Leveling; Flyable Storage - Cessna SKYHAWK 1976 Pilot Operating Handbook

CESSNA
MODEL 172M
SECTION 8
HANDLING, SERVICE
&
MAINTENANCE
available, the tail should be securely tied down.
NOfE
Ensure that the nose will
be
held off the ground under all
conditions by means of suitable stands or supports under
weight supporting bulkheads near the nose of the airplane.
LEVELING
Longitudinal leveling of the airplane is accomplished by placing a
level on leveling screws located on the left side of the tailcone. Deflate
the nose tire and/or lower or raise the nose strut to properly center the
bubble in the leveL Corresponding points on both upper door sills may be
used to level the airplane laterally.
FLYABLE STORAG E
Airplanes placed in non-operational storage for a maximum of 30 days
or those which receive only intermittent operational use for the first 25
hours are considered in flyable storage status. Every seventh day duri~
these periods, the propeller should
be
rotated by hand through five revolu­
tions. This action "limbers" the oil and prevents any accumulation of cor­
rosion on engine cylinder walls.
IWARNING'
For maximum safety, check that the ignition switch is
OFF, the throttle is closed, the mixture control is
in
the idle cut-off position, and the airplane is secured
before rotating the propeller by hand. Do not stand
within the arc of the propeller blades while turning the
propeller.
After 30 days, the airplane should be flown for 30 minutes or a ground
runup should be made just long enough to produce an oil temperature with­
in the lower green arc range. Excessive ground runup should be avoided.
Engine runup also helps to eliminate excessive accumulations of water
in
the fuel system and other air spaces in the engine. Keep fuel tanks full
to minimize condensation in the tanks. Keep the battery fully charged to
prevent the electrolyte from freezing in cold weather. If the airplane is
to be stored temporarily, or indefinitely, refer to the Service Manual for
proper storage procedures.
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