Before Takeoff

It's time to go through the right side (Before Takeoff) of the checklist used to start the engine.

The first thing I do is set the altimeter to the ATIS altimeter reading which is 3004. When I do this each time the altimeter reads 4995', the altitude of the airport. I then make sure the nose wheel is pointed straight ahead because I'll be turning up the engine to 1700 RPM and if the airplane moves I don't want it to move to the side. Next I scan the instruments to make sure everything is reading right and for the third and final time I check to insure the fuel is in the "ON" position. Just below the instrument panel I make sure the trim tabs are set for takeoff. Next I visually check that the flaps and ailerons are working correctly and smoothly. I can easily look outside the airplane to see the control surfaces are moving correctly although it is a little difficult to turn around to look at the rudder and horizontal stabilizer.

Back inside the airplane I gently push on each door to insure that they are closed securely. They have opened up on takeoff but it is no big deal as we're strapped in and will not fall out or anything. Once we're up and clear of the airport I can close the door. As when I started the engine I hold the brakes before turning up the engine to 1700 RPM. Because we are at a high altitude airport we need to lean out the engine before takeoff. This is done by pulling the mixture control back until it starts to miss and then giving it three turns in. The carb heat is checked by pulling the control and checking that the engine speed decreases. Next is the magneto check. In normal operation the ignition switch is set to "BOTH". When switched to "Left" or "Right" the speed of the engine should reduce by about 75 RPM. Another check of the instruments is appropriate here including the ammeter and suction gauge. While the suction is up its time to align the gyro to match the compass.

Once all this is done it's time to reduce the engine speed to 1000 RPM and move the airplane up to the hold short line so that when the tower gives us permission to occupy the runway we can proceed there directly.