Key points for pre-flight inspection of aviation piston engines

The key points for pre-flight inspection of aviation piston engines are as follows:

First, visual inspection

Overall inspection

Check whether there is any obvious damage, oil leakage, air leakage or water leakage on the exterior of the engine.

Make sure that the engine fixing bolts and connecting parts are tightened and not loose.

Attachment inspection

Check whether the pipelines, cables, sensors and other accessories on the engine are connected correctly and undamaged.

Confirm that the fairing, intake valves and fairing blades are in good condition, without any looseness or damage.

Second, fuel system inspection

Fuel level check

Check if the fuel in the fuel tank is sufficient to ensure that the flight does not stop due to insufficient fuel.

Fuel leakage inspection

Check whether there is any leakage in the fuel pipeline and connecting parts.

Drain the fuel from the main fuel tank and check for water or sediment.

Fuel filter inspection

Check whether the fuel filter is clean and free from blockage.

Replace the fuel filter as needed.

Third, inspection of the lubricating oil system

Lubricating oil level check

Check whether the lubricating oil in the oil tank is sufficient to ensure that the engine is well lubricated.

Lubricating oil leakage inspection

Check whether there is any leakage in the lubricating oil pipeline and connecting parts.

Lubricating oil filter inspection

Check whether the lubricating oil filter is clean and free from blockage.

Replace the lubricating oil filter as needed.

Fourth, check the ignition system

Spark plug inspection

Check whether there is carbon deposit on the spark plugs and whether the electrode gap is normal.

Replace the spark plugs as needed.

Ignition coil inspection

Check whether the ignition coil is damaged, short-circuited or open-circuited.

Make sure the ignition system is working properly.

Fifth, inspection of the cooling system

Coolant inspection

Check if the coolant level is normal and there is no leakage.

Ensure that the coolant is of good quality and has not deteriorated.

Radiator inspection

Check whether the radiator is clean and free of blockages.

Make sure the radiator is working properly and has a good heat dissipation effect.

Sixth, inspection of mechanical components

Inspection of key components

Check whether there is any wear, deformation or damage on key components such as the crankshaft, connecting rod, piston and valves.

Ensure that the engine operates normally inside, without any abnormal noise or vibration.

Fastener inspection

Check whether the fasteners on the engine are tight and not loose.

Ensure that the engine structure is intact and free of loose parts.

Seventh, other system checks

Intake and exhaust system inspection

Check whether the intake and exhaust ducts are unobstructed and free of foreign objects blocking them.

Ensure that the intake and exhaust systems are working properly and there is no leakage.

Electrical system inspection

Check whether the engine control computer, sensors and other electrical equipment are working properly.

Ensure that the electrical system is free of faults and the signal transmission is normal.

Eighth, pre-startup inspection

Preparations before startup

Confirm that all system checks have been completed and there are no abnormal phenomena.

Make sure there are no people or obstacles around the engine and get ready to start it.

Startup process inspection

During the startup process, pay attention to observing whether parameters such as engine speed, temperature and pressure are normal.

If any abnormal phenomenon is found, the start-up should be stopped immediately, and the fault should be inspected and eliminated.

Ninth, Recording and Monitoring

Maintenance record

Record the process and results of the pre-flight inspection, including the inspection items, problems found and handling measures, etc.

To provide reference and basis for subsequent maintenance work.

Performance monitoring

During the flight, continuously monitor the performance parameters of the engine to ensure its normal operation.

If any abnormal phenomenon is found, immediate measures should be taken to ensure flight safety.

Through the above key points of pre-flight inspection, it can be ensured that the aviation piston engine is in good working condition before flight, reducing risks during flight and guaranteeing flight safety.