Evektor Sport Star

Preflight Inspection Procedures

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In cooperation with Mid Island Air Service, Inc., Brookhaven, NY (Michael Bellenir, CFI)

Lesson Objectives:

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Upon completion of this briefing, you will perform a safe, complete, and thorough preflight inspection of an Evektor SportStar.

General appearance. From a distance look at aircraft. It should appear to sit level and be symmetrical.

Pre-flight inspection: Step 1

As you approach the aircraft, be mindful of the tie-down ropes

Walk around aircraft to open canopy

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Rotate the handle to the full open position as indicated

Carefully open canopy

Note: keep a hand on the canopy until it is in the full UP position. Be careful that the wind does not cause the canopy to open too quickly.

You can leave the canopy in the full open position while you preflight the aircraft. If you are going to leave the aircraft for any extended period of time, it is recommended that you close and latch the canopy while you are away from the aircraft.

Check the electrical system switches and ignition. All switches should be in the off position

Electrical EquipmentGenerators and Battery

Ignition switch

Everything should be off

The preflight checklist, fuel dipstick, and fuel tester are located here, in the left map pocket

You’ll start your exterior pre-flight inspection here, at the leading edge of the left wing. Make sure to use your checklist to complete all tasks

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Check wing surface for general condition. Check for dents, holes, cracks, missing rivets, and wrinkled aluminum skin. If any damage is found, consult a mechanic

Also check the leading edge for any signs of damage.

The wing root fairing should be secure with all screws in place

Next, we’ll check the left main landing gear and underside of the wing

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Check the gear leg for any cracks or other damage

Wheel pant should be secure, check for damage

Tire should appear properly inflated and in good condition. Here you can see what the tread pattern should look like. Do not fly a tire with cuts or visible chords. If tread appears to be missing in a certain spot (flat spot) consult a mechanic to determine its airworthiness

Check the ground under the landing gear for any evidence of brake fluid leaks. If aircraft is chocked, remove the chock.

Check the general condition of the underside of the wing Click the mouse

to continue

Now check the condition of the outer wing surface and leading edge

Check the landing light assembly for security and damage

If aircraft is tied down, untie the wing tie-down rope

Make sure the wing tip is secure and free of damage

Next, we’ll check under this wing and look at the pitot tube

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This is the pitot-static tube located on the underside of the left wing. Make sure it is secure, uncovered, and undamaged.

These holes need to be clear and obstruction free. If you find any debris in any of these holes, do not attempt to remove it yourself.

Again, check the general condition of the underside of the outer wing.

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Check the light assembly for security and make sure it is damage free

Make sure the fuel vent is clear. A blocked fuel vent will disrupt the flow of fuel

Next we’ll move to the trailing edge

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Check the surface condition and movement of the aileron, make sure it gets full travel up and down.

Check the condition of the aileron hinge.

Here, on the underside of the wing, you will be able to see the pushrod that controls the movement of the aileron. Move the aileron up and check the condition of this pushrod

This is the aileron pushrod attachment as seen from under the wing. It should be secure and undamaged.

The pushrod should be able to rotate from side to side. This allows the pushrod to swivel as it moves in and out, preventing the controls from binding.

Next we’ll check the flapClick the mouse to continue

The flap is located underneath the trailing edge of the wing. Make sure it is not damaged. From underneath the wing, you can see the flap hinge.

Underneath the wing, you’ll find a valve that allows you to take a fuel sample. The valve looks like a silver circle and is located just forward of the flap here. You’ll see this valve on the next slide.

Make sure the flap is in the full up position and that nothing appears to be jammed between the flap and the upper surface of the wing

From this position you can also see the back of the landing gear. Check it from this angle too just to make sure there is no damage to it. You should also take a closer look at the wing root fairing

This is the fuel drain valve located underneath the wing. Push the metal rod of the fuel tester up into the center of the valve. That will allow fuel to fall into the sample cup. The fuel should be free from contaminants, debris, and water. If the airplane is running 100LL fuel, it should be a light blue in color. Automotive fuel is also permissible but may vary in color. If the fuel sample is good you may dump it (do not return it to the tank). If there is any contamination, dispose of the fuel sample and take another. Repeat this process until all contaminates have been removed from the tank.

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We’ll also visually check the fuel level inside the tank to make sure we have enough fuel for the flight. The fuel cap is located here. We’ll remove the cap and use the fuel dipstick to determine the fuel level in the tank.

To remove the fuel cap, lift this tab up, rotate it do the left (counter clockwise), and lift the cap out of the wing

Put the fuel dipstick straight down into the tank. You’ll feel the dipstick make contact with the bottom of the tank. Remove the dipstick and you’ll see a wet mark on the dipstick that indicates the fuel level.

After checking the fuel level, reinstall the fuel cap. Make sure the fuel cap is flush with the wing and the tab points towards the rear of the aircraft.

Next we’ll check the aft section of the fuselage. Click the mouse to continue

Check the general condition of the fuselage. Check the sheet metal and rivets for any signs of damage.

Also check the condition and security of the antennas.

Radio Communication

ELT

Nav Antenna

On the underside of the fuselage, check for any signs of damage or evidence of oil leaks. Leaking oil in flight will appear as a streak of oil on the belly of the aircraft.Check the transponder

antenna for damage and security

You also have a good view of the right main landing gear and brake assembly from here. Look at it for any obvious signs of damage

Next, we’ll look at the tail. Click the mouse to continue

Check the tail fairing and make sure it is not damaged. Also check the attachment screws and make sure they are secure

Look at the vertical stabilizer and check its general condition and any signs of damage

Also check the horizontal stabilizer’s general condition and security

Check the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal stabilizer for damage.

