The daily inspection or pre-flight check as it is also known needs to be carried out before the first flight of the day, indeed it should be carried out before starting the engine for warm up. If when arriving at the airfield you find that the aircraft has already been flown or is currently being flown it is in your interest to complete your own daily inspection before flying. Do not simply assume that the previous pilot has checked the aircraft and left it ready for you. Remember that the pilot in command has the ultimate responsibility for an aircraft's airworthiness.
For the daily inspection to remain efficient it is most important to develop a routine that is systematic and of course one that is suitable for your particular aircraft. Following is a brief outline of a daily inspection which could be used for the XT series of trikes. You will need to make small adjustments to this schedule to suit XT-912 or XT-582 model, Cruze or Streak wing. Your instructor will guide you through a daily inspection of the training aircraft before your first lesson. The daily inspection should be carried out after the aircraft has been either set-up or removed from the hangar and parked in the run-up area. A fuel sample should be taken before the first flight of the day and after refuelling.
Always use caution when near the propeller and if you need to rotate it for checking make sure the ignitions are off. A propeller should always be considered live! If the engine has already been run and is warm be careful of hot exhaust and engine parts and do not remove the radiator cap or check engine oil level (912), oil tank will be hot.
The daily inspection is not a social event. If you have friends or a partner with you, sit them somewhere safe away from potential danger, while you alone inspect the aircraft. Once the inspection is complete you can then invite them out to see the aircraft but remember you are responsible for any people you bring onto the airfield. Educate them on the dangers of airfields and propellers; let them know what is expected of them.
1. GENERAL OVERVIEW
Stand back several metres from the front of the aircraft and have a general look over the entire aircraft. The aircraft should be symmetrical with no obvious deformations or defects.
2. WING CHECK
Walk up to control bar and check it is assembled and secured with pip pin. All bottom wires in place, back, sides and front with front wire nose catch attached with pip pin. Walk towards right tip looking along L/E for sail damage, look inside double surface at tip, tip strut located. Walk towards keel checking all battens (both top and bottom surface) located and secured. At keel check pull back wires pass either side of king post and are secured in quick catch, check king post and all top wires in place and reflex bridle attached with no twists or wraps. From keel walk towards left tip checking battens and tip strut as per right hand wing. Walk back towards nose checking the left L/E for sail damage. Check nose cone secured and then move to centre of wing and confirm wing bolted to trike unit in desired setting (middle hole?) safety pin in place, safety strap secured. If fitted, check other accessories like, antenna coax connected, strobe lights, etc..
3. TRIKE UNIT
From the wing look down the mast and check mast locked with over centre lever. Moving into the cockpit checking seats and seat belts, choke off. Look under the dash (loose objects) check steering and brake (retaining brake should be on). No loose items on top of dash, master switch (key) off, front pole in place and secured with both pip pins. Move around front of pod checking front tyre, Pitot tube and around to right side of pod. Under dash depress foot throttle and let spring back, check hand throttle off, ignition switches off. Check fuel filter clean, fuel tap on, aircleaner clean and attached. Fuel sufficient for flight and take sample checking for water or other contaminants. Check radiator and coolant level, cap secure. Spark plug leads in place. Check right hand spat and tyre. Check propeller secure, no damage. Check exhaust mounts and springs. Check engine oil level (Rotax 912). Check oil reservoir level (Rotax 582). Check left hand spat and tyre. General look at engine for any loose items, engine mounts good. All clear for engine start and warm up.
