGE BEFORE HIGH POWER

  Many engines require oil temperature to reach a minimum value stated in the AFM/POH before takeoff power is applied.

• Systems checked and set
• Fuel systemON, PROPER TANK SELECTED
• TrimSET FOR TAKEOFF

  Includes elevator, and may also include rudder and aileron trim.

• Flight controlsFREE AND CORRECT, FULL TRAVEL

  Full aileron, elevator and rudder deflection in all directions. A partial range of movement is not acceptable.

• Engine operationTEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES NORMAL, IGNITION AND CARBURETOR HEAT CHECKED

  Magneto or FADEC operation within limits. Where a constant-speed or feathering propeller is fitted, check that the engine continues to run normally as the propeller is exercised.

• Electrical systemVOLTAGE IN RANGE, BATTERY CHARGING
• Vacuum systemIN RANGEIf equipped

  Typically between 4.8 and 5.2 inches of mercury at 2,000 RPM; refer to the AFM/POH for the manufacturer's values. Mechanical gyroscopic instruments need adequate time to spool up before departure.

• Flight instrumentsRECHECKED AND SET FOR DEPARTURE

  Verify the directional gyro and magnetic compass agree. A heading bug may be set to the runway heading in use or as assigned by ATC.

• AvionicsSET

  Frequencies, initial navigation sources and courses, autopilot preselects and transponder code.

• Takeoff briefingCOMPLETE, OUT LOUD

  Made out loud by the pilot even when no other person is there to listen. Includes visual verification of the correct surface and direction, to preclude a wrong-surface departure; the type of takeoff, runway, wind, rotation speed, initial turn and altitude; and the actions planned for engine failure below rotation speed, after rotation with runway remaining, and after rotation with no runway remaining.

Takeoff Checks takeoff

The last check as power is brought to full takeoff power.

• Runway numbers vs. magnetic compass and heading indicatorAGREE
• Doors and windowsLATCHED AND CLOSED AS REQUIRED
• ControlsPOSITIONED FOR CROSSWIND
• PowerCORRECT
• Engine RPMNORMAL
• EngineSMOOTH
• Engine instrumentsNORMAL, IN GREEN RANGES

After Landing after_landing

• WARNINGPerform the after-landing checklist only after the airplane is stopped clear of the runway holding position markings. Pilots have retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps by manipulating the wrong handle while the airplane was still moving.
• Slow gradually to normal taxi speed with normal brake pressure before turning off the landing runway

  Any significant degree of turn at faster speeds could damage the landing gear, tires, brakes or airframe.

• NOTEThis sequence may be modified where the manufacturer recommends that specific after-landing items be accomplished during the landing rollout, for example retracting flaps to improve braking after a short-field landing. Positively identify the flap control before moving it.
• GO TOUse the after-landing checklist in this aircraft's AFM/POH.

  AFM/POH for the specific aircraft