Grumman AA-5A Cheetah — Joris_De_Naeyer_GRUMMAN_CHEETAH_AA5A_de

PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION preflight_inspection

NOTEIMPORTANT: This checklist is not an authoritative document. Full reference must be made to the individual aircraft flight Manual/Pilot Operating handbook as amended. Current ANO and AICs and Pilot Order book/Flying School Syllabus, local procedures, may also be relevant.
AIRCRAFT DOCUMENTS
Documentation complete and satisfactory, including valid Certificate of Maintenance if required.
WEATHER: Local, en-route and destination forecasts and actuals.
FLIGHT PLANNING: Current AIP/Flight Guide, NOTAMS, Amendments and bulletins. PPR, Daylight remaining, etc.
FUEL: Sufficient to destination and alternates, Contingency.
CHARTS: Current and sufficient coverage for flight.
WEIGHT & BALANCE: Load (passengers, baggage, fuel) within limits.
PERFORMANCE: Take-off, en-route and range, landing.
PASSENGERS: Comfort and safety briefing, emergency procedures.
PILOT: Licence and experience current and valid. Medical certificate valid, fitness for flight.
SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT: For over water flight - dinghy accessible, Lifejackets worn but not inflated, Flares, Transceiver, ELT.
BOOK-OUT: Departure ATC, airfield movements book, aircraft tech. log.
FLIGHT PLAN: File for IFR and International Flights, flight across water and sparsely populated areas.

PRE-FLIGHT ACTION OF PILOT IN COMMAND - APPROACHING AIRCRAFT preflight_inspection

Check access to taxiways, obstructions, level surface.
Check for fuel / oil spillages.
Remove ANY ice or frost from ALL aircraft surfaces.REMOVE
Remove tie downs and towbar.REMOVE
Remove external control locks.REMOVE
Remove pitot cover.REMOVE
Remove chocks.REMOVE

IN CABIN preflight_inspection

Control Locks & CoversREMOVE AND STOW
Parking Brake
Magneto SwitchesCHECK OFF, KEY OUT
Master SwitchON
Stall Warner
Pitot HeatCHECK, THEN OFF
Rotating beaconCHECK, THEN OFF
Landing/Nav. LightsCHECK AS REQUIRED, THEN OFF
FuelON – CHECK CONTENTS
Master SwitchOFF
ThrottleCLOSED
MixtureIDLE CUT-OFF
TrimmerCHECK POSITION
First Aid KitIN POSITION - SECURE
Fire ExtinguisherIN POSITION - SECURE

PRELIMINARY - EXTERNAL preflight_inspection

Left Wing
FlapSECURE & UNDAMAGED
AileronCONDITION, FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT
Wing TipCONDITION, SECURITY, NAVIGATION AND STROBE LIGHTS
Aileron Counterweight AccessUNOBSTRUCTED
Wing inspection platesSECURE
Wing SurfaceCONDITION, UPPER AND LOWER
Leading Edge: dents, stall warner, pitot tube checked.
Fuel TankVISUALLY CHECK CONTENTS, CAP SECURE, FUEL DRAIN, VENT CLEAR
Sump drain
Left Undercarriage
Tyre: condition, inflation, creep marks aligned.
Leg and Fairing: condition.
Left Cowling
Windscreen: clean, OAT probe secure.
OAT probe: secure, undamaged.
Fuel pump overflow drain: unobstructed.
Air vent: unobstructed.
Air cleaner drain: unobstructed.
Oil breather vent: unobstructed.
Left CowlingOPEN, CHECK BAFFLES SECURE UNDAMAGED, THEN CLOSE COWL
Propeller: condition, especially leading edge.

