Thu Apr 10, 2008 11:42 pm
Paramotor inspection checklist & preflight check.
The BMAA issue the following list.
(YOU SHOULD ALSO USE THE LIST IN MANUAL THAT COMES WITH YOUR MOTOR)
Use this check list to go over your whole paramotor to make sure it's in top condition.
Prop
• Prop mounted correct way round
• Prop “waggle” sideways to axis
• Twist tips to discover splits or cracks
• Check for any visual signs of damage
• Clearance to frame check
• Check bolt tightness (not too tight)
• Check tips relative to frame for symmetry
Reduction system/gear box
1) Gear box
• Check breather
• Excess noise when running
• Move prop shaft to check bearing play and mounting bolts
• Check for oil leaks around seals
2) Belt drives
• Check belt tension and condition
• Check for residue (belt debris)
• Pulleys in line and belt running true
• Pulley and bearing play
Exhaust system
• Exhaust “waggle” for excessive play (frame contact)
• Exhaust outlet direction (safe)
• Cracks and corrosion (especially nr engine)
• Mounting bolts and anti vibration rubbers condition
• Free movement of joints (graphite lubrication)
• Safety lock wires on
• Clear of fuel and electrical components
• No obvious exhaust gas leaks
Fuel system
• Fuel mixture
• Fuel tank secure, straps & bolts
• Fuel tank condition – bottom
• Caps and seals – thread conditions – all tightly closed
• Fuel tank breather system open and functioning
• Check spark plug colour
• Fuel lines – condition, routing & security
• Fuel Line condition – suppleness & friction marks
• Fuel filters – fittings & clean (no water content)
• Air filter – in place, clean and security wire attached
• Carb secure, check for induction leaks, return spring, choke lever, cable condition and primer bulb system
• Throttle cable, routing, secure ends, good condition & free movement
• Cruise control off
Electrical system
• Kill switch – wiring & operation
• Ignition/main switch (electric start isolation switch)
• Battery secure and charged
• Battery terminals for corrosion & security
• Earth leads secure & in good condition
• HT lead and coil connections
• Plug cap secure
• Spark plug tight (not too tight)
Starter mechanism
1. Manual
• Pull cord condition & routing
• Return spring and ratchet working
• Length of cord
• Pulley system condition & security
2. Electrical
• Condition of starter ring and starter motor secure
• Bendix return spring working
• Greased
• Electrical connections secure (no chaffing)
Engine
• Alignment
• Mountings condition & fastenings
• Leaks – cylinder head & base, main bearing
• Castings for cracks
• Cooling cowlings condition & security
• Clean engine
Frame
• Straightness & geometry
• Frame “waggle” listen for clicks (welding cracks)
• Inspect welded joints
• Netting tension & security
• Specially around the engine mounts
• All fastenings
• Frame segments fitting correctly
• Hang points and attachments
Harness
• General condition of webbing & stitching
• Buckles clean and working correctly
• Symmetry in general fitting
• Mountings
• Mallions tight and locked off
• Adjustment mechanisms
• Karabiner width approx 42cm
• Speed bar/stirrup mechanism inc. stowing
• Pockets secure
• Reserve mounted correctly, reserve handles release ok
• D Shackles, check bolts for wear
Wing to Paramotor
• Karabiners clean in good condition, locking system working, back up system (if fitted) and gates facing inwards
• Speed system fitted correctly for pilot & wing
• Pulleys running free
• Lines and attachments in good condition
• Karabiners to harness/webbing wear (no metal to metal contact)
Special notes
• Always keep it clean – helps find problems before they evolve
• Fix it now – don’t leave it for later
• Use torque wrench where possible to ensure correct tightness of fittings
• Special care over reserve deployment handles & bridle routing
• Never mix mineral with synthetic oils
• Try not to keep mixed fuels for long periods of time
• Follow all safety notices and recommendations
• “waggle” it regularly
• Once again keep it clean & fly safely
Basic pre flight checks
Pilot
1) Fitness and state of mind
2) Pockets sealed – empty
3) Loose items
4) Footware
5) Helmet
Wing
1) Opening up
2) Checking
3) Controls
Motor
1) Standard check list
2) Starting safety checks
3) Warm engine
Finally
1) Helmet – chin strap & fit
2) Harness – Buckles – Loops length
3) Wing to motor – karabiners
4) Pilot – Loose objects – no scarfs
5) Visual checks – activity, wind
(YOU SHOULD ALSO USE THE LIST IN MANUAL THAT COMES WITH YOUR MOTOR)
Use this check list to go over your whole paramotor to make sure it's in top condition.