Check the tip fairing for attachment security and condition

Next we’ll move behind the tail and check the tail control surfaces. Click the mouse to continue

Look at the general condition of the elevator

The elevator hinge should be in good condition

Also check the trim tab condition and its attachment hinge

Check the movement of the elevator, it should move freely to its full up and down positions.

Hold the elevator in the full up position and check its undersideLook at the elevator control

pushrod attachment and make sure it’s secure

The trim tab actuator should also be secure

The tail fairing and tail skid should be secure and damage free

Next, we’ll lower the elevator and look more closely at the rudder. Click the mouse to continue

If the tail tie down is connected, untie it now.

Look closely at the rudder attachment bolt

Check the attachment and condition of the rudder cables

You can move the rudder side to side if you like, you will feel the resistance of the nose wheel. (Remember, they are linked together.)

Check the surface condition of the rudder for damage. Next we’ll move to the other side of the tail. Click the mouse to continue.

Just like the other side, check the general condition of the vertical stabilizer, looking for any signs of damage

Also check the general condition of the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal stabilizer

Look at the tail fairing on this side too, make sure all the attachment screws are in place.

Next we’ll check the right side of the fuselage just like we checked the left side. Click the mouse to continue

We’ll check this side of the airplane just like the other side. Look at the general condition of the aluminum skins and rivets. If you find any areas of damage, report them to a mechanic

We’ll check the right wing just like the left wing. Click the mouse to continue

Check the general surface condition of the wing and the flap. Again, make sure nothing is jammed between the flap and the wing.

Look under the wing too, check the back of the right main landing gear and take a fuel sample from this side

Also check the fuel level in this tank the same way you did on the other side

Make sure the fuel cap is reinstalled correctly, flush with the wing and the tab pointed aft.

Click to move to outboard wing and aileron

Check the right aileron and hinge. Make sure the aileron moves full up and down.

This aileron has a ground adjustable trim tab. Be careful not to bend it

Check the surface condition of the wing

Also check the aileron pushrod underneath the aileron

Click the mouse to move to the right wing tip.

Make sure the fuel vent is not blocked

Check the light assembly for damage

Check the general condition of the underside of the wing.

We’ll look at the leading edge of the right wing next. Click the mouse to continue

Check the leading edge and surface condition. Also look under the wing. This wing does not have a pitot tube or landing light.

Check the wing root fairing for condition and security

Check the right main landing gear the same way as the left.

Check the gear leg for any cracks or other damage

Wheel pant should be secure, and undamaged

Tire should appear properly inflated and in good condition, no cuts and tire tread in good condition

Check the ground under the landing gear for any evidence of brake fluid leaks. While under here, remove any chock or tiedown.

Check the general condition of the underside of the wing

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Check the canopy attachment. Also make sure the canopy glass is clean and in good condition

Make sure all the instrument panel cover screws are secure

Make sure the cowling is secure. If this is the first flight of the day, we will remove the cowling to check the coolant level and make sure the engine is not damaged. You will learn to do this with an instructor, not in this presentation.

Camloc fasteners should be flush

Screws should be tight

Make sure the cooling air inlets are clear.

Check the radiator for leaks and make sure it is not blocked.

Make sure the engine air intake is clear.

Make sure the 6 screws securing the spinner are all in place and tight and that the spinner is not damaged

Check each propeller blade root for cracks or other damage

Look closely at each blade. Check the leading and trailing edges for nicks, chips, cracks, or any other damage. Damage to the propeller blades should be inspected by a mechanic before flight

There is a piece of protective tape bonded to the leading edge of the blade. It is designed to help protect the blade from impact damage

Inspect all three blades in the same manner

Check the nose gear strut. Make sure it doesn’t have any cracks or other damage.

Make sure the wheel pant is secure and undamaged

The nose gear tire should appear properly inflated and in good condition. If nosegear is chocked, remove chock now.

Look under the engine cowling and check for evidence of oil or coolant leaks

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On this side of the cowling, make sure all the camloc fasteners and cowling attachment screws are secure

Also check this side of the instrument panel cover

Open the oil door to check the oil level. Push down on the door release and it will spring open

This is the oil door open. Inside you will be able to see the top of the oil reservoir.

Turn the oil reservoir cap to the left (counter clockwise) to remove. Don’t lose it! You’ll see the dipstick located under the cap. Remove the dipstick. The oil level should be in the flat region of the dipstick.

If the oil level appears low, keep the oil reservoir cap off and pull the propeller in the direction of rotation several times until you hear a “burp” from the reservoir. Then re-check the oil level Look inside the

engine compartment check for any signs of leaks and things that don’t belong (birds’ nests, etc.)

Replace dip stick and oil cap. Close and secure the oil door.

Click the mouse to see which direction to rotate the propeller if you need to “burp” the engine

If the oil level appears low and you need to rotate the propeller to “burp” the engine, rotate the engine in this direction

Check the canopy attachment on this side and make sure the glass is clean and in good condition

Review your preflight checklist and make sure you’ve accomplished all of the required tasks. Have a safe and enjoyable flight!

This completes the preflight inspection procedure. Click the mouse and end the presentation.

With thanks to Mid Island Air Service, Brookhaven NY (Michael Bellenir, CFI)