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calls for special attention to control surface stops, hinges
and brackets to detect the presence of wind damage.
If the aircraft has been operated from muddy fields or
in snow and slush, check the main gear wheel and nose gear
wheel wells for obstructions and cleanliness.
Operation from
a gravel or cinder field will require extra attention to
propeller tips and abrasion on leading edges of the horizon-
tal tail.
Stone damage to the outer six inches of the pro-
peller tips can seriously reduce the fatigue life of the
blades.
Aircraft that are operated from rough fields, especially
at high altitudes, are subjected to abnormal landing gear
abuse.
Check frequently all components of the landing gear
retracting mechanisms, shock struts, tires and brakes. Undue
landing and taxi loads will be subjected on the aircraft
structure when the shock struts are insufficiently extended.
A completely collapsed (zero extension) shock strut could
cause a malfunction in the landing gear retraction system.
To prevent loss of fuel in flight, make sure main and
auxiliary fuel tank filler caps are tightly sealed.
The main
fuel tank vents beneath the tip tanks should also be inspect-
ed for obstructions, ice or water, especially after operation
in cold, wet weather.
The interior inspection will vary according to the
mission and the optional equipment installed.
Prior to high-
altitude flights, it is important to check the condition and
quantity of oxygen face masks and hose assemblies.
The
oxygen supply system should be functionally checked to insure
that it is in working order.
The oxygen pressure gage should
indicate between 300 and 1800 PSI depending upon the antici-
pated requirements.
Satisfactory operation of the pitot tube, stall warning
transmitter and fuel tank vent heating elements is determined
by
observing a discharge on the ammeter when the pitot heat
and stall vent heat switches are turned ON.
The effective-
ness of these heating elements may be verified by cautiously
feeling the heat of these devices while the switches are ON.
Flights at night and in cold weather involve a careful
check of other specific areas which will be discussed later
in this section.
2-2
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