EXTERNAL / 1 - Nose and Right Cowling preflight_inspection

Nose
Propeller & Spinner: secure, undamaged.
Cowling: secure, undamaged.
Landing light: secure, undamaged.
Carburettor Air intake: unobstructed.
Nose Leg & fairing: undamaged, tire properly inflated, mud scraper clear.
Right Cowling
Right CowlingOPEN
Baffles: unobstructed, undamaged.
Cooling openings: unobstructed.
Oil levelNORMAL LEVEL = 6 QUARTS
Oil dipstickSECURE (FINGER TIGHT)
Vacuum pump vent: unobstructed.
Battery: secure.
Alternator belt: proper tension.
CowlingCLOSE, LATCH SECURE
Windshield: clean, undamaged.
Right undercarriage
Tyre: condition, inflation, creep marks aligned.
Leg and Fairing: condition.

EXTERNAL / 2 - Right Wing, Fuselage, Tail Unit, Left Fuselage preflight_inspection

Right Wing
Fuel TankVISUALLY CHECK CONTENTS, CAP SECURE, FUEL DRAIN, VENT CLEAR
Sump drain
Leading Edge: condition, check for dents.
Wing SurfaceCONDITION, UPPER AND LOWER
Wing TipCONDITION, SECURITY, NAVIGATION AND STROBE LIGHTS
Aileron counterweight AccessUNOBSTRUCTED
Wing inspection platesSECURE
AileronFULL AND FREE MOVEMENT
FlapSECURE & UNDAMAGED
Right Fuselage
Windows: clean.
Skin: condition.
Aerials: secure.
Static Vent: clear.
Tail Unit
Tailplane/Elevator: full and free movement.
Rudder: full and free movement.
Trim tabs: secure, undamaged.
Tail cone & light: secure, undamaged.
Left Fuselage
Skin: condition.
Aerials: secure.
Static Vent: clear.
Windows: clean.
Door: latches and hinges secure.

EXTERNAL / 3 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS PRE-FLIGHT (NIGHT) preflight_inspection

Cabin
Master switchON
Instrument lightsCHECK RHEOSTAT, OFF
Navigation lightsON
Flashing beaconON
Pitot heatON
Landing lightON
Left wing
Navigation light: illuminated (RED).
Pitot Tube: check for heat.
Nose
Landing light: illuminated.
Right Wing
Stall warning vane: lift, check if warning horn sounds.
Navigation light: illuminated (GREEN).
Empennage
Navigation light: illuminated (WHITE).
Flashing beacon: operating (ROTATING RED).
Cabin
Master switchOFF
Navigation lightsOFF
Flashing beaconOFF
Pitot heatOFF
Landing lightOFF

EXTERNAL / 4 - INTERNAL before_start

SeatsADJUSTED AND LOCKED
Hatches & Harnesses: adjusted and secure.
Parking BrakeON
RadiosOFF
Instruments: legible, serviceable, readings within limit.
Controls: full and free movement, correct sense.
TrimmerCHECK THROUGH FULL RANGE, SET NEUTRAL
Cabin Air ControlCLOSED (OFF)
Alternate StaticOFF
Carb. Heat.FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, SET COLD
ThrottleFULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, SET 0.5 CM OPEN
Throttle FrictionCHECKED AND LOOSE
MixtureFULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, SET RICH
Master SwitchON
Circuit Breakers/FusesIN / SECURE
FuelOPEN, TANK WITH FULLEST CONTENTS
Fuel PumpON, CHECK PRESS 0.5 - 8 PSI
Primer: prime as required and lock.
LOOKOUTGOOD LOOK ROUND, CALL "CLEAR PROP"
MagnetosKEYS IN, OPERATE STARTER

AFTER START after_start

RPMSET TO 1200
Fuel pumpOFF
Oil Pressure: rising to green arc within 30 secs.
Ammeter: charging.
Suction: registering, press. 4.6 to 5.4” Hg.
Magnetos: check for dead cut.
Instruments: set as required.
Radios: tuned and checked as required, taxi clearance.

TAXIING taxi

Brakes: checked before taxiing.
Rudder: movement and steering checked.
Instruments: check in turns DI, Compass Turn Co-ordinator, Attitude indicat.

