# Grumman AA-5A Cheetah — Joris_De_Naeyer_GRUMMAN_CHEETAH_AA5A_de_wouw

> **NOT FOR FLIGHT** — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: full

Checklist transcribed from Joris De Naeyer's Grumman Cheetah AA5A 'de wouw' document, covering normal and emergency procedures.

> **content_gap**: Section "ELECTRICAL FAILURE" item count differs between passes (6 vs 5); verify nothing was dropped.
> **content_gap**: Section "FIRE ON THE GROUND" item count differs between passes (7 vs 8); verify nothing was dropped.
> **content_gap**: Section "PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION" item count differs between passes (14 vs 13); verify nothing was dropped.
> **content_gap**: Section "SPEEDS" item count differs between passes (1 vs 9); verify nothing was dropped.

## PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION

> **NOTE:** IMPORTANT: 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

- [ ] 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

- [ ] Control Locks & Covers — **REMOVE AND STOW**
- [ ] Parking Brake
- [ ] Magneto Switches — **CHECK OFF, KEY OUT**
- [ ] Master Switch — **ON**
- [ ] Stall Warner
- [ ] Pitot Heat — **CHECK, THEN OFF**
- [ ] Rotating beacon — **CHECK, THEN OFF**
- [ ] Landing/Nav. Lights — **CHECK AS REQUIRED, THEN OFF**
- [ ] Fuel — **ON – CHECK CONTENTS**
- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF**
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT-OFF**
- [ ] Trimmer — **CHECK POSITION**
- [ ] First Aid Kit — **IN POSITION - SECURE**
- [ ] Fire Extinguisher — **IN POSITION - SECURE**

## PRELIMINARY - EXTERNAL

**Left Wing**
- [ ] Flap — **SECURE & UNDAMAGED**
- [ ] Aileron — **CONDITION, FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT**
- [ ] Wing Tip — **CONDITION, SECURITY, NAVIGATION AND STROBE LIGHTS**
- [ ] Aileron Counterweight Access — **UNOBSTRUCTED**
- [ ] Wing inspection plates — **SECURE**
- [ ] Wing Surface — **CONDITION, UPPER AND LOWER**
- [ ] Leading Edge: dents, stall warner, pitot tube checked.
- [ ] Fuel Tank — **VISUALLY 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 Cowling — **OPEN, CHECK BAFFLES SECURE UNDAMAGED, THEN CLOSE COWL**
- [ ] Propeller: condition, especially leading edge.

## EXTERNAL / 1 - Nose and Right Cowling

**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 Cowling — **OPEN**
- [ ] Baffles: unobstructed, undamaged.
- [ ] Cooling openings: unobstructed.
- [ ] Oil level — **NORMAL LEVEL = 6 QUARTS**
- [ ] Oil dipstick — **SECURE (FINGER TIGHT)**
- [ ] Vacuum pump vent: unobstructed.
- [ ] Battery: secure.
- [ ] Alternator belt: proper tension.
- [ ] Cowling — **CLOSE, 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

**Right Wing**
- [ ] Fuel Tank — **VISUALLY CHECK CONTENTS, CAP SECURE, FUEL DRAIN, VENT CLEAR**
- [ ] Sump drain
- [ ] Leading Edge: condition, check for dents.
- [ ] Wing Surface — **CONDITION, UPPER AND LOWER**
- [ ] Wing Tip — **CONDITION, SECURITY, NAVIGATION AND STROBE LIGHTS**
- [ ] Aileron counterweight Access — **UNOBSTRUCTED**
- [ ] Wing inspection plates — **SECURE**
- [ ] Aileron — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT**
- [ ] Flap — **SECURE & 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)

**Cabin**
- [ ] Master switch — **ON**
- [ ] Instrument lights — **CHECK RHEOSTAT, OFF**
- [ ] Navigation lights — **ON**
- [ ] Flashing beacon — **ON**
- [ ] Pitot heat — **ON**
- [ ] Landing light — **ON**
**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 switch — **OFF**
- [ ] Navigation lights — **OFF**
- [ ] Flashing beacon — **OFF**
- [ ] Pitot heat — **OFF**
- [ ] Landing light — **OFF**

