Checklist

[RICK MARTIN]

Greetings.

This is my first post. I've built a gyrobee, and am in training. If anyone would like to share, I sure would appreciate a copy of your pre-flight checklists. The more the better since 10 heads are better than one.

thanks,

Rick Martin

[quadrirotor]

""The more the better since 10 heads are better than one.""
not always true!!! :)

[Udi]

Good question. I need one too.

Udi-

[scottessex]

I too have been trying to develope a good checlist.
I usually start with the rotorhead, and shake it good, look for any loose bolts, washers that are not seated etc. then check the control rods, rod ends, bolts, cyclic stick for play and again the bolts.
Then start at the front and check rudder pedals, attachment points, pivots, instuments. seat seatbelts, mast bolts, etc.
Engine, any signs of chafing, loose hardware, safety wire, prop, prop hub,
grab the carburator and wiggle it. (mine came off in my hand one time!)
exhaust, pre rotator wheel and shaft.
Tail, rudder, rudder cables, Wheels tires for proper air pressure.

When you inspect, look at 18 inches around the area you are inspecting. and touch wiggle push and prod.

The last thing I inspect is the blades as I am wiping them down and cleaning them.


I hope this helps, This is more of a mental checklist, But idf it helps look at the gyro and write down everything you inpect, and then go over you list to see if you forgot anything.

First and formost is the rotor head and hardware, then prop and engine.


Oh yeah, don't forget to check the obvious things like fluid levels, and GAS!

[Chuck Roberg]

Here's mine :)

PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST –

MAIN ROTOR BLADES, HUB BAR - condition, leading and trailing edges, cleanliness, safety pins, bolts.
TOWERS - bolts, thimbles, check for play in bearings.
MAIN BOLTS - Jesus bolt, fore and aft bolt, lateral bolt, and bearings.
TORQUE TUBE - condition, movement, bolts.
PREROTATOR GEARS - condition, lubed, ring gear, clean excess grease
UPPER CONTROL SYSTEM - condition, play, bolts, linkages, control rods, silicon bearings.
BEACON - condition.
LOWER CONTROL SYSTEM - condition, play, chafing, bolts, safety pins, cotter pins, cyclic movement, control stops.
INSTRUMENT POD - condition, trim string, beacon operational.
FRONT PEDALS, NOSE WHEEL -
condition, full pedal movement, bolts
THROTTLE – freedom of movement
LEFT REAR PEDAL - condition, movement, bolts.
FUEL - tank valve on, check quantity, sight gage, contamination, cap is tight.
LEFT MAIN TIRE, STRUTS AND BRAKES – shock mounts for condition, brake line, disc and puck, bolts, tire inflation.
LEFT ENGINE – mounts, air filters, wires, hoses for leaks, wearing, muffler, spark plug leads, general condition.
PREROTATOR - condition, play, engagement system.
GEAR BOX - vent is unobstructed.
PROPELLER - condition, check blades for damage
Turns freely.
RUDDER - cables, bolts, cracks, movement, rear wheel.
RIGHT ENGINE - mounts, air filters, wires, hoses for leaks, wearing, muffler, spark plug leads, general condition.
RIGHT MAIN TIRE, STRUTS AND BRAKES - shock mounts for condition, brake line, disc and puck, bolts, tire inflation.
RIGHT REAR PEDAL - condition, movement, bolts.
SEATS AND SEAT BELTS – condition and security
HOBBS METER - record time.
REMOVE ALL LOOSE OBJECTS FROM POCKETS!



BEFORE STARTUP
Face gyro in desired direction
Seat belts
Helmet and cords secure
Flight controls for freedom of movement
Radio plugged in, Intercom on and adjusted
Altimeter set


START UP
Check trim string for wind direction
Fuel selector to rear tank
Fuel pump/master on
Full throttle 1 - 2 times if cold to prime
Open throttle 1 inch
“CLEAR''
Set brakes
Start engine
Set throttle for smooth engine running
Idle minimum 1800 RPM
Warm up engine for 5 minutes max 2800 RPM
Beacon on

TAXI
Check Nose wheel and Brake operation
Brakes for speed control
Forward cyclic to engage rotor brake.

ENGINE RUNUP
Face into wind – hold brakes
Engine rpm 3000 rpm
Check rpm drop on both ignition systems
Check Radio, Intercom, and flight instruments

PREROTATION, TAKEOFF
Set brakes
Check area for safe spin-up
Check trim string for wind direction
Minimum RPM 2000
Forward cyclic
Engage prerotator
Allow blades to spin up to 75 RPM (personally I like too see 110-120 rpm)
Release prerotator and brakes
Cyclic full aft to load rotordisk
Increase engine power smoothly as rotor RPM increases
While taxiing, apply cyclic into the wind.

