Preparing For Flight and Taxi For Take Off

Before an aircraft makes a flight the pilot is responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is fit for flight, and that the flight is possible with regard to weather conditions. Part of this is done by obtaining weather reports for the route and destination.  An alternative airport  should be chosen, (this is in case the original airport goes down through weather or  an emergency incident.)

It is important to know the fuel burn of your aircraft so that  enough fuel can be loaded. On reaching the aircraft a good all round observation with a checklist is required. This is to ensure that there are no obstructions around the aircraft . The internal checklist will then be performed. During your course we will refer you to checklists. Even the most senior airline pilot uses a checklist . It is too easy to forget something when distracted. Many engine failures on take off have resulted in pilots selecting  the wrong fuel tank etc. Every Item must be followed and checked and not taken for granted and just read through.

Before an aircraft moves on an airfield

 If Air Traffic Control exists, permission must be requested from Air Traffic Control. At airfields that do not have Air Traffic Control the pilot has to comply with a few basic rules. These are :-

Aircraft Taking Off and Landing Have Right of Way

Give Way to Gliders and Airships and Balloons

If you approach a T junction on a taxiway and an aircraft was passing from right to left in front of you, this aircraft  has right of way. You should stop or pass behind it. If you were following an aircraft and wanted to overtake it then you should pass on its left hand side so the pilot could see you. (Note this is different in the air.) If you were moving from grass to paved surface, do so at a 45 degree angle not ninety degrees (this may save damage to the undercarriage and propeller if the aircraft pitched forward.)

On starting to taxi ,test your brakes as soon as you move off . If you have a brake failure run the aircraft onto the grass to increase friction . Obviously if it was wet grass it would not have the same friction and might make matters worse.

Normally the circuit at an airfield is left hand. If a green flag was flying from the mast by the tower it would indicate the circuit is right hand. In the signals area by the tower arrows will be laid out facing up for pilots to see from the air informing them of this . You should never taxi faster than 20 knots and never enter or cross an active runway, without looking or obtaining Air Traffic Control instructions. 

When arrived at the holding point do your holding point departure check list Items. Make sure the Altimeter is set  and the  Direction indicator is set to the compass.

This concludes the preparations stage and gives you some idea of Air Law requirements for a Light Aircraft. More Items on Air Law and Altimeter setting are contained on the main index page.