POWER CHECKS before_takeoff

Position: into wind, clear all around.
Parking BrakeON
Fuel: change to fullest tank.
Oil Temp. and Press: within limits.
Magnetos: check.
RPMSET 1800 - BRAKES HOLDING
Carb. Heat.SET HOT, MAX. DROP 100 RPM, SET COLD
MagnetosCHECK LEFT & RIGHT, MAX DROP 175 RPM, DIFF. 50 RPM
Suction4.6" - 5.4" Hg
Ammeter: charging.
Oil temp. and Press: within limits.
RPMTO IDLE, 500 - 700 RPM, RESET TO 1200 RPM

PRE TAKE-OFF CHECKS - VITAL ACTIONS before_takeoff

T - TrimmerSET FOR TAKE OFF
Throttle frictionFINGER TIGHT
M - MixtureRICH
MagnetosON BOTH, MASTER SWITCH ON
P - Pitot heatherAS REQUIRED
PrimerLOCKED
F - FuelON TANK WITH HIGHEST CONTENTS, FUEL PUMP ON
FlapsCHECK FULL RANGE, SET UP
I - Instruments: checked and set, directional gyro altimeter, engine T° & pressure.
H - Hatches: doors and windows secure.
Harness: secure.
C - Carb. HeatCOLD
Controls: full and free movement.

TAKE OFF takeoff

LOOKOUT: runway, approach and departure paths visually checked, ATC clearance.
RPM: full power.
Engine: Temp / Press, steady within limit.
Airspeed: increasing.
Elevator Control: raise nose at 58 Mph – 50 Kts.
NOTEClimb speed: Best angle: 80 Mph (78 Mph – 68 Kts). Best rate: 90 Mph (91 Mph – 79 Kts). Normal: 100 Mph (98 Mph – 85 Kts).

AFTER TAKE-OFF after_takeoff

Engine: Temp / Press, steady within limit.
Radios: set, ATC clearance as necessary.
Altimeter: check.
Fuel pumpOFF ABOVE 1000' AGL

CRUISE / RE-JOIN CHECKS (F R E D A) cruise

F - Fuel: "ON" and sufficient, pump "ON" if necessary, tanks even.
R - Radio: "ON" and correct frequency set, joining instructions if required.
E - Engine: Temp / Press, mixture, check for carb. ice.
D - DI: synchronized with compass.
A - Altimeter: QNH set as required.

PRE-LANDING CHECKS before_landing

B - BrakesOFF
U - UndercarriageFIXED
M - MixtureRICH
F - FuelON FULLEST TANK, SUFFICIENT, FUEL PUMP ON
FlapsAS REQUIRED BELOW 119 MPH (103 KTS)
P - PitchFIXED
I - Instruments: engine temp & press checked, altimeter set.
C - Carb. HeatCHECKED, RETURN COLD
H - Hatches: secure.
Harness: secure and fastened.
NOTESpeed: Clean: 80 Mph - Flaps DN: 75 Mph. Full flaps landing = 70 Mph.

GO-AROUND go_around

ThrottleFULL POWER, CORRECT FOR YAW
Carb. HeatCOLD
NOTESpeed: 70 –75 Mph (60 –65 Kts).
Flaps: retract in stages at safe height.
Radio: 'Go-around' call, ATC instructions.

AFTER LANDING after_landing

NOTEVacate active runway and stop.
Carb. Heat: cold (if necessary).
FlapsUP
Trimmer: neutral.
Throttle NutLOOSEN
Fuel pumpOFF
Anti-collision lightsOFF
ElectricsNON-ESSENTIAL OFF
RadiosNON-ESSENTIAL OFF

SHUT DOWN shutdown

Position: into wind, nose wheel straight.
Parking brake.
RPM1200 FOR 30 SECS
Magnetos: check for dead cut.
RadioOFF
ThrottleCLOSE
MixtureIDLE CUT OFF (FULLY LEAN)
After engine stops
MagnetosOFF, KEY OUT
ElectricsOFF
Master SwitchOFF
Fuel
Harness: left tidy.
Hatches: doors and windows closed.

