Before Takeoff Checks
This tutorial covers the before takeoff checklist. This involves the engine checks that are made in the run-up area just prior to taxiing to the runway and taking off.
For more information on the before takeoff checklist, see Section 2-11 of the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook available at http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/airplane_handbook/.
Tutorials/startup
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In this lesson we'll cover the pre-takeoff checks.
You can access the pre-takeoff checklist by selecting Help->Checklists from the menu.
10
The parking brakes are already applied, so our first check is that the flight controls are free and correct.
Check that moving the yoke from left to right moves the aileron in the expected manner.
105.2
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Now, check the other aileron. We're checking that the controls aren't jammed by our seatbelts etc.
and that the aircraft has been rigged correctly.
-105.2
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Check the trim is in position
349.2
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Set the elevator trim a bit more NOSE UP (scroll down with the mouse wheel)!
/controls/flight/elevator-trim
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Set the elevator trim a bit more NOSE DOWN (scroll up with the mouse wheel)!
/controls/flight/elevator-trim
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-0.08
Now check that the mixture is set to rich - fully in.
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The mixture isn't completely in. Press m to richen the mixture to fully rich.
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Set the throttle to 1700 rpm for the engine checks.
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That's a bit high. Reduce throttle to 1700 rpm with PgDn, or your joystick throttle control.
/engines/active-engine/rpm
1725.0
That's too low. Increase throttle to 1700 rpm with PgUp, or your joystick throttle control.
/engines/active-engine/rpm
1575.0
/engines/active-engine/rpm
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/engines/active-engine/rpm
1725
This aircraft has a vacuum pump to power some instruments, such as the attitude indicator and directional gyro.
We need to check that the vacuum system is working correct by checking the suction gauge.
17.3
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Check that the engine instruments are in the green.
10.7
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Check that the electrical system is also fine.
15.2
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Now we need to check that the magnetos are working correctly.
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Use your middle mouse button, or use your mouse scrollwheel to move the key to the RIGHT (R) position.
There should be a small drop in the tachometer.
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Set the key to RIGHT.
/controls/switches/magnetos
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/controls/switches/magnetos
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Click the key twice with the left mouse button, to switch back to both magnetos.
The tachometer should recover back to 1700rpm.
11.0
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Set the key to BOTH.
/controls/switches/magnetos
3
/controls/switches/magnetos
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Now we'll check the left magneto. Use your middle mouse button or scroll wheel to switch to the left magneto.
Again, there should be a small drop in the tachometer.
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Set the key to LEFT.
/controls/switches/magnetos
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/controls/switches/magnetos
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Click the key, to switch back to both magnetos.
The tachometer should recover back to 1700rpm.
11.0
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Set the key to BOTH.
/controls/switches/magnetos
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/controls/switches/magnetos
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Set the throttle back to between 800 and 1000 rpm.
/sim/panel-hotspots
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9.2
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That's a bit high. Reduce throttle slightly with PgDn, or your joystick throttle control.
/engines/active-engine/rpm
1020.0
That's too low. Increase throttle slightly with PgUp, or your joystick throttle control.
/engines/active-engine/rpm
780.0
/engines/active-engine/rpm
780
/engines/active-engine/rpm
1020
Our pre-takeoff checks are now complete. We're ready to fly.