Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

Cessna Caravan Checklist

The Cessna Caravan is a single-engine turboprop airplane series that first came to market in 1982. It's used primarily as a cargo carrier and puddle-jumper passenger carrier; it seats as few as six passengers in executive form and as many as 13 in high-capacity form with one pilot (or 12 passengers with two pilots). The Cessna Caravan has 31 cubic feet of cargo room. It has a maximum speed of 214 miles per hour and cruises at an altitude of 25,000 feet. Before taking off and while flying, a Caravan's pilot should go through a checklist to make sure the plane is ready to fly.

Before Engine Start
- Before starting the engine, perform a weight and balance check and brief the passengers. Ensure that the cabin doors are latched, the parking brake is set and the switches are in the "Off" position. Check that the emergency power lever is at "Normal," the power lever is at "Idle," the propeller control lever is set to "Max" and the fuel condition lever is at "Cutoff."
Engine Start
- To start the engine, be sure the propeller area is clear and turn the fuel boost switch on. Check that the ignition "On" annunciator is on and the engine oil pressure gauge is functioning. Check all engine instruments.
Taxiing and Before Takeoff
- When taxiing, check the brakes and all flight instruments. Before taking off, check the flight controls, recheck the fuel tank selectors, the fuel quantity and the fuel shutoff, and check that the elevator, aileron and rudder trim are set for takeoff. Check that the power lever is still in "Idle."
Takeoff
- Check that the wing flaps are in position for takeoff. Check the power and annunciators. After takeoff, check that the wing flaps are retracted before reaching 90 KIAS (90 knots indicated airspeed).
Climb and Cruise
- While climbing, check heat and ice protection, if needed. Check the propeller rotation and verify that it is between 1,600 and 1,900 rpm. While cruising, continue to monitor ice protection and heat if needed and check the propeller rotation.
Descent and Before Landing
- During a descent, monitor the ice protection and heat if needed and check the altimeter and GPS/NAV switch. Before landing, check all fuel tank selectors and that the fuel condition switch is in "High Idle."
Landing and Shutdown
- Check airspeed and flap position while landing. After landing, check that flaps are up and that ice protection and strobe lights are off. When shutting down the engine, check that the brakes are set, the fuel boost switch is off and the power level is idle. Check that avionics, light and battery switches are off and that the fuel tank selectors are off.

Aviation