PRE STALL / AEROBATIC CHECKS (H A S E L L) Pre Stall / Aerobatic

H - Height: sufficient to recover by 3000' AGL (if spinning see POH).
A - Airframe: gyros caged, brakes off, flaps as required (see POH).
S - Security: hatches and harnesses tight and secure, no loose articles.
E - Engine: Temp / Press, check for carb ice, mixture RICH, fuel pump on.
L - Location: clear of cloud, controlled airspace, built up areas and airfields.
L - LOOKOUT: 360° turn to check for aircraft, especially below.

CONTINUED STALL / AEROBATICS (H E L L) Continued Stall / Aerobatics

NOTEMiscellaneous.

WEIGHT & BALANCE reference

NOTEFuel: lb, G US, Lts, Kg, Time table transcribed approximately; refer to original document.
NOTEMTOW: ≤ 999 Kg (2200 lbs). BEW: 654 Kg (1442 lbs). Fret: ≤ 54 Kg (120 lbs). Fuel + Pax & Pilots: ≤ 415 Kg (± 4 POB & 150 Lts (40 G US)).

SPEEDS reference

NOTEEmergency: 75 Mph 65 Kts. Vx = Best Angle: 80 Mph (78 (81) 68 Kts. Best glide: 83 Mph 72 Kts (with windmilling propeller). Vy = Best Rate: 90 Mph (91(85) 79 Kts. Vb: 119 Mph 103 Kts (Turbulent Air penetration speed). Va = manoeuvring 121 Mph 105 Kts. App speed: Flaps Up 80 Mph 70 Kts, Flaps DN 75 Mph 65 Kts. Landing: 70 Mph 61 Kts. Crosswind: 16 Kts.

FIRE ON THE GROUND engine_fire_ground

If taxiing, stop clear of other aircraft, fuel trucks/stations, etc.

ThrottleCLOSED
MixtureIDLE CUT OFF (FULLY LEAN)
FuelOFF, PUMP OFF
MagnetosOFF
Master SwitchOFF
BrakesPARKING BRAKE ON
NOTEEvacuate to a safe distance upwind, taking fire extinguisher.

CABIN FIRE IN THE AIR cabin_fire

Master SwitchOFF IF ELECTRICAL FIRE
Electrical circuits: OFF as required.
Fire extinguisher: use as necessary.
NOTEForced landing procedure or diversion as applicable.

ENGINE FIRE IN THE AIR engine_fire_in_flight

ThrottleCLOSE
MixtureIDLE CUT OFF (FULLY LEAN)
FuelOFF, FUEL PUMP OFF
MagnetosOFF
Cabin heather/DefrostOFF
NOTEForced landing (without power) procedure.
WARNINGDO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTART.

RADIO FAILURE avionics_failure

Radio: check freq, volume, squelch, check avionics selector/switches.
Headset: check plugs secure, change headsets, try hand microphone.
Electrics: check ammeter, master switch, circuit breakers – reset once only.
TransponderSET 7600
NOTESpeechless / Transmit blind / Non-radio procedure as appropriate.

ELECTRICAL FAILURE electrical_failure

Electric load: reduce (non-essential electrics/radio only).
Field/Output Circuit Breaker: check / reset.
Ammeter/Low voltage Warning light: check.
If NO OUTPUT: Reset Master SwitchOFF FOR 2 SECS, THEN ON
IF OUTPUT RESTORED: Restore essential electrics singlyRESTORE SINGLY
NOTEIN THE EVENT OF REPEATED/CONTINUED ELECTRICAL failure: select only essential electrical services, divert if applicable. Note: radio transmission makes a particularly heavy drain on the battery.

