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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 should implement a thorough post-flight routine, similar to pre-flight inspections, to protect the aircraft and proactively identify potential issues.
  • Utilize or create a comprehensive shutdown checklist, as standard ones are often limited, to ensure critical items like master switches and control locks are properly secured.
  • Wiping down the airplane post-flight not only preserves paint but also serves as an opportunity to visually inspect for cracks, leaks, or damage.
  • Always ensure the aircraft is properly secured with tiedowns or in a safe parking area after a flight.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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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