Front wheel assembly

1. Check the wheel for proper play.
2. Check tire inflation.
3. Check that the connection between the front fork and the front axle is secure.
4. Check that the connection between the front fork and the front fork mount is secure.
5. Check for smooth steering.
6. Check that the steering mechanism is not sloppy or loose keeping it snug will make steering much easier.

Airframe

1. Check all tubing for dents, cracks, bends or other damage.  Dented tubing can be fatal and must be replaced and cannot be repaired.
2. Check all bolts for nylock locknuts and proper tightening.  Every connection on the airframe is vital for your safety.
3. Check all pins for safety rings.
4. Check outriggers for proper C.G. Adjustments.
5. Check all cables for kinks, frays, abrasions or broken strands.
6. Check the end of each flying cable for bolt security and check that the thimbles are not cracked, twisted or elongated.

Foot control bars

1. Check that the foot steering bars are attached firmly.
2. Check foot bars for freedom of movement.
3. Check control pulleys for wear, cracks and secure attachment.

Main wheel and axle assembly

1. Check tires for proper inflation.
2. Check axle and axle hardware.
3. Check that the springrods are sound, not cracked or bowed and properly attached.
4. Check wheels for proper play.

Power plant

1. Check that the engine mount hardware is in place and is secured.
2. Grab the prop near the hub and shake it fore-and-aft.  Be sure that the prop, pulleys, hub, engine, engine mount and airframe are securely attached together.  Never touch or turn the prop by hand unless the spark plug caps are pulled from the spark plugs.  Simply turning the ignition switch to “off” is not enough.
3. Inspect the engine mount plate and muffler mount for cracks.
4. Examine the muffler and mounting for cracks, particularly the header pipe which is subject to wide variations in temperature.  Is it securely fastened to the engine?
5. Check the security of the carburetor, air filter, throttle cable and electrical connections.
6. Check over the electrical connections.
7. Inspect the propeller for cracks and dings.  They’re most likely to appear around the tips and leading edge.
8. Check the fuel (quality as well as quantity). Is the tank full?  Look for water and dirt in the bottom of the tank.  Check the grommets for leaks.
9. Check the propeller guard for proper attachment and proper propeller clearance.
10. Check that the pull starter is firmly attached to the pylon plate.
11. Check that plug wires are attached securely to the spark plugs.
12. Check throttle movement for full range and smooth operation.

Parachute and Rigging

1. Check rapide links for proper attachment (finger tight plus ¼ turn).  Check rapide links for cracks.
2. Check suspension and control lines for knots, tangles and wear.
3. Check control lines for proper routing through all gues and pulleys and for secure attachment to the steel pulley attachment.
4. Check the parachute for tears, torn stitching, abrasion or deterioration form sunlight.
5. Whenever the parachute is not in use keep it stored out of direct sunlight and free from moisture and mildew.  Prolonged exposure to these conditions will weaken the material, shortening the life span of the parachute.
6. Mark the cables at each nicco sleeve with fingernail polish or a substitute.  This will help you identify a weakening cable that is trying to pull out.

Seat and harness

1. Check the seat for wear or damage.
2. Check seat belts and shoulder harness for wear or damage.
3. Put seat belt and shoulder harness on and adjust straps for security.  Insert the seat belt tongue through he shoulder belt fittings and then insert into the seat belt buckle.  The tongue must click into place and then pull on it to make sure it is secure.  The seat belt must be adjusted before the shoulder harness.  The straps must be as tight as they can be tolerated without limiting movement.

Pilot

1. Healthy? Rested? Sober? Relaxed? Dressed comfortably? (It’s going t be cool up there.)  Don’t wear anything loose enough to interfere with operation of the aircraft.
2. Helmet on and fastened?  Earplugs in place? If your hair is long and can get back to the engine, restrain it before putting on your helmet.  Goggles in place and clean?

Run-up

1. Brace the front wheel against an unmovable object (building, tree, fence post, automobile tire), clear the prop area directly to the sides and behind.

Be aware of your prop blast.  Be courteous, don’t create a dust and wind storm for the surrounding people.  Make certain the ground is free of all debris (aluminum cans, branches, gravel, etc.).  Are all tools removed from the airframe? Is the area clear? If so, shout “clear prop!” Don’t be timid, shout as loud as you can to alert people that a dangerous operation is about to take place. Train your friends and relatives to get in the habit of also checking the area, they can see a lot better than you can when you are strapped into the seat.  The correct response to “clear prop!” is to shout back in response “clear” if the area is clear.

2. Pull the fuel primer back and then push one full pump to prime the carburetor.  Always push the throttle lever forward to idle position when starting engine.  Do not attempt to start engine with throttle lever pulled back to full power position, engine may start and immediately go to full power resulting in engine damage or personal injury.  Pull the rope quickly and evenly until the engine starts.  Once started you may need to give half pumps with the fuel primer a couple of times to get the engine to stay running.  Give it just enough throttle until it runs smoothly.  Does the engine idle properly? Get it to run properly now.  The engine must be up to operating temperature before attempting to fly.  Optional temperature gauges are available to monitor engine temperature.  Never take off with a cold engine; this could result in engine damage and engine failure in flight.
3. Check the mag switches.  If engine shuts off during this procedure one of the magnetos are not working.  Do not attempt to fly until you have this corrected.  You may notice the tach/hour meter giving erratic readings during this procedure, this is normal.  Pushing one mag switch at a time will check each mag.  Pushing both mag switches will kill the engine. This is useful as an emergency kill switch if the main on/off switch fails to shut off the engine.
4. Check the ignition switch by momentarily shutting off the engine and then restart.
5. Check the wind direction and strength.  Is it within your limitations?  Do not taxi in a crosswind.  Wind over 10 mph will make your flight uncomfortable and unsafe.
6. Look for other air traffic on landing approach.  Shut the engine off now.

You are ready to move to the takeoff area.

Note: “check” means check for damage or improper installation.  “Check” means replace it now!  Do not wait for an accident.

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