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Vans RV-12 Preflight Inspection

CABIN​

Canopy -------------------------- OPEN, CHECK operation/condition
Flight Control Locks ------------ REMOVE
Seat Back Position -------------- SET
Spar Pins ----------------------- CHECK ENGAGED
Fuel Tank ----------------------- CHECK FUEL LEVEL on Mechanical Fuel Gauge
Fuel Shut-Off Valve ------------- PUSH DOWN/ON
Avionics Switch ----------------- OFF
EFIS Battery Backup Switch ------ ON, Ensure PFD boots up
Master Switch ------------------- ON, Cooling fans (listen!), MFD powers up (confirm)
EFIS Battery Backup Switch ------ MASTER DEPENDENT
Stall Warning Vane -------------- ACTUATE

During high ambient temperature conditions, run the fuel pump for 5 mins to flush the fuel lines and minimize the potential for vapor lock.
Lights / Strobes ---------------- CHECK then OFF
EMS Backup Battery Switch ------- OFF
Engine/Total Hours -------------- RECORD
Master Switch ------------------- OFF
ELT ----------------------------- CHECK OFF (No red light)
Baggage ------------------------- RESTRAINED
Foreign or Misplaced Objects ---- CHECK
Spare Fuses --------------------- AVAILABLE


LEFT WING​

Wing ---------------------------- CONDITION
AOA Static Port ----------------- CHECK for obstructions
Tie-Down ------------------------ REMOVE (can remove eyebolt too)
Wing Hand Hold ------------------ CHECK no free movement*
Flaperon ------------------------ CHECK condition, freedom of movement
Flaperon Hinge Brackets --------- CHECK BOLTS

When applying Fore and Aft force check for play at the rear spar junction. This is usually discovered by hearing a clicking noise. If this is the case, refer to the Maintenance Manual for corrective action.
Excessive fore and aft play in the left wing may also render the EFIS AOA indications inaccurate.

LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR​

Tire ---------------------------- CONDITION, proper inflation 25 psi
Brake --------------------------- CHECK condition, no leakage
Axle Nut ------------------------ CHECK cotter pin installation
Wheel Bearings ------------------ SHAKE WHEEL/CHECK
Wheel Chocks -------------------- REMOVE


FUSELAGE (LEFT SIDE)​

Flaperon Control Tab ------------ FULLY INSERTED, NO PLAY
Fuel Sample --------------------- CHECK for water or sediment contamination
Static Port --------------------- CLEAN & OPEN


EMPENNAGE​

Vertical Stabilizer ------------- CHECK condition
Stabilator ---------------------- CHECK condition, freedom of movement
Anti-Servo Tab ------------------ CHECK condition, proper attachment
Rudder -------------------------- CHECK condition, attachment, freedom of movement
Tie-Down ------------------------ REMOVE


FUSELAGE (RIGHT SIDE)​

Static Port --------------------- CLEAN & OPEN
ADS-B Antenna ------------------- CHECK condition & security
Comm. Antenna ------------------- CHECK condition & security
Fuel Vent Line ------------------ CLEAR
Fuel Cap ------------------------ SECURE
Flaperon Control Tab ------------ FULLY INSERTED, NO PLAY


RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR​

Tire ---------------------------- CONDITION, proper inflation 25 psi
Brake --------------------------- CHECK condition, no leakage
Axle Nut ------------------------ CHECK cotter pin installation
Wheel Bearings ------------------ SHAKE WHEEL/CHECK
Wheel Chocks -------------------- REMOVE


RIGHT WING​

Flaperon ------------------------ CHECK condition, freedom of movement
Flaperon Hinge Brackets --------- CHECK BOLTS
Wing Hand Hold ------------------ CHECK no free movement*
Wing ---------------------------- CONDITION
Tie-Down ------------------------ REMOVE (can remove eyebolt too)


NOSE SECTION​

Transponder Antenna ------------- CHECK condition & security
Muffler ------------------------- CHECK condition, security of attachment
Coolant ------------------------- LEVEL CHECK

danger

Before performing the engine oil check procedure, make sure Master and both lane/ignition switches are in the OFF position

Engine Oil ---------------------- CHECK quantity, color, and clarity

  1. Remove oil cap from oil tank and place cap in holder on textured step area on the wing

  2. Turn propeller by hand in direction of prop rotation several times to pump oil from engine sump into oil tank

    ALTERNATIVE TO STEP 2:

    Ensure step 1 complete (oil cap removal/secure)
    Check oil – minimum quantity at or above tip of dipstick
    Feet on brakes, Canopy closed
    MASTER SWITCH – ON
    Lane/Ignition Switches – BOTH OFF, Double Check OFF
    Use the start key to turn the propeller for 10 seconds
    MASTER SWITCH – OFF
    Proceed to Step 3 (may require 1-2 hand turns of prop)

  3. A gurgling sound will be heard. Check oil level on stick. It should be somewhere on the flat area on the stick.

  4. Return cap to oil tank and secure

Nose Landing Gear --------------- CHECK attachment to fuselage
Nose Tire ----------------------- CONDITION, proper inflation 22 psi
Tow Bar ------------------------- Disconnected and stowed
Wheel Chocks -------------------- REMOVE
Cowling ------------------------- CHECK condition, all screws installed
Air Inlets ---------------------- CHECK all unobstructed
Propeller and Spinner ----------- CHECK condition, security
Pitot tube ---------------------- CLEAN & OPEN
Oil & Coolant Radiators --------- CHECK unobstructed
Oil & Coolant Radiator Block-offs - INSTALL or REMOVE as required by ambient conditions