Ground Check; Fixed Wing; Helicopter; Fixed Wing Aircraft - Lycoming O-360 Series Operator's Manual

SECTION 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
a. Fixed Wing.
(1) Head the aircraft into the wind.
(2) Leave mixture in "Full Rich".
(3) Operate only with the propeller in minimum blade angle setting.
(4) Warm-up to approximately 1000-1200 RPM. Avoid prolonged idling and do not exceed 2200
RPM on the ground.
(5) Engine is warm enough for take-off when the throttle can be opened without the engine faltering.
Take-off with a turbocharged engine must not be started if indicated lubricating oil pressure, due
to cold temperature is above maximum. Excessive oil pressure can cause overboost and
consequent engine damage.
b. Helicopter.
(1) Warm-up at approximately 2000 RPM with rotor engaged as directed in the airframe
manufacturer's handbook.

6. GROUND CHECK.

a. Warm-up as directed above.
b. Check both oil pressure and oil temperature.
c. Leave mixture control in "Full Rich".
d. Fixed Wing Aircraft (where applicable). Move the propeller control through its complete range to
check operation and return to full low pitch position. Full feathering check (twin engine) on the
ground is not recommended but the feathering action can be checked by running the engine between
1000-1500 RPM, then momentarily pulling the propeller control into the feathering position. Do not
allow the RPM to drop more than 500 RPM.
e. A proper magneto check is important. Additional factors, other than the ignition system, affect
magneto drop-off. They are load-power output, propeller pitch, and mixture strength. The important
point is that the engine runs smoothly because magneto drop-off is affected by the variables listed
above. Make the magneto check in accordance with the following procedures.

(1) Fixed Wing Aircraft.

(a) (Controllable pitch propeller). With the propeller in minimum pitch angle, set the engine to
produce 50-65% power as indicated by the manifold pressure gage unless otherwise specified
in the aircraft manufacturer's manual. At these settings, the ignition system and spark plugs
must work harder because of the greater pressure within the cylinders. Under these conditions,
ignition problems can occur. Magneto checks at low power settings will only indicate fuel/air
distribution quality.
3-4
LYCOMING OPERATOR'S MANUAL
O-360 AND ASSOCIATED MODELS
Revised December 2007