ENGINE FAILURE AFTER TAKE-OFF (EFATO) engine_failure_after_takeoff

NOTEImmediate actions: Lower nose to maintain emergency airspeed. Select landing area ahead - use flap as necessary.
FuelOFF
MagnetosOFF
Master SwitchOFF
NOTEBrief passengers/tighten harness/unlatch door as time permits.
WARNINGNEVER ATTEMPT TO TURN BACK.

ENGINE FAILURE AT ALTITUDE (Forced landing without power) engine_failure_in_flight

NOTEImmediate actions: Attain and maintain best glide speed – TRIM. Assess surface wind - select suitable landing area. Plan approach pattern - check for cause of failure.
Carb HeatON
Fuel: change tanks, check sufficient, fuel pump on.
Mixture: check.
PrimerLOCKED
MagnetosON BOTH
Throttle: check.
NOTEIf engine does not restart, R/T MAYDAY call, Committed checks.
FuelOFF
MagnetosOFF
Harness: tight.
Doors: unlatched.
Crew / passengers: briefed, as time permits.
Master SwitchOFF

DITCHING AT SEA - DITCHING PROCEDURE (without power) ditching

Establish glide, head for coast line or any shipping area, check for causes of failure as time permits.

RadioMAYDAY CALL
Transponder7700
Harnesses: tight.
Doors: unlatched, DV window open.
Crew / passengers: briefed.
NOTELarge swell / Light wind: land along swell, tail down stalled. Light swell / Strong wind: landing into wind, tail down stalled.
NOTEAfter ditching, use survival equipment.
WARNINGDO NOT INFLATE LIFE JACKETS IN CABIN.
NOTEEmergencies by their nature are not standard, and this checklist can only provide a guide to the appropriate actions - in an emergency: PILOT JUDGEMENT SHOULD DICTATE PILOT ACTIONS.

Grumman AA-5A Cheetah — Joris_De_Naeyer_GRUMMAN_CHEETAH_AA5A_de_wouw

Ratings & reviews

PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION preflight_inspection

PRE-FLIGHT ACTION OF PILOT IN COMMAND - APPROACHING AIRCRAFT preflight_inspection

IN CABIN preflight_inspection

PRELIMINARY - EXTERNAL preflight_inspection

EXTERNAL / 1 - Nose and Right Cowling preflight_inspection

EXTERNAL / 2 - Right Wing, Fuselage, Tail Unit, Left Fuselage preflight_inspection

EXTERNAL / 3 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS PRE-FLIGHT (NIGHT) preflight_inspection

EXTERNAL / 4 - INTERNAL before_start

AFTER START after_start

TAXIING taxi

POWER CHECKS before_takeoff

PRE TAKE-OFF CHECKS - VITAL ACTIONS before_takeoff

TAKE OFF takeoff

AFTER TAKE-OFF after_takeoff

CRUISE / RE-JOIN CHECKS (F R E D A) cruise

PRE-LANDING CHECKS before_landing

GO-AROUND go_around

AFTER LANDING after_landing

SHUT DOWN shutdown

PRE STALL / AEROBATIC CHECKS (H A S E L L) Pre Stall / Aerobatic

CONTINUED STALL / AEROBATICS (H E L L) Continued Stall / Aerobatics

WEIGHT & BALANCE reference

SPEEDS reference

FIRE ON THE GROUND engine_fire_ground

CABIN FIRE IN THE AIR cabin_fire

ENGINE FIRE IN THE AIR engine_fire_in_flight

RADIO FAILURE avionics_failure

ELECTRICAL FAILURE electrical_failure

ENGINE FAILURE AFTER TAKE-OFF (EFATO) engine_failure_after_takeoff

ENGINE FAILURE AT ALTITUDE (Forced landing without power) engine_failure_in_flight

DITCHING AT SEA - DITCHING PROCEDURE (without power) ditching

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