Aircraft Ground Checks

Ground Checks
Before the pilot starts to carry out checks on the aircraft itself, it is important to check
the area around the aircraft. The pilot will be looking out for a number of things.
The position of the aircraft in relation to other things to ensure there is room to
manoeuvre the aircraft safely..
The area is free of rubbish and stones which could be picked-up by jet intakes or
propellers.
The aircraft has chocks in place (until parking brakes are on).
Fire extinguishers are readily available.
External Aircraft Checks
Many faults or potential problems can be discovered by carrying out visual checks on
the aircraft. Before flying the pilot will walk around the aircraft systematically to
ensure nothing is missed out. In addition to making an inspection of specific parts of
the aircraft, the pilot must look out for damage or wear on the 'skin', 'popped' rivets,
and leaking oil, fuel or hydraulic fluid. A typical walk round could be as follows.
1. Cockpit
Check Magneto Switches are Off (the Magneto Switches are part of the ignition
system in the aircraft).
Makes sure brakes are set to PARK
Flaps should be lowered ready for inspection
Check door locks.
Switch on navigation lights
2. Port Left Undercarriage
Hydraulic fluid leaks.
Condition of tyres and tyre pressure.
Condition of pads and callipers
Look around for any signs of fluid leakage from any other part of the aircraft.
3. Port Fuselage
Check surfaces for ice or damage
Make sure any windows are clean and in good condition
4. Port Tail Plane
Check surfaces for ice or damage
5. Port Elevator
Make sure it has full and free movement
Check for damage and make sure it is secure
Check control linkage mechanism
6. Tail Fin
Check both sides for ice or damage
Make sure it is secure
Check navigation light
7. Rudder
Check both sides for ice and damage
Make sure it has full and free movement
Check control linkage mechanism
The pilot will then work along the starboard (right) of the aircraft repeating the checks
above in the following order.
8. Starboard Elevator.
9. Starboard Tail Plane
10. Starboard Fuselage
11. Starboard Undercarriage
Once these checks have been completed the pilot will now need to look at the aircraft
wing.
12. Starboard Flap
Check for ice and damage.
Make sure drain holes are clear.
Ensure flap is secure.
13. Starboard Aileron
Check for ice and damage.
Check for full and free movement.
Ensure drain holes are clear.
14. Wing Tip
Check for ice and damage
Check navigation light.
15. Leading Edge
Check for ice and damage.
16. Upper Wing Surface
Check for ice and damage
17. Lower Wing Surface
Check for ice and damage
18. Engine
Open the engine inspection panel and check oil level and inspect engine for
loose wires. Make sure intake and air filter is clean and not blocked.
19. Propeller
If the aircraft has a propeller check it for damage and make sure it is secure.
The pilot now needs to carry out the wing checks on the left in the following order.
20. Lower Wing Surface
21. Upper Wing Surface
22. Leading Edge
23. Wing Tip
24. Port Aileron
25. Port Flap
In addition to these checks the pilot will need to ensure that all tie downs are
removed, check the fuel level, and all covers protecting parts of the aircraft such as
exhaust and pitot head and vents are removed.
Look at the diagram below. The numbers correspond to the checks above.