GRUMMAN AMERICAN
FOR TRAINING USE ONLY – SECTION 4
MODEL GA-7/COUGAR
NORMAL PROCEDURES
4-15
Issued: April 10, 1978
AMPLIFIED NORMAL PROCEDURES
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
The preflight inspection is an important function which can minimize emergency situations and accidents when
properly performed. Before the first flight of the day, a thorough walk-around inspection of the airplane should be
made. Figure 4-1 and the preflight checklist provide a recommended list of components and conditions which
should be checked. Subsequent flights during the day normally require only a brief inspection of fuel and oil for
quantity; security of caps; and control surfaces, tires, and struts for damage and proper operation.
NOTE
If the remaining brake lining material is less than 1/8-inch thick, the brake linings
should be replaced as soon as possible.
A thorough inspection of the airplane should be made after a major overhaul, or after unusual events such as a
hard landing, lightning strike, extreme turbulence, or after operation in snow, ice, slush, or from a muddy field.
STARTING ENGINES
AIRCRAFT POWER
The master switch must be in the ON position to start the engines. This is true if external power is being used or if
the airplane battery is being used.
Place carburetor heat OFF, propeller controls full forward, mixture controls full rich, fuel selectors to ON, and open
throttles approximately one-half inch. Place auxiliary fuel pumps ON and check for fuel pressure of 0.5 psi to 8 psi.
Turn auxiliary fuel pumps OFF.
Place the left magneto switch for the engine to be started in the ON position. Always start the engine with only
the left magneto ON. Press engine starter button and activate the electric primer for the appropriate engine for
one or two seconds, or as required. When engine starts, place the right magneto switch and alternator switch to
ON position. Check oil pressure gauge, if minimum oil pressure (25 psi) is not indicated within 30 seconds, stop
engine immediately.
In the event of a balked start or over primed condition, place the mixture control to idle cutoff and open the
throttle. Operate the starter to remove excess fuel. As engine starts, reduce the throttle to idle RPM and place
the mixture control to full rich.
Adjust throttle for 800 to 1200 RPM for engine warm-up. The engines are air pressure cooled and depend on the
forward speed of the airplane to maintain proper cooling. Particular care is necessary, therefore, when operating
the engines on the ground. During the warm-up period, head the airplane into the wind, leave mixture in “full
rich”, and propeller in minimum blade angle. Avoid prolonged idling, and do not exceed 2200 RPM on the ground.
The engine is warm enough for takeoff when the throttle can be opened without the engine faltering.