## EXTERNAL / 4 - INTERNAL

- [ ] Seats — **ADJUSTED AND LOCKED**
- [ ] Hatches & Harnesses: adjusted and secure.
- [ ] Parking Brake — **ON**
- [ ] Radios — **OFF**
- [ ] Instruments: legible, serviceable, readings within limit.
- [ ] Controls: full and free movement, correct sense.
- [ ] Trimmer — **CHECK THROUGH FULL RANGE, SET NEUTRAL**
- [ ] Cabin Air Control — **CLOSED (OFF)**
- [ ] Alternate Static — **OFF**
- [ ] Carb. Heat. — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, SET COLD**
- [ ] Throttle — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, SET 0.5 CM OPEN**
- [ ] Throttle Friction — **CHECKED AND LOOSE**
- [ ] Mixture — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, SET RICH**
- [ ] Master Switch — **ON**
- [ ] Circuit Breakers/Fuses — **IN / SECURE**
- [ ] Fuel — **OPEN, TANK WITH FULLEST CONTENTS**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **ON, CHECK PRESS 0.5 - 8 PSI**
- [ ] Primer: prime as required and lock.
- [ ] LOOKOUT — **GOOD LOOK ROUND, CALL "CLEAR PROP"**
- [ ] Magnetos — **KEYS IN, OPERATE STARTER**

## AFTER START

- [ ] RPM — **SET TO 1200**
- [ ] Fuel pump — **OFF**
- [ ] 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

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

## POWER CHECKS

- [ ] Position: into wind, clear all around.
- [ ] Parking Brake — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel: change to fullest tank.
- [ ] Oil Temp. and Press: within limits.
- [ ] Magnetos: check.
- [ ] RPM — **SET 1800 - BRAKES HOLDING**
- [ ] Carb. Heat. — **SET HOT, MAX. DROP 100 RPM, SET COLD**
- [ ] Magnetos — **CHECK LEFT & RIGHT, MAX DROP 175 RPM, DIFF. 50 RPM**
- [ ] Suction — **4.6" - 5.4" Hg**
- [ ] Ammeter: charging.
- [ ] Oil temp. and Press: within limits.
- [ ] RPM — **TO IDLE, 500 - 700 RPM, RESET TO 1200 RPM**

## PRE TAKE-OFF CHECKS - VITAL ACTIONS

- [ ] T - Trimmer — **SET FOR TAKE OFF**
- [ ] Throttle friction — **FINGER TIGHT**
- [ ] M - Mixture — **RICH**
- [ ] Magnetos — **ON BOTH, MASTER SWITCH ON**
- [ ] P - Pitot heather — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Primer — **LOCKED**
- [ ] F - Fuel — **ON TANK WITH HIGHEST CONTENTS, FUEL PUMP ON**
- [ ] Flaps — **CHECK 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. Heat — **COLD**
- [ ] Controls: full and free movement.

## TAKE OFF

- [ ] 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.
> **NOTE:** Climb 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

- [ ] Engine: Temp / Press, steady within limit.
- [ ] Radios: set, ATC clearance as necessary.
- [ ] Altimeter: check.
- [ ] Fuel pump — **OFF ABOVE 1000' AGL**

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

- [ ] 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

- [ ] B - Brakes — **OFF**
- [ ] U - Undercarriage — **FIXED**
- [ ] M - Mixture — **RICH**
- [ ] F - Fuel — **ON FULLEST TANK, SUFFICIENT, FUEL PUMP ON**
- [ ] Flaps — **AS REQUIRED BELOW 119 MPH (103 KTS)**
- [ ] P - Pitch — **FIXED**
- [ ] I - Instruments: engine temp & press checked, altimeter set.
- [ ] C - Carb. Heat — **CHECKED, RETURN COLD**
- [ ] H - Hatches: secure.
- [ ] Harness: secure and fastened.
> **NOTE:** Speed: Clean: 80 Mph - Flaps DN: 75 Mph. Full flaps landing = 70 Mph.

## GO-AROUND

- [ ] Throttle — **FULL POWER, CORRECT FOR YAW**
- [ ] Carb. Heat — **COLD**
> **NOTE:** Speed: 70 –75 Mph (60 –65 Kts).
- [ ] Flaps: retract in stages at safe height.
- [ ] Radio: 'Go-around' call, ATC instructions.

