A well-organized preflight inspection begins in the cockpit with the instrument panel cold and dark. All power and switches should be in the "Off" position. The pilot should check to make sure that all aircraft documents are on board the aircraft and up to date. The parking brake should be set, and the control wheel lock should be removed. Fuel quantity indicators should be checked; the fuel shut-off valve should be in the "On" position.
The baggage door should be checked to make sure it's closed and locked. The fuselage and tail assembly should be checked for loose or exposed rivets. The rudder gust lock should be removed and the tail tie-down disconnected. Check control surfaces to be sure they move freely. Check trim tabs and radio antennas for damage. Disconnect wing and nose tie-down cables. Check all wheels for tire condition and air. Sample both wing tank fuel sumps, check fuel quantities and make sure the fuel fill cap is secure. Open the engine compartment and check the oil level, alternator belt, air intake, carburetor air filter and fuel strainer. Uncover and check the pitot tube to be sure it's not clogged. The pitot tube records air speed. Landing and taxi lights should be clean and in good condition.
Prime the engine and set the throttle open ¼ inch. Make sure the propeller is clear, then press the ignition switch to start the engine. Adjust the throttle to 1000 rpm. Turn switches for the master switch, beacon, avionics and radios to "On." Check to be sure the oil pressure needle is in the safe zone. The ammeter should read 14 volts and less than 2 amperes. Set the transponder on standby; set the altimeter and heading indicator. Engage the autopilot, then disconnect to check the alarm. Contact airport information for weather and aircraft advisories. Contact the control tower for departure instructions and taxi clearance.
Set the parking brake and check that cabin doors and windows are closed and locked. Adjust and lock seat belts. Test controls for free movement and operation. Set primary instruments, radios and avionics. Recheck fuel quantity and be sure that the fuel shut-off valve is in the "On" position. Set the elevator trim for "Takeoff." Adjust the throttle to 1800 rpm and check the magnetos, suction gauge, engine instruments and ammeter. Throttle back to 1000 rpm; make sure the strobe light is on and that the radio and avionics are set and that the autopilot is set to "Off."
Release the parking brake; make sure the flaps are up and apply full throttle. At 55 knots indicated air speed, ease back on the control yoke. Climb to cruising altitude assigned by air-traffic control at 70 to 80 knots. At cruising altitude, set pitch, trim, throttle and mixture as required and proceed to your destination.
Be sure the fuel selector and carburetor and heat indicators are set to "On." Fasten all seat belts and set flight instruments and radios. Turn the landing light on. Approach the landing at 65 to 75 knots with flaps up. With flaps down, reduce your speed to 60 to 70 knots and allow the aircraft to settle onto the runway. Reduce throttle to taxi speed and taxi to parking position.
