There are two very good ways of knowing whether you are doing the right pre-flight. The owner's manual of the aircraft you are flying, and experience. Obviously if you don't have the experience (flying a new type for instance) the only option which is left is using the owner's manual.
These books are incredibly valuable, a lot of time and care goes into writing them, and have been shocked over the last couple of years to see how few people use them.
An extract from my Safari Manual:
Obviously, if you look at item i.) under the "Wing" section, you can only inspect all those things if the nose-cone is temporarily removed. Secure it again after checking.
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION
The pre-flight visual inspection must be done before each and every flight. Being unconventional in many respects, your Aerotrike will attract a lot of attention. Such spectators as well as other pilots like to look, feel and touch your aircraft, usually when you are not around. During your pre-flight inspection, you need to inspect your Aerotrike to make sure nothing is out of place and no-one has tampered with your aircraft.
To conduct the pre-flight inspection in a manner that ensures that nothing is left out, several things of importance need to be adhered to. It is necessary to break down the components of the pre-flight inspection into the smallest logical units. Get into the habit of following a fixed route, leaving no component unchecked. You should touch and feel each part that you can with your hands.
Undercarriage nose and front wheel
a. Check the tyre for wear, cuts and proper inflation.
b. Check foot throttle and foot brake assemblies for freedom of movement and cable wear.
c. Apply full throttle and check that the carbs close completely by listening for the carb slides closing in the carbs.
d. Check axle nut security.
e. Check security of mudguard.
f. Check operation of shock absorbers.
g. Check proper installation of pip-pin and safety washer at the base of the forward upright.
h. Check the operation of the brake.
i. Check that the bowsprit is secure.
j. Check the entire front end for security.
Seat
a. Check the forward and rear seatbelts for security and proper operation.
b. Check all seat attachment straps for security, wear and proper placement.
c. Check hand throttle for throttle friction and cable wear, as well as for smooth operation.
d. Check the choke lever for smooth operation and cable wear.
e. Switch both ignition switches on and off and check for loose wires.
Left side
a. Check wheel retaining bolt for security.
b. Check tyre for proper inflation and wear.
c. Check the tension struts, the rear shocks and all attachments.
d. Check the main axle tube.
Engine
a. Check the engine mount bolts and rubbers for security.
b. Check engine mount cradle as well as bolts and rubber mounts.
c. Check complete fuel system from the tank through the filter to the carburettor. Check all the fuel lines for wear, tear and security. Also check the contents of the fuel tank for contamination. Drain some fuel and check for water or dirt.
d. Check the complete electrical system. Check for any loose connections, worn wires and loose plug caps and loose spark plugs. Check that the battery is secure.
e. Systematically check and feel all bolts and nuts on the engine for security.
f. Check propellor for general condition, including nicks in the leading edge and damage to the tips. Check the six propellor bolts and nuts.
g. Check the complete exhaust system. Check the attachment bolts, rubber mounts, attachment springs and exhaust gaskets for leaks. Ensure the exhaust springs have safety wire attached.
h. Check the engine support struts.
i. Inspect the top of the rear shocks and the condition of the top shock channel bracket.
Right side
Repeat the steps carried out in the section covering the left side.
Pylon
a. Check the general condition of the pylon for cracks and elongation of holes.
b. Check the condition of the safety cable running inside the pylon by placing your finger inside the bottom end of the pylon.
c. Check the front support attachment pushpin.
d. For a La-Mouette (Cosmos) wing, check the correct attachment of the steel hangplates to the nylon block on the wing keel tube.
e. For a Spirit wing check that the pylon top hangbloch is not loose in the pylon and that the main hangbolt hole is not elongated.
f. Check that the safety cable between the pylon and the keel goes around the wing keel twice and is in front of the wing hangblock. It must pass underneath the crossbar tensioning cables.
g. Check that both wing nuts are secured by their respective safety pins.
Wing
a. Start by standing a few meters behind the aircraft and having a general look at the shape of the wing. The left and right sides of the wing must look identical in shape and size.
b. Check the washout battens are securely in their respective holes in the leading edges.
c. Check the material on the wingtips and that the wingtips are secured correctly.
d. Check all the top battens have the tensioning strings properly attached.
e. Check all the underside battens are correctly tucked away in the batten pockets.
f. Open the zips at the flying wire / leading edge attach point and inspect the brackets, tubes, cables, nuts and bolts.
g. Check the cables, nuts, bolts, pip pin, and joint brackets of the lower corners of the trapeze.
h. Check that the control bar and downtubes of the trapeze are perfectly straight.
i. Check the nose of the wing - ensure the nose batten is in place, the bolts, nuts, brackets, cables, cable securing pin, safety clips and nose cone are secure.
j. Check the rear of the wing keel - ensure the wing tensioning cable is correctly attached, nuts, bolts and brackets are secure.
k. Check the kingpost is correctly fitted and that the cables and luff lines are secure.
l. Check the hang point, safety cable and trapeze top joint are secure.
m. Inspect the spreader bar centre joint inside the wing - make sure the nuts, bolts, cables, brackets and protection pad are all secure. The protection pad straps must be fitted underneath the wing keel.
n. Finally ensure the velcro is correctly closed and the sail has no cuts or damage to it.
