Preflight Procedures… Don’t Skip the TEN-CHECK!

Preflight processes and inspections are very important before every flight.  Using a comprehensive, and consistent approach makes detection of abnormalities easier.  

Cirrus Aircraft provides a printed  checklist for preflight inspection, but we recommend you go a little further...

Preflight Considerations:

• Use an approved preflight checklist.  There are one hundred and sixteen items on the preflight check list.
• If interrupted, start from the beginning.
• Consider adopting a process like the “TEN-CHECK” before engine start.
• Know the wind direction and velocity in relationship to the nose of the plane.
• Which CAS messages are displayed on the PFD, if any?

Our “Ten-Check” process is a pilot technique meant to verify we are ready to start the the plane.

You start the Ten-Check by standing in front of the plane, facing the Radome. Visually scan from your left to right, starting with the left wingtip. Take  look at the photo below to better understand what the Ten-Check is. 

Here are the ten checks:

1. Left pitot tube cover – verify removed
2. Left fuel cap – fuel quantity, properly installed and secure cap.
3. Left main wheel – Visually assess tire pressure and clear chocks.
4. AOA Cover – Verify removed and properly stored.
5. Rear engine exhaust cover - verify removed.
6. Front engine inlet cover – verify removed
7. Nose wheel– Visually assess tire pressure and clear chocks.
8. Right main wheel – Visually assess tire pressure and clear chocks.
9. Right fuel cap – fuel quantity, properly installed and secure cap.
10. Right pitot tube cover – verify removed.

Refer to TEN CHECK legend below...