FSD International
Commander 115 TC
Pilot Operating Handbook
- 34 –
Copyright© 2008 by FSD International. All rights reserved.
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used for real-world aviation.
4.16 AMPLIFIED PROCEDURES
4.16.1 PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
The Preflight Inspection Checklist is recommended prior to any series of flights by one pilot on any
given day. Prior to any flight at least fuel and oil quantity should be checked and the fuel purity
and type verified.
After major maintenance has been performed, all control surfaces and the elevator trim tabs
should be examined closely for security and for proper direction of travel in response to control
inputs. All inspection plates should be checked for reinstallation and security. If the airplane has
been waxed the static ports should be checked for blockage.
If the airplane has been stored outside for any period of time the engine area and other points of
entry should be checked for evidence of bird occupancy. The induction air filter should be inspected
and cleaned if needed. The pitot and static ports and fuel tank vents should be checked for
blockage by dirt, bugs, or other residue. Fuel tanks should be carefully checked for water or other
contamination by draining generous amounts at all drain points in the fuel system. All control
surfaces and control surface travel stops should be examined for wind damage.
If the airplane has been operated from muddy or slushy fields, the landing gear wheel wells, limit
switches. and the squat switch should be examined for cleanliness and serviceability. If operations
have included gravel fields, the propeller leading edges should have any nicks dressed out as they
are discovered.
Fuel caps should be inspected for any deterioration periodically to avoid fuel leakage in flight or
water infiltration while parked.
If night flight is contemplated, the operation of all lighting, interior and exterior, should be checked
and a flashlight should be carried in a location readily available to the pilot.
In cold weather, remove all traces of ice, snow, or frost from al] flying surfaces_ Be sure that no
accumulations of ice or slush have formed inside any control surfaces. Check the static and pitot
ports and both fuel vents for blockage by ice.
4.16.2 STARTING ENGINE
Cold starts are typically accomplished with a 4 to 6 second prime using the auxiliary fuel pump. Hot
starts, and starts with a suspected flooded engine, should not include any prime at all.
Weak intermittent firing followed by puffs of black smoke from the exhaust stack is an indication of
over-priming or flooding. If the engine is under-primed it will not fire at all. However, neither will
any tiring be evident for some period of cranking during a hot or flooded start.
If prolonged cranking is necessary, allow the starter motor to cool after approximately 30 seconds
of cranking. Excessive cranking will build heat enough to damage the starter motor.
After starting, if oil pressure is not indicating within 30 seconds under normal atmospheric
temperatures stop the engine and investigate. In cold conditions somewhat longer time will be
required to build oil pressure. Lack of oil pressure, if uncorrected, can lead to serious engine
damage.