Prop
• Prop mounted correct way round
• Prop “waggle” sideways to axis
• Twist tips to discover splits or cracks
• Check for any visual signs of damage
• Clearance to frame check
• Check bolt tightness (not too tight)
• Check tips relative to frame for symmetry
Reduction system/gear box
1) Gear box
• Check breather
• Excess noise when running
• Move prop shaft to check bearing play and mounting bolts
• Check for oil leaks around seals
2) Belt drives
• Check belt tension and condition
• Check for residue (belt debris)
• Pulleys in line and belt running true
• Pulley and bearing play
Exhaust system
• Exhaust “waggle” for excessive play (frame contact)
• Exhaust outlet direction (safe)
• Cracks and corrosion (especially nr engine)
• Mounting bolts and anti vibration rubbers condition
• Free movement of joints (graphite lubrication)
• Safety lock wires on
• Clear of fuel and electrical components
• No obvious exhaust gas leaks
Fuel system
• Fuel mixture
• Fuel tank secure, straps & bolts
• Fuel tank condition – bottom
• Caps and seals – thread conditions – all tightly closed
• Fuel tank breather system open and functioning
• Check spark plug colour
• Fuel lines – condition, routing & security
• Fuel Line condition – suppleness & friction marks
• Fuel filters – fittings & clean (no water content)
• Air filter – in place, clean and security wire attached
• Carb secure, check for induction leaks, return spring, choke lever, cable condition and primer bulb system
• Throttle cable, routing, secure ends, good condition & free movement
• Cruise control off
Electrical system
• Kill switch – wiring & operation
• Ignition/main switch (electric start isolation switch)
• Battery secure and charged
• Battery terminals for corrosion & security
• Earth leads secure & in good condition
• HT lead and coil connections
• Plug cap secure
• Spark plug tight (not too tight)
Starter mechanism
1. Manual
• Pull cord condition & routing
• Return spring and ratchet working
• Length of cord
• Pulley system condition & security
2. Electrical
• Condition of starter ring and starter motor secure
• Bendix return spring working
• Greased
• Electrical connections secure (no chaffing)
Engine
• Alignment
• Mountings condition & fastenings
• Leaks – cylinder head & base, main bearing
• Castings for cracks
• Cooling cowlings condition & security
• Clean engine
Frame
• Straightness & geometry
• Frame “waggle” listen for clicks (welding cracks)
• Inspect welded joints
• Netting tension & security
• Specially around the engine mounts
• All fastenings
• Frame segments fitting correctly
• Hang points and attachments
Harness
• General condition of webbing & stitching
• Buckles clean and working correctly
• Symmetry in general fitting
• Mountings
• Mallions tight and locked off
• Adjustment mechanisms
• Karabiner width approx 42cm
• Speed bar/stirrup mechanism inc. stowing
• Pockets secure
• Reserve mounted correctly, reserve handles release ok
• D Shackles, check bolts for wear
Wing to Paramotor
• Karabiners clean in good condition, locking system working, back up system (if fitted) and gates facing inwards
• Speed system fitted correctly for pilot & wing
• Pulleys running free
• Lines and attachments in good condition
• Karabiners to harness/webbing wear (no metal to metal contact)
Special notes
• Always keep it clean – helps find problems before they evolve
• Fix it now – don’t leave it for later
• Use torque wrench where possible to ensure correct tightness of fittings
• Special care over reserve deployment handles & bridle routing
• Never mix mineral with synthetic oils
• Try not to keep mixed fuels for long periods of time
• Follow all safety notices and recommendations
• “waggle” it regularly
• Once again keep it clean & fly safely
Basic pre flight checks
Pilot
1) Fitness and state of mind
2) Pockets sealed – empty
3) Loose items
4) Footware
5) Helmet
Wing
1) Opening up
2) Checking
3) Controls
Motor
1) Standard check list
2) Starting safety checks
3) Warm engine
Finally
1) Helmet – chin strap & fit
2) Harness – Buckles – Loops length
3) Wing to motor – karabiners
4) Pilot – Loose objects – no scarfs
5) Visual checks – activity, wind
