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