CESSNA 172 Checklist
CESSNA 172 Checklist
CESSNA 172 Checklist
Takeoff:
Normal Climb Out................................................ 70-80 KIAS
Cessna 172R Short Field Takeoff, Flaps 10°, Speed at 50 Feet .... 57 KIAS
Enroute Climb, Flaps Up:
Normal, Sea Level............................................... 75-85 KIAS
INTRODUCTION Normal, 10,000 Feet ........................................... 70-80 KIAS
This aircraft checklist contains information from the original Best Rate-of-Climb, Sea Level ................................. 79 KIAS
manufacturer’s Pilot Information Manual. Normal procedures Best Rate-of-Climb, 10,000 Feet .............................. 71 KIAS
associated with optional systems can be found in Section 9 of Best Angle-of-Climb, Sea Level ............................... 60 KIAS
the Pilot Information Manual. Best Angle-of-Climb, 10,000 Feet ............................ 65 KIAS
Landing Approach:
Information in BLACK is taken from the original Normal Approach, Flaps Up ................................ 65-75 KIAS
manufacturer’s Pilot Information Handbook. Normal Approach, Flaps 30° ............................... 60-70 KIAS
Information in GREEN is Aspen Flying Club’s Short Field Approach, Flaps 30° .............................. 62 KIAS
recommendations for high altitude operations. Balked Landing:
Maximum Power, Flaps 20° ..................................... 55 KIAS
Maximum Recommended Turbulent Air Penetration Speed:
2450 Lbs ................................................................... 99KIAS
2000 Lbs .................................................................. 92 KIAS
1600 Lbs .................................................................. 82 KIAS
Maximum Demonstrated Crosswind Velocity:
Takeoff or Landing ............................................... 15 KNOTS
CHECKLIST PROCEDURES
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
1. CABIN
WARNING
WHEN TURNING ON THE MASTER SWITCH, USING AN
EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE, OR PULLING THE
PROPELLER THROUGH BY HAND, TREAT THE PROPELLER
AS IF THE IGNITION SWITCH WERE ON. DO NOT STAND,
NOTE
NOR ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO STAND, WITHIN THE ARC
OF THE PROPELLER, SINCE A LOOSE OR BROKEN WIRE
Visually check airplane for general condition during walk-
OR A COMPONENT MALFUNCTION COULD CAUSE THE
around inspection. Airplane should be parked in a normal
PROPELLER TO ROTATE.
ground attitude (refer to Figure 1-1) to ensure that fuel drain
valves allow for accurate sampling. Use of the refueling steps
8. Master Switch -- ON.
and assist handles will simplify access to the upper wing
9. Fuel Quantity Indicators -- CHECK QUANTITY and
surfaces for visual checks and refueling operations. In cold
ENSURE LOW FUEL ANNUNCIATORS (L LOW FUEL R)
weather, remove even small accumulations of frost, ice or snow
ARE EXTINGUISHED.
from wing, tail and control surfaces. Also, make sure that control
surfaces contain no internal accumulations of ice or debris. Prior 9.1 Do not rely upon fuel gauge reading for flight
to flight, check that pitot heater is warm to touch within 30 planning.
seconds with battery and pitot heat switches on. If a night flight 10. Avionics Master Switch -- ON.
is planned, check operation of all lights, and make sure a 11. Avionics Cooling Fan -- CHECK AUDIBLY FOR
flashlight is available. OPERATION.
12. Avionics Master Switch -- OFF.
Figure 4-1. Preflight Inspection 12.1 External lights/pitot heat – CHECK/OFF
13. Static Pressure Alternate Source Valve -- OFF.
13.1 Compass Deviation Card - INSTALLED
14. Annunciator Panel Switch -- PLACE AN HOLD IN TST 4. RIGHT WING
POSITION and ensure all annunciators illuminate. 1. Wing Tie-Down -- DISCONNECT.
15. Annunciator Panel Test Switch -- RELEASE. Check that 2. Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and
appropriate annunciators remain on. general condition (weather checks, tread depth and wear,
etc...).
2.1 CHECK brake pads, lines.
NOTE 3. Fuel Tank Sump Quick Drain Valves -- DRAIN at least a
When Master Switch is turned ON, some annunciators will flash cupful of fuel (using sampler cup) from each sump
for approximately 10 seconds before illuminating steadily. When location to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel
panel TST switch is toggled up and held in position, all grade before each flight and after each refueling. If water
remaining lights will flash until the switch is released. is observed, take further samples until clear and then
gently rock wings and lower tail to the ground to move any
16. Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH. additional contaminants to the sampling points. Take
17. Fuel Shutoff Valve -- ON (Push Full In). repeated samples from all fuel drain points until all
18. Flaps -- EXTEND. contamination has been removed. If contaminants are still
19. Pitot Heat -- ON. (Carefully check that pitot tube is warm present, refer to WARNING below and do not fly airplane.
to the touch within 30 seconds.)
