CESSNA
MODEL 172R

SECTION 4
NORMAL PROCEDURES

2.

Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and general condition (weather checks, tread depth and wear, etc...).

3.

Fuel Tank Sump Quick Drain Valves -- DRAIN at lease a cupful of fuel (using sampler cup) from each sump location to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade before each flight and after each refueling. If water is observed, take further samples until clear and then gently rock wings and lower tail to the ground to move any additional contaminants to the sampling points. Take repeated samples from all fuel drain points until all contamination has been removed. If contaminants are still present, refer to WARNING below and do not fly airplane.

IF, AFTER REPEATED SAMPLING, EVIDENCE OF CONTAMINATION STILL EXITS, THE AIRPLANE SHOULD NOT BE FLOWN. TANKS SHOULD BE DRAINED AND SYSTEM PURGED BY QUALIFIED MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. ALL EVIDENCE OF CONTAMINATION MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT.

 4.

Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLY for desired level.

5.

Fuel Filler Cap -- SECURE and VENT UNOBSTRUCTED.

5.

NOSE

1.

Fuel Strainer Quick Drain Valve (Located on bottom of fuselage) -- DRAIN at least a cupful of fuel (using sampler cup) from valve to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade before each flight and after each refueling. If water is observed, take further samples until clear and then gently rock wings and lower tail to the ground to move any additional contaminants to the sampling points. Take repeated samples from all fuel drain points, including the fuel reservoir and fuel selector, until all contamination has been removed. If contaminants are still present, refer to WARNING above and do not fly the airplane.

2.

Engine Oil Dipstick/Filler Cap -- CHECK oil level, then check dipstick/filler cap SECURE. Do not operate with less than five quarts. Fill to eight quarts for extended flight.

3.

Engine Cooling Air Inlets -- CLEAR of obstructions.

4.

Propeller and Spinner -- CHECK for nicks and security.

5.

Air Filter -- CHECK for restrictions by dust or other foreign matter.

6.

Nose Wheel Strut and Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation of strut and general condition (weather checks, tread depth and wear, etc...) of tire.

7.

Left Static Source Opening -- CHECK for stoppage.

6.

LEFT WING

1.

Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLY for desired level.

2.

Fuel Filler Cap --SECURE and VENT UNOBSTRUCTED.

3.

Fuel Tank Sump Quick Drain Valves -- DRAIN at least a cupful of fuel (using sampler cup) from each sump location to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade before each flight and after each refueling. If water is observed, take further samples until clear and then gently rock wings and lower tail to the ground to move any additional contaminants to the sampling points. Take repeated samples from all fuel drain points until all contamination has been removed. If contaminants are still present, refer to WARNING on page 4-9 and do not fly airplane.

4.

Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and general condition (weather checks, tread depth, and wear, etc...).

NOTE

When the fuel tanks are 1/4 full or less, prolonged uncoordinated flight such as slips or skids can uncover the fuel tank outlets. Therefore, if operating with one fuel tank dry or if operating on LEFT or RIGHT tank when 1/4 full or less, do not allow the airplane to remain in uncoordinated flight for periods in excess of 30 seconds.

FUEL DRAIN VALVES

The fuel system is equipped with drain valves to provide a means for the examination of fuel in the system for contamination and grade. The system should be examined before each flight and after each refueling, by using the sampler cup provided to drain fuel from each wing tank sump and the fuel strainer sump. If any evidence of fuel contamination is found, it must be eliminated in accordance with the Preflight Inspection checklist and the discussion in Section 8 of this publication. If takeoff weight limitations for the next flight permit, the fuel tanks should be filled after each flight to prevent condensation.

FUEL CONTAMINATION

Fuel contamination is usually the result of foreign material present in the fuel system, and may consist of water, rust, sand, dirt, microbes or bacterial growth. In addition, additives that are not compatible with fuel or fuel system components can cause the fuel to become contaminated.

Before each flight and after each refueling, use a clear sampler cup and drain at least a cupful of fuel from each fuel tank drain location and from the fuel strainer quick drain valve to determine if contaminants are present, and to ensure the airplane has been fueled with the proper grade of fuel.

If contamination is detected, drain all fuel drain points including the fuel reservoir and fuel selector quick drain valves and then gently rock the wings and lower the tail to the ground to move any additional contaminants to the sampling points. Take repeated samples from all fuel drain points until all contamination has been removed. If, after repeated sampling, evidence of contamination still exists, the airplane should not be flown. Tanks should be drained and system purged by qualified maintenance personnel. All evidence of contamination must be removed before further flight. If the airplane has been serviced with the improper fuel grade, defuel completely and refuel with the correct grade. Do not fly the airplane with contaminated or unapproved fuel.

In addition, Owners/Operators who are not acquainted with a particular fixed base operator should be assured that the fuel supply has been checked for contamination and is properly filtered before allowing the airplane to be serviced. Fuel tanks should be kept full between flights, provided weight and balance considerations will permit, to reduce the possibility of water condensing on the walls of partially filled tanks.

To further reduce the possibility of contaminated fuel, routine maintenance of the fuel system should be performed in accordance with the airplane Maintenance Manual. Only the proper fuel, as recommended in this handbook, should be used, and fuel additives should not be used unless approved by Cessna and the Federal Aviation Administration.