WALK AROUND

The walk-around is a standard inspection procedure that all good pilots follow before taking off in their airplanes - from a small ultra light to a jetliner. It consists of a regular walk around the airplane before takeoff, during which you check for any flaws or faults in your aircraft.
The usual procedure is to start inside the cockpit, and walk counter-clockwise around the aircraft, checking all windows, latches, protrusions, control surfaces, and generally checking the condition of the plane itself.

These checks will include such things as checking the overall aircraft structure, checking that the air vents and pitot tube are free from obstruction, checking the tires for signs of wear and tyre - creep, checking the propeller for any sign of damage or wear, checking the linkages on all moveable surfaces for signs of wear or breakage, and checking the levels of engine oil and fuel.
If the pilot is satisfied that he/she is ready for flight and that the aircraft is serviceable and prepared then there additional checks to be carried out depending upon the type of flight to be undertaken. For example, does the aircraft contain the necessary emergency equipment needed for flights over remote areas or over water?

STRUCTURE : THE PASSIVE VOICE - By Cybele Gallo

We use the PASSIVE VOICE when we are interested in what happens, not who it happens to.


EXAMPLE : The brakes are operated by the pedals .

Activity 1 : Join the sentences in column 1-13 with the ones in column a-m .

1.We need to replace the tyres

2.The foward part of the fuselage

3.The new Boeing

4.Antennas

5.This plane must be grounded

6.A tow bar

7.The walk around

8.The plane

9.The elevator

10.The ailerons and elevators

11.The ATIS

12.Flammable materials

13.The throttle lever

a. was hit by a flock of birds

b.are prohibited on board

c.is cracked

d.are usually attached to the fuselage

e. is made of composite material

f.is usually carried out by the co -pilot

g.is used for pulling the plane

h.they are worn

i.is broadcasted in English and in Portuguese

j.is pushed foward to give maximun engine power

k.is hinged to the trailing edge

l.was damaged by a catering truck

m.are operated using the control column

answers: 1-h/2-L/3-e/4-d/5-c/6-g/7-f/8-a/9-k/10-m/11-I/12-b/13-j)

Activity 2 : The sentences below refer to some parts of the Cessna 172 that must be checked during the walk around. Complete them with a suitable verb in the Passive Voice. Use only VERBS.

After completing the sentences, follow the link below to watch the CESSNA 172 walk around video and check your answers :

http://www.videotv.ie/Aviation/afcC172WalkAround.php

During the walk around the pilot must check if:

a.the navigation lights are_______________________ .
b.the pilot tubes are ___________________________.
c.the hinges are not ______________________ or ____________________ .
d.all electrical equipment is _______________________________________ .
e.the baggage door is _____________________________ and __________ .
f.the tyres are _____________________________________________ .
g.the wing surfaces are ______________________________________.
h.elevator trim tab is ________________________________________.

answers: lit/unblocked/cracked or damaged/turned off/closed and locked/inflated/dented/deflected up and down