SHUTDOWN
Neutralize rotor disk. Engage rotor brake if needed
Idle throttle all the way back
Apply full brakes
Beacon, off
Fuel pump/master, off
Ignition switch, off
Radio and intercom off
Secure rotor blades

[Screw]

Screw-In

IMHO. I think your asking for several differant things. When you say checklist, I think of:

a. Preflight Inspection. (Before engine startup)

b. Preflight check. (engine running before takeoff)

c. Departure check. (right before takeoff)

A. Preflight inspection: Because of the simplicity of my KB-2, I attempt to do a "Ramp Annual" :eek: everytime before I fly. I try to touch every nut and bolt to ensure two thread minimum or placement of cotter pins or safety wire. To do this, I start at the front of the gyro and work my way rearward. So, my list is simple, "Front to Rear." This process only takes maybe 10 minutes and sure sets my mind at ease. While I'm checking bolts, I'm also wiggling key items like wheels, head, engine, prop, tail.

b. Preflight check. Once suited up, I start the engine and strap myself in. I then think "CIGRETS." I'm a smoker :cool:

CONTROLS- are free for movement.
INSTRUMENTS- are functioning properly and temps are rising.
GAS- is full or at desired level for flight.
RADIO- is plugged in an function properly with radio check.
ELECTRICAL- any other electricals outside or radio like GPS ect. (I don't have an electrical system)
TRIM- ensure trim is appropriately set for takeoff
SAFETY- seatbelts, loose items (cell phones) are stowed or secure.

c. Predeparture check. Once taxied into position (hold short line or runway), I think of "RIP-ROLL"

RUN UP- advance your engine rpm to takeoff and ensure good push/pull while standing on the brakes.
INSTRUMENTS- ensure proper temps, vacuum, suction, RPM
PRE-ROTATE- Spool them babies up to a blur, cyclic in lap

ROLL- begin your takepff roll, achieve balace on mains, and takeoff :D

This is what I do, and I'm in no way an expert in the field, just thought I'd share my list with you.

Screw-Out

[KenSandyEggo]

Chuck, when you schedule an early morning flight, is it usually still light out when you get back? Is it O.K. to call the "Jesus-Bolt" a "Buddha-Bolt" or "Allah-Bolt" if one is so inclined?

Just kidding a little. That is one thorough checklist. That's about the size of the one you have, Birdy.....isn't it? ;)

[Dean_Dolph]

PRA Chapter 40 in Cincinnati made a pre-flight video that I was able to buy for our chapter. It is a 'oldy but goodie' that they produced way back when but it still applies. A much younger Roger Wood does the pre-flight and it is very thorough and it would be easy to develop a check list from it. It is also a good video for instructors to incorporate into their training systems. It would be nice if someone would produce a new up to date one.

[StanFoster]

Rick: Chuck posted a most thorough checklist for each phase.

I have a favorite mental checklist after my preflight and I am onboard warming up the engine. It is the word COPILOTS

C. controls....cyclic .. for and aft movement...rudders..throttle..brakes..
carb heat.....off
clock...I set my clock to 12 noon to time fuel burn from known amount

O. oil pressure......verify its up to par


P. pumps.....check both pumps one at a time for indicated fuel pressure


I. instrument scan....read and think about each gauge..
ignition ....check dual ignition


L. lights as needed.....strobe light all the time...landing light as
needed.....nav lights before dusk

O. 0 altimeter setting. NOTE: I also have a GPS that is WAAS..I like to
instantly know my height above ground in a forced landing manuever


T. temperature.....water temp in the green for takeoff



S. seat belts secured...passenger belt fastened and secure.

[Gary_in_Orygun]

Attached is a PDF of a checklist I came up with for my RAF. It folds nicely in half (between the two columns) and then I trim it down.

[scottessex]

Guess what! I just preflighted my gyro, it was raining so I decided to give it a good preflight. I found a broken exhaust mount bracket!!! It was the main bracket that supports the expansion chambers! Could have been very bad. the exhaust is also supported by some other brackets, but this would have made everything loose and transfered the load to the smaller brackets and the exhaust springs! So I made a new bracket. I did not get to fly tonight, but I may have saved myself a catastrophic failure.
Remember, preflights are good!

[birdy]

Hmmmm........... I thought "preflight" ment git'n out of bed Ken. :D

My preflight consists of " F & F ".[fillup "n" f..koff] :D :D maybe I'm over do'n it a bit. ;)

[Paul_Zurawski]

Another important check to do is a post flight check of the gyro after your done flying. It doesnt take too long to give it a going over before you put it away, and it could save you a cancelled flying day in case you do find a problem now, instead of when you want to fly again.

[RICK MARTIN]

Hey Guys,

Thanks a bunch. I'll compile all this and use what is appropriate for my machine.
If anyone else feels the urge, please keep them coming.

[TansAir]

Always check fuel level before flights.

[OuterMarker]

way to go, Kev......always visually check the fuel level....never trust the gauge!!! hehe

[Scary Gary]

Nothing feels quite like a cool refreshing cigarette.

[Resasi]

Or that face warming rush as you confirm that there was some fuel in there.