The first step in preflighting the aircraft is to take a good look at it.  As you walk toward the plane make sure there are no leaks, make sure it’s not listing awkwardly to one side.  Take a general glance from a distance and make sure everything looks normal. 
 

	The actual inspection begins in the cockpit.  Here is a good way to remember what to check:                    CAT - PERT - LAAS - BOC
The order of the cockpit preflight moves  from left to right around the instruments.	Note: First unlock the controls and push down the O2 T-handle so the instructor can check his mask.  CANOPY/WINDSCREEN-check the controls, canopy stop screws in place, security of the seals and cleanliness of the windscreen and canopy   FIRST AID KIT-check secured and current  (yea right)   FREE AIR TEMPERATURE GAUGE-check security   PARACHUTE-check condition and lanyard connected, on the back of the pack make sure the pin is through the eye and past the grommet and is safety threaded   ELT-check antenna cable attached   RESTRAINT HARNESS-check condition (loosen the straps to make getting in easier)   TRIM TABS- set to zero   LANDING GEAR HANDLE-check down   ACCELEROMETER-check within limits (+4.5, -2.3) (both cockpits)   ALTERNATE STATIC AIR SOURCE-normal   STARTER, AUTO-IGNITION, and ALL APPLICABLE ELECTRICAL SWITCHES   (a/c, NACWS, avionics master switch) -check off in both cockpits   BATTERY-on, check voltage, fuel quantity, and gear position indicators, off  (If voltage is less than 22 volts, plan for GPU-assisted start; if less than 18 volts, battery must be replaced)   OXYGEN SYSTEM- test    oxygen supply control-push on, clip in place  supply pressure gauge-check (1000-1850 psi)  regulator panel levers-on, safety wire check, 100% oxygen, and normal  O2 mask-connect  connections-check for leaks (check test mask and emergency positions while holding mask directly away from your face)  flow indicator-check (during inhale, blinker appears and exhale blinker disappears, repeat a minimum of three times)   CONTROLS- unlock, lock stowed (lock in two places-latch & cloth strap)
	SOLO FLIGHT-secure the aft cockpit as follows    -restraint harness, parachute, and oxygen equipment-secured    -cockpit lights-off    -switches-battery on, inverter 2 on, all others off    -inspect for and secure loose equipment  WARNING-failure to secure the aft cockpit for solo flight may result in the restriction of flight control movement    -aft canopy-close/lock

 

 
 COCKPIT GOUGE

• -front cockpit-left of the rudder pedal are the two inverters, to the right is the generator control panel.  Below the floor panels, directly below the seat are the gear and flap motors, and below your feet is where the fuel sump and electric fuel pump are located.
• -Inverters supply 26 and 115 volt AC power
• -GCP regulates generator output voltage 27.0-29.5, reverse current protection (output below 25 VDC), overvoltage protection (excess of 34 VDC)
• -rear cockpit-right of the rudder pedal is the AOA electronic control box (white box) & just aft of the left console, (black box) is the vertical gyro
• -AOA electronic control unit-amplifies the AOA probe signal to the AOA indicator pointer and indexer
• -Vertical gyro-(115 VAC) sends pitch and roll signals to attitude indicators on both instrument panels
• To properly lock the controls:
• Adjust rudder pedals forward (toward the prop) to the stops by turning the crank clockwise
• Adjust pedals slightly aft (4-5 turns counterclockwise)
• Ensure rudder pedals are centered (neutral)
• Place control stick over pin on control stick
• Adjust pedals full forward against the stops