Annual Inspection Checklists

[barnstmr]

There was another thread trying to get a discussion going about annual inspection checklist.

I have always found the Checklist in the Taylorcraft service manual to be quite adequate for the airframe inspection. See attached.

[M Towsley]

Re: Annual Inspection Checklists

I used this one but modified for my particular aircraft. My plugs are different, air cleaners aren't soaked in kerosene and re-oiled, (at least mine isn't), prop bolt torque isn't the same. I added compression results, etc., to keep for my records. I then added any AD and Special Airworthiness info at the bottom of the checklist.

It doesn't take that long to customize this checklist for your particular plane. I added a small line to the left of the info that can be check-marked off as it is done.

[barnstmr]

Re: Annual Inspection Checklists

Marty,
I almost added to my initial comments that this checklist is quite adequate, "WHEN USED WITH COMMON SENSE AND DISCRETIONARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE KNOW-HOW".

Let's all face it... a checklist is only as good as the technician who's doing the work. Nobody should expect a checklist to cover a novice do-it-yourselfer from what he does not know. We should all be using a practical and qualified A&P-IA for the final say. These kinds of checklists are merely a guide. Perhaps all of the details like torque values and control surface travels should be left out, which forces us to go find the correct numbers from approved sources like the TCDS and applicable manuals.

[M Towsley]

Re: Annual Inspection Checklists

Hi Terry,

I did a lot of research, and added items as I went along when I realized the 'original' checklist was lacking in certain respects. I guess nowadays you do have to add that COMMON SENSE AND DISCRETIONARY info, sadly. Thanks for posting the original checklist as I was trying to find it for Skip.

[skip]

Re: Annual Inspection Checklists

Terry and Marty,

Thanks for posting the original (Terry) from the service manual and thanks Marty for your modifications. I think that we have all started from the original list in the service manual, and Terry's is about the best copy I have seen. My scan and OCR copy took some editing and proofing to be right. I also really like some of Marty's things like the table of compressions and the Common AD list at the end. I have gotten enough feedback and comments to be about ready to post a version 2. I hope to get more comments and keep the check list maturing. At my current level, I really like a cheat sheet to remind me for example to torque the spark plugs to 25 ft-lbs (or was it 30? or maybe 20? Dang! a real mechanic would just know that!) So I intend to keep trying to get the check list up to date and as complete as possible.

At the same time, I really want to thank you, Terry, for your comments. There is a real danger that someone will see a check list on some random internet forum and decide that they don't need that snooty IA any more or something else stupid. Your point that a check list doesn't make a competent and experienced A&P and IA is worth remembering and repeating. I still think that for someone like me who wants to understand my aircraft, spot trouble at the earliest possible moment, and be able to properly work with my very good A&P and IA, that this check list is valuable and I want to keep working on it a bit. But I really appreciate your point that having a check list won't make me an expert. Please keep looking over my shoulder and reminding me as needed.

[barnstmr]

Re: Annual Inspection Checklists

Skip
Glad this is useful to you. Your kind words are appreciated. Maybe I should add that my idea about one going to the approved/applicable manual comes from the world I live in. I deal with Taylorcraft modifiers and am accustomed to seeing various engines, props, some with electrical systems, some not, different exhausts, and so on. So I guess part of my concern is that one checklist cannot possibly fit all.

Having said that, I am a big fan of Marty's and your approach to building yourself a custom list for your own airplane. It is great when owners desire to become that intimate with knowing their airplane. I also have a special "custom" checklist for mine. But I choose not to publish it because the next guy could have enough differences in his airplane to get into trouble if using my "numbers". I would rather not be in that position. I therefore encourage others to use the factory sources along with approved/published manuals from STC holders, etc.

Liability is a real concern these days, unfortunately.