Aircraft Exterior InspectionPiper Seminole

Nick Tarantino

Objective • Be able to inspect the exterior of a twin engine general

aviation aircraft. • Complete the walk-around of the aircraft with reference to

your company checklist.

• Note that there is an entire interior inspection that should have taken place prior to the exterior inspection. This presentation focuses ONLY on the exterior inspection and is only a general description of an exterior inspection.

General Overview

Fuel Drains • Fuel drains are located on the right side of the aircraft and

are the starting point for the walk around. The fuel sumps will drain fuel from the left and right tanks.

• Tip: Check fuel quantity before draining fuel. You may need to add fuel to the tanks and then drain fuel from sump.

Right Wing (Rear) • Start at the rear of the right wing and work around

towards the tip and front. • Be visually inspecting for dents, chips, or loose screw or

bolts.

Flap Section • Visually inspect the flap section.

Flap Section • Visually inspect the connecting screw for the flap section. • This is located all the way to the left of the flap.

Aileron Section • Visually inspect each connecting screw and the overall

condition of the aileron. • Some company procedure do not allow you to push on

the aileron.

Aileron Test

Tip: The aileron section should be checked for correct rigging. Confirm proper direction of control column corresponds to the proper deflection of the ailerons.

Wing Tip• Visually inspect the wing tip for dents or chips. • Visually inspect the lights are working properly.

Front of Wing• Visually inspect the front of the wing as well as the

recognition lights.

Right Engine, Fuel and Oil• Visually inspect the right engine area. • Check oil stick• Check fuel level• Inspect propeller

Propeller Check

• Check the propeller for any dents or nicks.• Tip: actually run your hand across the propeller feeling for any deformities

Right Landing Gear

• Inspect the right landing gear mechanism and tire. • Tire should be at 55 psi and strut approx. 2.6 inches.

Landing Gear Mechanism • Visually inspect the landing gear mechanism. • Tip: Be looking for any materials within the wheel well that can

prevent the gear from be lowered or raised.

Nose Area

• Visually inspect the nose area of the aircraft.

• Includes inspection of the landing light, pictured here.

Nose Landing Gear

• Inspect the landing gear mechanism and the tire.

Nose Wheel Well

Visually inspect the nose wheel well area. Be looking for any foreign materials that would prevent the gear from being raised or lowered.

Left Front Wing and Engine

• The same inspection procedure as the right wing.

• Visually inspect the front of the left wing, including the propeller and the left main gear and tire.

• Check the fuel quantity and oil level

Left Front Wing/Light

• Visually inspect the left wing recognition light.

Pitot/Static Mast

• Visually inspect the pitot static mast.

• Make sure it is free ice or any other material that could potentially create a blockage.

Left Wing Tip

• Check and inspect the condition of the strobe and navigation lights located on the wing tip.

Left Wing Rear

• Left rear wing area starts with the inspection of the aileron.

• Check for any loose screws, chips, or any other possible defects.

Left Fuselage

• Located on the left fuselage is the ventilation filter for the cabin air.

• Visually inspect this area for any possible cracks or blockage.

Empennage

• Inspect the elevator which is located at the top of the tail or empennage. Look for any cracks or loose screws.

• Below the elevator is the rudder. Visually inspect that the rudder is free of any cracks and not missing any bolts or screws.

• Note: Both of these control surfaces should be tested by moving the control column up and down and the ruder pedals left and right.

General Overview and Tie Down Removals

The End