Amplified Procedures; Preflight Inspection - Cessna 172R Pilot Operating Handbook

SECTION 4
CESSNA
NORMAL PROCEDURES
MODEL 172R
AMPLIFIED PROCEDURES
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
The Preflight Inspection, described in Figure 4-1 and adjacent
checklist, is required prior to each flight. If the airplane has been in
extended storage, has had recent major maintenance, or has been
operated from
marginal airports,
a
more
extensive exterior
inspection is recommended.
After major maintenance has been performed, the flight and trim
tab controls should be double checked for free and correct
movement and security. The security of all inspection plates on the
airplane should be checked following periodic inspections. If the
airplane has been waxed or polished, check the external static
pressure source hole for stoppage.
If the airplane has been exposed to much ground handling in a
crowded hangar, it should be checked for dents and scratches on
wings, fuselage, and tail surfaces, damage to navigation and anti
collision lights, damage to nose wheel as a result of exceeding tow
limits, and avionics antennas.
Outside storage for long periods may result in dust and dirt
accumulation on the induction air filter, obstructions in airspeed
system
lines,
water
contaminants
in
fuel tanks
and
insect/bird/rodent nests in any opening. If any water is detected in
the fuel system, the fuel tank sump quick drain valves, fuel reservoir
quick drain valve, and fuel strainer quick drain valve should all be
thoroughly drained again. Then, the wings should be gently rocked
and the tail lowered to the ground to move any further contaminants
to the sampling points. Repeated samples should then be taken at
all quick drain points until all contamination has been removed. lf,
after repeated sampling, evidence of contamination still exists, the
fuel tanks should be completely drained and the
fuel system
cleaned.
Additionally, if the airplane has been stored outside in windy or
gusty areas, or tied down adjacent to taxiing airplanes, special
attention should be paid to control surface stops, hinges, and
brackets to detect the presence of potential wind damage.
4-18
Dec 2/96