# Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk — Joris_De_Naeyer_Piper_pa38_dewouw

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

## Important

> **NOTE:** 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.

## Pre-Flight Inspection

- [ ] 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, for fuel / oil spillages.
- [ ] Remove — ANY ice or frost from ALL aircraft surfaces.
- [ ] Remove — Tie downs and Towbar.
- [ ] Remove — External control locks.
- [ ] Remove — Pitot cover.
- [ ] Remove — Chocks.

## Pre-Flight Action Of Pilot In Command — In Cabin

- [ ] Control Locks & Covers — **REMOVE AND STOW**
- [ ] Parking Brake — **ON**
- [ ] Magneto Switches — **CHECK OFF, KEY OUT**
- [ ] Master Switch — **ON**
- [ ] Stall Warner — **CHECK**
- [ ] Pitot Heat — **CHECK, THEN OFF**
- [ ] Anti-Collision Lights — **CHECK, THEN OFF**
- [ ] Landing/Nav. Lights — **CHECK AS REQUIRED, THEN OFF**
- [ ] Fuel — **ON - CHECK CONTENTS**
- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF**
- [ ] Throttle — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Mixture — **IDLE CUTOFF**
- [ ] Flaps — **LOWER 21° (1ST STAGE)**
- [ ] Trimmer — **CHECK POSITION**
- [ ] First Aid Kit — **IN POSITION - SECURE**
- [ ] Fire Extinguisher — **IN POSITION - SECURE**

## Preliminary External — Left Wing

- [ ] Flap — **CONDITION LINKAGES**
- [ ] Aileron — Condition, Linkages and Hinges — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT**
- [ ] Wing Tip — Condition, Security, Navigation and Strobe lights — **CHECK**
- [ ] Wing Surface — **CONDITION, UPPER AND LOWER**
- [ ] Leading Edge — Dents, Stall Warner, Pitot Head checked — **CHECK**
- [ ] Fuel Tank — **VISUALLY CHECK CONTENTS, CAP SECURE, FUEL DRAIN, VENT CLEAR**

## Preliminary External — Left Undercarriage

- [ ] Tyre — Condition, inflation, creep marks aligned — **CHECK**
- [ ] Hydraulic Lines — **CONDITION, LEAKS**
- [ ] Disc Brake — **CONDITION**
- [ ] Leg and Fairing — **CONDITION**

## Preliminary External — Front Fuselage and Engine

- [ ] Left Cowling — Check brake fluid level, engine compartment, secure panel, fuel drain — **CHECK**
- [ ] Windscreen — **CLEAN, OAT PROBE SECURE**
- [ ] Nose Leg — Oleo extension, torque link, nuts and split pins — **CHECK**
- [ ] Nose Wheel — Condition, inflation, creep marks aligned — **CHECK**
- [ ] Front Cowling — Condition and security, intakes clear, landing light — **CHECK**
- [ ] Propellor — **CONDITION, ESPECIALLY LEADING EDGE**
- [ ] Right Cowling — Engine compartment, oil level, secure panel — **CHECK**

## External / 1 — Right Undercarriage

- [ ] Tyre — Condition, inflation, creep marks aligned — **CHECK**
- [ ] Hydraulic Lines — **CONDITION, LEAKS**
- [ ] Disc Brake — **CONDITION**
- [ ] Leg and Fairing — **CONDITION**

## External / 1 — Right Wing

- [ ] Fuel Tank — **VISUALLY CHECK CONTENTS, CAP SECURE, FUEL DRAIN, VENT CLEAR**
- [ ] Leading Edge — **CONDITION, CHECK FOR DENTS**
- [ ] Wing Surface — **CONDITION, UPPER AND LOWER**
- [ ] Wing Tip — Condition, Security, Navigation and Strobe lights — **CHECK**
- [ ] Aileron — Condition, Linkages and Hinges — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT**
- [ ] Flap — **CONDITION LINKAGES**

## External / 1 — Right Fuselage

- [ ] Door — **LATCH AND HINGES SECURE**
- [ ] Windows — **CLEAN**
- [ ] Skin — **CONDITION**
- [ ] Antenna’s — **SECURE**
- [ ] Static Vent — **CLEAR**

## External / 1 — Tail Unit

- [ ] Tail Fin — Condition and security, fairings, aerials — **CHECK**
- [ ] Rudder — Conditions, linkages, nuts and split pins, navigation light — **CHECK**
- [ ] Tailplane/Elevator — **CONDITIONS, LINKAGES**

## External / 2 — Left Fuselage

- [ ] Skin — **CONDITION**
- [ ] Aerials — **SECURE**
- [ ] Static Vent — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Windows — **CLEAN**
- [ ] Door — **LATCHES AND HINGES SECURE**

## External / 2 — Internal

- [ ] Seats — **ADJUSTED AND LOCKED**
- [ ] Hatches & Harnesses — **ADJUSTED AND SECURE**
- [ ] Parking Brake — **ON**
- [ ] Radios — **OFF**
- [ ] Instruments — Legible, serviceable, readings within limit — **CHECK**
- [ ] Controls — **FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT, CORRECT SENSE**
- [ ] Trimmer — **CHECK THROUGH FULL RANGE, SET NEUTRAL**
- [ ] Flaps — **CHECK IN STAGES, UP**
- [ ] 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 — **ON, TANK WITH LOWEST CONTENTS**
- [ ] Fuel Pump — **ON, CHECK FUEL PRESSURE, OFF**
- [ ] Primer — **PRIME AS REQUIRED AND LOCK**
- [ ] Lookout — **GOOD LOOK ROUND, CALL 'CLEAR PROP'**
- [ ] Magnetos — **KEYS IN, OPERATE STARTER**

