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Post-Flight Procedures

Take as much time looking over your airplane after you fly as you do during the preflight. Flying
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots often overlook post-flight procedures, but taking dedicated actions after landing is crucial for protecting the aircraft and identifying potential issues early.
  • It is recommended to use or create a comprehensive shutdown checklist, extending beyond basic power-off steps, to ensure all critical items are addressed.
  • Key post-flight tasks include installing control locks and covers, properly securing the aircraft, and wiping down surfaces, which helps prevent damage and can reveal maintenance needs.
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We all know the importance of a preflight inspection to make sure the airplane is structurally sound and has enough fuel and oil to get you to your destination. After the flight is over, however, most pilots simply park the airplane without paying a whole lot of attention other than to tie the airplane down or push it into the hangar space. But there are things you can do after you fly to protect the airplane and to reduce the chance of finding any issues during your next preflight.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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