Auster J1 Autocrat checklist

- EXTERNAL
- Carry out external inspection of airframe
- Carry out external inspection of engine, checking the oil level
- INTERNAL
- Brakes on
- Petrol on
- Throttle closed
- Magneto switches off
- Check instruments for serviceability
- STARTING
- Petrol on
- Prime as necessary, then ensure that the screw is fully closed
- Starter master switch to on
- Magneto switches on
- Throttle 1/2" open
- Ensure that it is safe to start the engine
- Control stick fully back
- Shout clear prop!
- Start the engine
- Starter master switch off
- WARMING UP
- Check oil pressure, if none is indicated within 30 seconds stop the engine
- Warm up at 1,000-1,200 rpm for at least three minutes if warm, ten minutes if cold
- Check magnetos for dead cut at idling rpm
- Taxi to the hold for the power checks
- N.B. At power settings less than 1,200 rpm for anything other than short periods, plug fouling can be expected
- PRE-TAKE OFF
- Full throttle check for 2-3 seconds. If oil pressure drops, then the engine oil is not warm enough and further warming is required
- Set 1,600 rpm and check magnetos for maximum 100 rpm drop
- Throttle back for the slow running check
- Frequently check oil pressure for minimum 30 psi
- Trim : Neutral
- Throttle Nut : Tight
- Fuel : Adequate for the flight, Ki-Gass screwed tight
- Flaps : First stage
- Oil Pressure : Normal
- Harnesses : Fastened and secure
- Hatches (doors) : Closed
- Control stick : Full and free movement
- TAKE OFF
- Line up on the runway
- Apply full power
- Correct the swing to the right with left rudder
- Raise the tail at 20 mph
- Take off at 40 mph
- Climb at 50 mph to 400 feet
- Increase speed to 60 mph and remove the flap
- Best climbing speed with no flap is 65 mph
- Full throttle climb should not be maintained for more than 5 minutes
- Use 2,300 rpm for continuous climbing
- CRUISE
- 2,100 rpm will give an economical 80 mph cruise
- DOWN WIND LEG
- Brakes : Off
- Fuel : Contents adequate
- Flaps : Up
- Harnesses : Fastened and secure
- Hatches (doors) : Closed
- BASE LEG
- Flaps : Second stage at 60 mph
- FINAL APPROACH
- Flaps : Third stage and reduce speed to 50 mph
- AFTER LANDING
- Throttle Nut : Loose
- Flaps : Up
- SHUT DOWN
- Throttle : 1,200 rpm
- Magnetos : Check (maximum 100 rpm drop)
- Throttle : Closed
- Magnetos : Off
- Throttle : Fully open until the engine stops, then closed
- Radio : Off
- Complete the technical log (take off time to landing time)
- MISSED APPROACH
- Full throttle and climb away
- Do not exceed 70 mph until the flaps have been fully raised
- Raise the flaps in stages to avoid sink