20. Pitot Heat -- OFF. WARNING
21. Master Switch -- OFF. IF, AFTER REPEATED SAMPLING, EVIDENCE OF
22. Elevator Trim -- SET for takeoff. CONTAMINATION STILL EXISTS, THE AIRPLANE SHOULD
23. Baggage Door -- CHECK, lock with key. NOT BE FLOWN. TANKS SHOULD BE DRAINED AND
24. Autopilot Static Source Opening (if installed) -- CHECK SYSTEM PURGED BY QUALIFIED MAINTENANCE
for blockage. PERSONNEL. ALL EVIDENCE OF CONTAMINATION MUST
BE REMOVED BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT.
2. EMPENNAGE
1. Rudder Gust Lock (if installed) -- REMOVE. 4. Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLY for desired level.
2. Tail Tie-Down -- DISCONNECT. 5. Fuel Filler Cap -- SECURE and VENT UNOBSTRUCTED.
3. Control Surfaces – CHECK freedom of movement and
security. 5. NOSE
4. Trim Tab -- CHECK security. 1. Fuel Strainer Quick Drain Valve (Located on bottom of
5. Antennas -- CHECK for security of attachment and fuselage) -- DRAIN at least a cupful of fuel (using sampler
general condition. cup) from valve to check for water, sediment, and proper
fuel grade before each flight and after each refueling. If
3. RIGHT WING Trailing Edge water is observed, take further samples until clear and
1. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security. then gently rock wings and lower tail to the ground to
2. Flap -- CHECK for security and condition. move any additional contaminants to the sampling points.
Take repeated samples from all fuel drain points, including
the fuel reservoir and fuel selector,until all contamination
has been removed. If contaminants are still present, refer 7. LEFT WING Leading Edge
to WARNING above and do not fly the airplane. 1. Fuel Tank Vent Opening -- CHECK for blockage.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick/Filler Cap -- CHECK oil level, then 2. Stall Warning Opening -- CHECK for blockage. To check
check dipstick/filler cap SECURE. Do not operate with the system, place a clean handkerchief over the vent
less than five quarts. Fill to eight quarts for extended flight. opening and apply suction; a sound from the warning horn
3. Engine Cooling Air Inlets -- CLEAR of obstructions. will confirm system operation.
4. Propeller and Spinner -- CHECK for nicks and security. 3. Wing Tie-Down -- DISCONNECT.
5. Air Filter -- CHECK for restrictions by dust or other foreign 4. Landing/Taxi Light(s) -- CHECK for condition and
matter. cleanliness of cover.
6. Nose Wheel Strut and Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation
of strut and general condition (weather checks, tread 8. LEFT WING Trailing Edge
depth and wear, etc...) of tire. 1. Aileron-- CHECK for freedom of movement and security.
7. Left Static Source Opening -- CHECK for blockage. 2. Flap -- CHECK for security and condition.
CRUISE
1. Power -- 2000-2400 RP (No more than 80% is
recommended).
2. Elevator Trim -- ADJUST.
3. Mixture -- LEAN.
SHORT FIELD LANDING
1. Airspeed -- 65-75 KIAS (flaps UP).
2. Wing Flaps -- FULL DOWN (30°).
3. Airspeed -- 62 KIAS (until flare).
4. Power -- REDUCE to idle after clearing obstacle.
5. Touchdown -- MAIN WHEELS FIRST.
6. Brakes -- APPLY HEAVILY.
Excess braking will cause tire damage.
7. Wing Flaps -- RETRACT.
BALKED LANDING
1. Throttle -- FULL OPEN.
2. Wing Flaps -- RETRACT TO 20°.
3. Climb Speed -- 55 KIAS.
4. Wing Flaps -- 10° (until obstacles are cleared). RETRACT
(after reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS).
AFTER LANDING
1. Wing Flaps -- UP.
2. Lean Mixture as Required.
SECURING AIRPLANE
1. Parking Brake -- SET.
1.1 If tiedown or chocks are used – do not set
brake.
2. Electrical Equipment, Autopilot (if installed) -- OFF.
2.1 Beacon -- ON
3. Avionics Master Switch -- OFF.
4. Mixture -- IDLE CUT OFF (pulled full out).
5. Ignition Switch -- OFF.
6. Master Switch -- OFF.
7. Control Lock -- INSTALL.
8. Fuel Selector Valve – LEFT or RIGHT to prevent cross
feeding.