Post flight

For a start the paperwork needs to be closed off. The flight and engine running times need to be recorded and the maintenance release written up. Are there any snags to be noted and someone advised? Before departing the cockpit the beacon switch should be checked to ensure that it is on. The controls need to be secured and the security lock installed. A throttle lock is the easiest one to install and a better choice than a prop chain or a wheel lock – did I ever tell you about the guy who took off with a nosewheel lock in place? Are there cowl bungs to install and a pitot cover to put in place? Was the machine refuelled before being secured? Having the tanks topped up on arrival will save time before the next flight.

Then comes the removal of the bags, the doors locked and the cockpit cover installed. Double check. Has anything important been left in the cabin? The tie downs need to be secured to the aircraft be they from permanent fixtures in the tarmac or stakes that need to be hammered into the ground. Each year unsecured aircraft are damaged and turned over by high winds as a result of not being tied down. Recently I saw a photo of a Warrior at my home airport that ended up upside down draped against a building as a result of not being tied down.

On the subject of securing an aircraft, be careful of parking next to an aircraft, particularly a high wing type, that is not tied down. In high winds it is not impossible for that aircraft to come in contact with your tied down aircraft through no fault of yours. In a situation like this it might be best to simply move to a better location or park next to properly secured aircraft.

When I leave an aircraft I use the ‘High Five’ technique. I raise a hand and count off my fingers to say have I checked the tie downs are on, the pitot cover is in place, that the security lock and gust lock have been installed and that the tail beacon is not running. If the beacon is on the master switch is still on. The High Five is a simple check but it works.

Pre-trip Planning Can Pay Dividends

Next comes vacating the airport. The security gate is guaranteed to be different to the one at your home base as no two seem to be the same. Some have an access code in plain sight, some have you put a code in place to use on your return. Some are a simple walk through but having to call someone to get back to your aircraft. Some will have lots of warning signs but no phone number to call to get back to airside. A wise pilot will make a written note of any gate access code.

Getting a taxi to a hotel or motel can be an exercise in itself. Often the taxi number will be near the exit gate. It can be a wise pilot who has already noted the taxi call number when doing pre-flight planning. And be advised that in some country towns the taxi service stops when it gets dark.

Accommodation can often be obtained by simply asking the cab driver to take you to a motel. In my experience they want to take you on the long drive to the one on the other side of town or else have a place where they know someone. This is where having pre-booked accommodation or else having knowledge of a place that you want to be taken to can be an asset. Once again that pre-trip planning can be invaluable.

In all flights involving overnight stops a bit of planning goes a long way.

Refuelling. Do you have the right carnet or credit card? Best to get fuel on arrival rather than just before a departure. The ERSA book provides a wealth of information and contact numbers. In a remote area it can be wise to check that fuel will be available when you land there. In WA for example avgas might not be available at all locations.

OK, so you have checked in to your accommodation. Now is the time to go and find a meal. Right? Wrong! A better move might be to put your phone and tablet device on charge and get them ready for the next day. That is after you have cancelled your SARtime.

Trip planning regardless of whether it is for business or pleasure can be time consuming, but if done in a logical manner can be both a bit of fun and make the flight run more smoothly.

As always when flying, think ahead, check ahead and plan ahead.

Contact Dave by email: flyer02@optusnet. com. au

A bit of planning goes a long way.