Commercial Pilot for Airplane Category › II. Preflight Procedures › Task A. Preflight Assessment

CA.II.A.K3a

Knowledge

Airplane preflight inspection, including:

Which items should be inspected

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Airplane Flying Handbook p. 2-1
Chapter 2: Ground Operations › Preflight Assessment of the Aircraft
involve the following: 1. Inspecting the airplane’s airworthiness status. 2. Following the AFM/POH to determine the required items for visual inspection. [Figures 2-1, 2-2, 2-3]. Figure 2-1. Pilots should view the aircraft’s maintenance logbook ... Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM) and the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for each individual aircraft explain the required items for inspection…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 1-16
Chapter 2: Ground Operations › Introduction
covers the essential elements for the regulatory basis of flight including: 1. An airplane’s airworthiness requirements, 2. Important inspection items when conducting a preflight visual inspection, 3. Managing risk and resources, and 4. Proper and effective airplane surface movements…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 2-4
Chapter 2: Ground Operations › Preflight Assessment of the Aircraft › Visual Preflight Assessment
each manufacturer has a specified sequence for conducting the actions. In general, the following items are likely to be included in the AFM/POH preflight inspection: ⦁ Landing gear control is DOWN, if applicable. ⦁ Master, alternator, and magneto switches are OFF. ⦁ Control ... compare to the tank level by visual inspection. If so equipped, fuel pumps may be placed in the ON position to verify fuel pressure in the proper operating range. ⦁ Other items may include checking that lights for both the interior…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 2-6
Chapter 2: Ground Operations › Preflight Assessment of the Aircraft › Outer Wing Surfaces and Tail Section
sequence from the cabin entry access opening and then in a counterclockwise direction until the aircraft has been completely inspected. Besides the AFM/POH preflight assessment, the pilot should also develop awareness for potential areas of concern, such as signs ... whether metal or composite, as well as loose or missing rivets or screws. In addition to items specified in the AFM/POH for inspection, the pilot should have an awareness for critical areas, such as spar lines, wing, horizontal, and vertical…
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS)p. 7-2
CHAPTER 7. SMALL UAS MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION › 7.3 Preflight Inspection › 7.3.4 Preflight Inspection Items
Preflight Inspection Items. Even if the small UAS manufacturer has a written preflight inspection procedure, the FAA recommends the remote PIC ensure the following inspection items be incorporated into the remote PIC’s preflight inspection procedure. Such a practice will ... condition for safe operation. The preflight inspection should include a visual or functional check of the following items. 1. Visual condition inspection of the small UAS components; 2. Airframe structure (including undercarriage), all flight control surfaces, and linkages; 3. Registration…
14 CFR Part 135 — Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft Open
14 CFR § 135.429 Required inspection personnel.
rotorcraft that operate in remote areas or sites, the Administrator may approve procedures for the performance of required inspection items by a pilot when no other qualified person is available, provided— (1) The pilot is employed by the certificate holder ... originally performed the item of work; and (5) Each item of work that is a required inspection item that is part of the flight control system shall be flight tested and reinspected before the aircraft is approved for return…