Pre Takeoff Responsibilities

Before flight the pilot should ensure the following in relation to  each of these categories. Some are rules, others are recommendations. Learn both the ones not in your exam will save your life or save you from being in trouble!

People:

  1. *The pilots and instructors are fit and healthy to fly and not sick
  2. *The pilots and instructor are drug and alcohol free in accordance with the rules
  3. *Alcohol has not been consumed within 8 hours of flight
  4. *Any passengers are fit to fly and not intoxicated

Weather:

  1. The weather is suitable to fly and has been checked via NAIPS or Airservices – note for circuits or local flights only this is not mandatory, but highly recommended
  2. *Visibility with a minimum of 5000 m
  3. *Ability to fly more than the minimum distances from cloud
    1. *Above 3000 feet, 1500 m horizontal and 1000 feet above or below cloud
    2. *Below 3000 feet,clear of cloud

Fuel:

  1. *Sufficient fuel for flight and the rules to do with fuel reserves
  2. *Fuel is tested to be free of water
  3. Fuel systems are working correctly and fuel tank vents are clear
  4. Fuel pumps are working

Weights

  1. The pilot, passenger and luggage are within weights stipulated in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)
  2. *The aircraft is below Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)
  3. The aircraft is within its weight and balance envelope – this is an advanced concept you will learn later. At this stage, only carry items the instructor places in the aircraft, and keep them in that location.

*Aircraft

  1. The training aircraft has a current maintenance release and it has been checked immediately prior to flight
  2. A pre-flight inspection has been done on the aircraft
  3. All pre-flight checks and checklists are strictly adhered to

Documents

  1. *You have your pilot certificate or card with you
  2. ASIC card if required
  3. The training aircraft has its maintenance release in the aircraft
  4. *The Pilot Operating Handbook is in the aircraft
  5. Relevant charts and maps for the flight are in the aircraft

Lookout and Listen

  1. *Prior to starting the engine you visually check for people
  2. *Prior to starting the engine you loudly call “clear prop”
  3. Prior to taxiing you listen to the radio and visually check for other aircraft
  4. *Prior to takeoff you listen to the radio for at least 5 minutes
  5. Prior to entering the runway you make a radio call
  6. Prior to entering the runway you visually check for other aircraft on the runway or in the circuit