Decathlon Checklist anyone..

[Obs cop]

Quite simply does any one know if there is a checklist in print suitable for a Decathlon (or failing that have one I could buy, copy or loan).

And yes I know I should be using the POH, but it's not the most convenient book to get in an aircraft. Likewise the plane isn't mine so I can't swan off with it for a few days to write my own list.

Here's hoping,

Obs cop

[tacpot]

Wicks Aircraft Supply have a printed checklist for the Decathlon. www.wicksaircraft.com (http://www.wicksaircraft.com)

Can't seem to find a free one anywhere. If you are a long way from the school you are intending to fly at, could they photocopy the checklist they use, and send it to you in the post?

If you have FS2004 flyawaysimulation.com (http://flyawaysimulation.com) have a Decathlon download, so you can practice in front of a realistic cockpit! :D

Good luck

tp

[Miserlou]

You need a checklist?

[djpil]

Abbreviated checklist from my '79 POM.

STARTING
1. Airplane Preflight Inspection – COMPLETE.
2. Cabin Door – SECURED.
3. Seat Belts and Shoulder Harness – FASTENED and adjusted or STOWED.
4. Fuel Shut-Off Valve – ON.
5. Brakes – SET.
6. Propeller Control - FULL INCREASE (except Decathlon Standard)
7. Alternate Air – COLD.
8. Electrical and Radio Switches – OFF.
9. Master Switch – ON.
10. Engine Prime (as required).
11. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF.
12. Throttle – ½ to 1 inch OPEN.
13. Magneto switches – BOTH ON.
14. Ensure propeller and blast area is CLEAR.
15. Starter – ENGAGE, release after engine fires.
16. Mixture – FULL RICH after engine fires.
17. Throttle – 1000 to 1200 RPM.
18. Oil pressure – CHECK, must indicate pressure within 30 seconds maximum.
19. Electrical and radio switches – AS DESIRED.
20. Brakes – release when ready to taxi.

BEFORE TAKE-OFF
1. Brakes – SET.
2. Flight Controls – CHECK freedom of movement, proper operation.
3. Elevator Trim – SET take-off position.
4. Flight Instruments/Radio – CHECK and SET.
5. Check Master Switch – ON.
6. Fuel Shutoff Valve – ON.
7. Mixture – FULL RICH (lean as required for high altitude).
8. Engine Instruments – CHECK normal indications.
9. Engine Run-up – 1800 RPM (Elevator Control – FULL BACK).
a. Magnetos – CHECK.
b. Propeller (except Decathlon Standard) - CHECK.
c. Alternate Air – CHECK operation.
d. Engine Instruments – within green arc.
10. Electric Fuel Pump – ON.
11. Cabin Door and Windows – CLOSED and LATCHED.
12. Seat Belts/Shoulder Harness – FASTENED and adjusted.
13. Brakes – release when ready to take off, check Park Brake full OFF.
Turn Electric Fuel Pump OFF after safe altitude has been obtained.

LANDING – NORMAL
1. Seat and Shoulder Harness – FASTENED.
2. Propeller - FULL increase.
3. Mixture – RICH.
4. Electric Fuel Pump – ON.
5. Brakes – CHECK FIRM (Park Brake – OFF).
6. Approach Airspeed - 65 to 70 KTS.
7. After Clear Runway – Electric Fuel Pump OFF.

SHUTDOWN
1. Brakes – SET.
2. Electrical Equipment – OFF.
3. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF.
4. Magnetos/Master Switch – OFF after propeller stops.
5. Controls – SECURE with lap belt around forward control stick only.
6. Wheels – CHOCKED.
7. Wing/Tail-wheel Tie Downs – SECURE.

[Miserlou]

So basically the same as every other single engine piston then!

[squawking 7700]

Photocopy the one from the POH and stuff it in a pocket - and keep a few spares for when it gets tatty, but the Decathlon checklist is even more simple than that for a C150.
It's the only aircraft I don't bother with a checklist.

7700

[Obs cop]

Thanks all,

Please excuse the ignorance, but I have yet to even see a Decathlon in the flesh, but am hoping to get airbourne in one soon enough.

The idea of a simple aircraft sounds good to me though - back to basics.

Obs cop

[Mike Cross]

Universal simple SEP check list as taught to me during training. Two mnemonics, depending on your taste. You take the first letter of each word. Each first letter has three items.

The mnemonics being:-

Three mince pies for good health
or
Three male prostitutes fornicating gents hourly

Temps
Trim
Throttle Friction

Mixture
Mags
Master switches

Pitch
Pitot Heat
Pressures

Flaps
Fuel
Full & Free movement

Generator (Alternator)
Gyros & Gauges
Gills (Cowl Flaps)

Hatches
Harnesses
Hour (note take off time)

Followed of course by the normal power checks.

Mike

[djpil]

Yes, it is a simple aircraft but compared to a Cessna 150 or Warrior a few things are different and things are in different places; especially for a tail-wheel first-timer the brain goes into neutral very easily.

[Miserlou]

Or you can get into any aeroplane and go round the cockpit doing what needs to be done to everything that needs something done to it.