## AFTER LANDING

> **NOTE:** Vacate active runway and stop.
- [ ] Carb. Heat: cold (if necessary).
- [ ] Flaps — **UP**
- [ ] Trimmer: neutral.
- [ ] Throttle Nut — **LOOSEN**
- [ ] Fuel pump — **OFF**
- [ ] Anti-collision lights — **OFF**
- [ ] Electrics — **NON-ESSENTIAL OFF**
- [ ] Radios — **NON-ESSENTIAL OFF**

## SHUT DOWN

- [ ] Position: into wind, nose wheel straight.
- [ ] Parking brake.
- [ ] RPM — **1200 FOR 30 SECS**
- [ ] Magnetos: check for dead cut.
- [ ] Radio — **OFF**
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSE**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF (FULLY LEAN)**
**After engine stops**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF, KEY OUT**
- [ ] Electrics — **OFF**
- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF**
- [ ] Fuel
- [ ] Harness: left tidy.
- [ ] Hatches: doors and windows closed.

## PRE STALL / AEROBATIC CHECKS (H A S E L L)

- [ ] 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)

> **NOTE:** Miscellaneous.

## WEIGHT & BALANCE

> **NOTE:** Fuel: lb, G US, Lts, Kg, Time table transcribed approximately; refer to original document.
> **NOTE:** MTOW: ≤ 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

> **NOTE:** Emergency: 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 (EMERGENCY)

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

- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF (FULLY LEAN)**
- [ ] Fuel — **OFF, PUMP OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF**
- [ ] Brakes — **PARKING BRAKE ON**
> **NOTE:** Evacuate to a safe distance upwind, taking fire extinguisher.

## CABIN FIRE IN THE AIR (EMERGENCY)

- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF IF ELECTRICAL FIRE**
- [ ] Electrical circuits: OFF as required.
- [ ] Fire extinguisher: use as necessary.
> **NOTE:** Forced landing procedure or diversion as applicable.

## ENGINE FIRE IN THE AIR (EMERGENCY)

- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSE**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUT OFF (FULLY LEAN)**
- [ ] Fuel — **OFF, FUEL PUMP OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Cabin heather/Defrost — **OFF**
> **NOTE:** Forced landing (without power) procedure.
> **WARNING:** DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTART.

## RADIO FAILURE (EMERGENCY)

- [ ] 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.
- [ ] Transponder — **SET 7600**
> **NOTE:** Speechless / Transmit blind / Non-radio procedure as appropriate.

## ELECTRICAL FAILURE (EMERGENCY)

- [ ] 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 Switch — **OFF FOR 2 SECS, THEN ON**
- [ ] IF OUTPUT RESTORED: Restore essential electrics singly — **RESTORE SINGLY**
> **NOTE:** IN 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) (EMERGENCY)

> **NOTE:** Immediate actions: Lower nose to maintain emergency airspeed. Select landing area ahead - use flap as necessary.
- [ ] Fuel — **OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF**
> **NOTE:** Brief passengers/tighten harness/unlatch door as time permits.
> **WARNING:** NEVER ATTEMPT TO TURN BACK.

## ENGINE FAILURE AT ALTITUDE (Forced landing without power) (EMERGENCY)

> **NOTE:** Immediate actions: Attain and maintain best glide speed – TRIM. Assess surface wind - select suitable landing area. Plan approach pattern - check for cause of failure.
- [ ] Carb Heat — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel: change tanks, check sufficient, fuel pump on.
- [ ] Mixture: check.
- [ ] Primer — **LOCKED**
- [ ] Magnetos — **ON BOTH**
- [ ] Throttle: check.
> **NOTE:** If engine does not restart, R/T MAYDAY call, Committed checks.
- [ ] Fuel — **OFF**
- [ ] Magnetos — **OFF**
- [ ] Harness: tight.
- [ ] Doors: unlatched.
- [ ] Crew / passengers: briefed, as time permits.
- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF**

## DITCHING AT SEA - DITCHING PROCEDURE (without power) (EMERGENCY)

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

- [ ] Radio — **MAYDAY CALL**
- [ ] Transponder — **7700**
- [ ] Harnesses: tight.
- [ ] Doors: unlatched, DV window open.
- [ ] Crew / passengers: briefed.
> **NOTE:** Large swell / Light wind: land along swell, tail down stalled. Light swell / Strong wind: landing into wind, tail down stalled.
> **NOTE:** After ditching, use survival equipment.
> **WARNING:** DO NOT INFLATE LIFE JACKETS IN CABIN.
> **NOTE:** Emergencies 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.

---

NOT FOR FLIGHT — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: full  
Source: Grumman/AA-5A Cheetah/Joris_De_Naeyer_GRUMMAN_CHEETAH_AA5A_de_wouw.txt  
Rights: licensed  
Checklist hash: 4a9cf68cabf6546e0bba3103cf6dcb9917cd92c3a521a354d7c52e7dc3b3aa92  
Verify against the aircraft's own approved documentation before use.