## After Start

- [ ] RPM — **SET TO 1200**
- [ ] Starter Warning Light — **OUT**
- [ ] Oil Pressure — **RISING TO GREEN ARC WITHIN 30 SECS**
- [ ] Ammeter — **CHARGING**
- [ ] Suction — **REGISTERING**
- [ ] Magnetos — **CHECK FOR DEAD CUT**
- [ ] Instruments — **SET AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Radios — **TUNED AND CHECKED AS REQUIRED, TAXI CLEARANCE**

## Taxying

- [ ] Brakes — **CHECKED BEFORE TAXYING**
- [ ] Rudder — **MOVEMENT AND STEERING CHECKED**
- [ ] Instruments — **CHECK IN TURNS DI, COMPASS, TURN COORDINATOR, ATTITUDE INDICATOR**

## Power Checks

- [ ] Position — **INTO WIND, CLEAR ALL AROUND**
- [ ] Parking Brake — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel — **CHANGE TO FULLER TANK**
- [ ] Oil Temp. and Press — **WITHIN LIMITS**
- [ ] Magnetos — **CHECK**
- [ ] RPM — **SET 2000 - BRAKES HOLDING**
- [ ] Carb. Heat — **SET HOT, MAX DROP 100 RPM, SET COLD**
- [ ] Magnetos — **CHECK LEFT & RIGHT, MAX DROP 175 RPM, MAX DIFF BTWN MAGS 50 RPM**
- [ ] Suction — **3" - 5"**
- [ ] Ammeter — **CHARGING**
- [ ] Oil temp. and Press — **WITHIN LIMITS**
- [ ] RPM — **TO IDLE, 500 - 700 RPM, RESET 1200 RPM**

## Pre Take-Off Checks - Vital Actions

- [ ] T — Trimmer — **SET FOR TAKE OFF**
- [ ] T — Throttle friction — **FINGER TIGHT**
- [ ] M — Mixture — **RICH**
- [ ] M — Magnetos — **ON BOTH, MASTER SWITCH ON**
- [ ] P — Pitot heater — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] P — Primer — **LOCKED**
- [ ] F — Fuel — **ON TANK WITH HIGHEST CONTENTS, FUEL PUMP ON**
- [ ] F — Flaps — **AS REQUIRED (SEE POH)**
- [ ] I — Instruments — **CHECKED AND SET, GYROS, ALTIMETER, ENGINE T° & PRESS**
- [ ] H — Hatches — **DOORS AND WINDOWS SECURE**
- [ ] H — Harness — **SECURE**
- [ ] C — Carb. Heat — **COLD**
- [ ] C — 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**

## After Take-Off

- [ ] Flaps — **UP IF NECESSARY**
- [ ] Engine — **TEMP / PRESS, STEADY WITHIN LIMIT**
- [ ] Radios — **SET, ATC CLEARANCE AS NECESSARY**
- [ ] Altimeter — **CHECK**
- [ ] Fuel pump — **OFF ABOVE 1000' AGL**

## 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)

**Continued Stall / Aerobatics (H E L L)**

## Cruise / Re-Join Checks (F R E D A)

- [ ] F — Fuel — **ON AND SUFFICIENT (INCLUDING GO-AROUND & DIVERSION), 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**
- [ ] F — Flaps — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] P — Pitch — **FIXED**
- [ ] I — Instruments — **ENGINE TEMP & PRESS CHECKED, ALTIMETER SET**
- [ ] C — Carb. Heat — **CHECKED, RETURN COLD**
- [ ] H — Hatches — **SECURE**
- [ ] H — Harness — **SECURE AND FASTENED**

## Go-Around

- [ ] Throttle — **FULL POWER, CORRECT FOR YAW**
- [ ] Carb. Heat — **COLD**
- [ ] Flaps — **RETRACT IN STAGES AT SAFE HEIGHT**
- [ ] Radio — **'GO-AROUND' CALL, ATC INSTRUCTIONS**

## After Landing

- [ ] 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, NOSEWHEEL STRAIGHT**
- [ ] Parking brake — **ON**
- [ ] 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**
- [ ] Harness — **LEFT TIDY**
- [ ] Hatches — **DOORS AND WINDOWS CLOSED**

## Fire On The Ground

- [ ] If taxying, 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**
- [ ] Evacuate to a safe distance upwind, taking fire extinguisher.

## Cabin Fire In The Air

- [ ] Master Switch — **OFF IF ELECTRICAL FIRE**
- [ ] Electrical circuits — **OFF AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Fire extinguisher — **USE AS NECESSARY**
- [ ] Forced landing procedure or diversion as applicable.

## Engine Fire In The Air

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

## Radio Failure

- [ ] Radio — **CHECK FREQUENCY, 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**
- [ ] Speechless / Transmit blind / Non-radio procedure as appropriate.

## 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 Switch (off for 2 secs, then on) — **IF OUTPUT RESTORED — RESTORE ESSENTIAL ELECTRICS SINGLY**
> **WARNING:** 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)

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

## Engine Failure At Altitude (Forced Landing Without Power)

- [ ] 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**
**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)

- [ ] 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.
- [ ] 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: Piper/PA-38-112 Tomahawk/Joris_De_Naeyer_Piper_pa38_dewouw.txt  
Rights: licensed  
Checklist hash: a616c3328b1f20161c78fc0ceae3d117c719c0a75561672ae797eeb0d20b5326  
Verify against the aircraft's own approved documentation before use.