Before starting the engine, the pilot-in-command should complete a preflight inspection of weights and balance, unlock the doors, and brief the passengers. The pilot should latch the doors, set the parking brake, and make sure the seat belts and harnesses are secure and adjusted. In addition, she should check a series of gauges, switches and instruments (see Resources).
Before and upon starting the engine, the pilot needs to make sure the power sources are standing by and ready to deliver power to the auxiliary systems. The pilot should check that the avionics battery, fuel boost, auxiliary fuel pump and ignition are all on, that the area around the propellor is clear, and that the certain gauges are set as detailed and in a specific order (see Resources).
Upon taxiing, the pilot should check the brakes and the flight instruments. The runup is the pilot's last chance to make sure everything is functioning as it should before giving the plane maximum power and pushing its limits on takeoff. Once the pilot starts the runup, he will check the parking brake, double-check the seats, seat belts, and harnesses before making sure that all flight controls have a full, free and correct range of motion. He should also check the flight and engine instruments, make sure that both fuel tanks are on, set the flaps, and check the following settings on the plane:
trim the elevator, aileron, rudder, and nose for takeoff, and that the gyro has suction. Additionally, a series of steps should occur in a prescribed order unless otherwise noted in the plane's specific checklist (see Resources).
The pilot should refer to standard settings for taking off during normal conditions. If the pilot is attempting a short-field takeoff, the settings will differ. This is also the case for a soft-field takeoff or in other non-traditional circumstances.
For climbing and cruising the pilot will set the plane to certain specifications (see Resources), changing only the power to reduce climb once the pilot reaches his desired altitude.
As a pilot prepares for descent, he will reduce power appropriately. He will also make sure that his plane is prepared for the change by adjusting ice protection and other gauges and instruments. Pilots should also get an altimeter reading from the tower to ensure the plane's altimeter is set correctly. In addition, pilots should prepare for descent by adjusting certain items (see Resources).
Prior to landing the pilot should set the flaps, propellor to max (forward), fuel selectors, and seats, belts and harnesses. In addition, systems like radar and autopilot should be set to standby or off. Finally, the pilot should set the fuel condition lever to high idle.
For a normal field landing, the pilot can set the flaps to full and maintain an airspeed of 75-85 KIAS. The main wheels should touch down first. These, as well as other items (see Resources), are all appropriate for a normal landing only. Pilots who are making a short-field or soft landing should follow the checklist in the plane's cockpit.
One the pilot lands the 208B, he can turn off the strobes and ice protection and put the flaps up. As the plane leaves the runway and taxis to the parking or fueling area, the pilot should set the landing and taxi lights as required and the fuel condition lever to low idle. To shut the plane down completely, the pilot must follow certain steps (see Resources).
