GROUND OPERATIONS
Preflight Inspection
The pilot is the final authority in determining the airworthiness of the helicopter. This can be accomplished by conducting a visual inspection of the aircraft and aircraft documents.
Prior to a visual inspection, check the maintenance logs to ensure compliance with:
• Annual inspections (once every 12 calendar months)
• Pitot-static/transponder Inspections (once every 24 calendar months)
• Airworthiness directives
• 100-hour inspections (if required)
• Oil changes (if required)
• Minimum equipment lists (MEL) (if associated with the helicopter)
After inspecting the maintenance records, proceed to the aircraft and ensure that the required paperwork is on board prior to flight. The acronym ARROW is a great tool to help you remember what is required:
Airworthiness Certificate
Registration Certificate
Radio Station License (required when flying outside the US)
Operating Handbook—Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
Weight and Balance—This includes an equipment list specific to the helicopter
Now is a good time to check the fuel level so additional fuel can be ordered if necessary. After filling the tank, allow time for the fuel to settle and any contaminants that might be present to sink to the bottom before checking the fuel quality.
Main Rotor Transmission Access Cowl doors........Open
Static source........Check
Master switch........On
Warning lights........Check
Fuel gauge........Check quantity
Master switch........Off
Fuel quantity/cap........Confirm and secure
M/R transmission bolts and mounts........Secure, check for slippage
M/R trans: oil level, Telatemp........Check
M/R trans: chip detector........Wiring and safety
Upper frame assembly........Check for bends, cracks; secure
T/R push-pull tube........Check condition, secure; check travel, play
Forward flex coupling........Check bolts for slippage, cracks
Middle flex coupling........Check bolts for slippage, cracks
Clutch actuator bearing and Telatemp........Check condition
T/R bell crank........Secure; check travel, play
V-belts and pulley........Check condition
Wiring harness........Check condition and secure
Sheet metal structures........Inspect rivets; check for wrinkles and cracks
Cowl door........Closed
Left magneto........Check condition and secure
Starter relay........Secure, insulators
Lower frame assembly........Bends, cracks, secure
Engine (general)........Leaks, cracks, secure
Oil cooler and lines........Check condition and secure
Oil cooler access........Clear
Starter, ring gear........Check condition, secure
Lower sheave bearing, Telatemp........Check condition
Fan and scroll........Check condition, secure
Attaching points........Bolts, cracks, slippage
Antenna, strobe........Check condition, secure
Tail cone (right side)........Check condition, rivets
Strobe light........Check condition, secure
Stabilizers, stinger........Check condition, c...