Procedures Piper PA-18
Procedures and Memory Items
PIPER PA-18 Floats and Wheels
These procedures must be able to be quickly recalled (as quickly as you know 2 + 2 = 4).
Pilots are also expected to have a working knowledge of the below limitations and operating parameters.
The below float plane procedures and memory items are a basic overview providing the “minimum expected knowledge” upon arrival and beginning of training.
PA-18 Procedures (Checklist) (Callouts) – Both are Required Memory Items
Red and Blue items must be committed to memory, as we do not use checklists while in the aircraft (due to the aircraft always being in motion on the water).
Red – Must be committed to memory and available for quick recall during operations (eg. 2+2=4).
Blue – Must be committed to memory and verbally “called out” while performing the action.
Before Leaving Dock or Beach
Where is the Wind?
What is the effect?
And Current?
Any Obstacles?
What is coming?
*PAX BRIEFING*
(See Amplified Procedures)
Aircraft Prep
Controls – Free and Correct
Instruments – Set
Fuel Caps and Oil – Secure
*Headsets and Life jackets
Trim – Set
Before Starting Aircraft (WFMMM)
W ater Rudders – DOWN
F uel – FULLEST TANK
M agnetos – ON
M ixture – RICH
M aster – ON
Starting
Cold Start – 3 SHOTS of primer
Hot Start – No Prime
Starter – Engage
Idle – Do not exceed 800 RPM
Clear of Dock/Beach (COMSHHH)
C arb Heat – ON
O il Pressure – CHECK
M ags – BOTH ONE
H eadset
H arness
H atch
*SEAT BELTS ON AFTER
LEAVING BEACH OR DOCK.*
Run Up (CHTs >200°, Into Wind) (CIGARS)
C ontrols – Free/Correct
I nstruments – Set
G as – Fullest Tank
A ttitude – Trim Set
R un Up – Complete
S eatbelts – ON
Throttle – 1800 RPM
Mag Check – 100 Max Drop, 50 Max Diff
Carburetor Heat – Check
Throttle – IDLE
Altimeter – SET (500’ at Trail
Lake)
Take-off & Step Taxi (FFCARS)
F uel – FULLEST TANK
F laps – SET
C arb Heat – OFF
A rea – CLEAR (Important!)
R (Water) Rudders – UP
S tick – BACK
Throttle – FULL
Getting on the Step
First Rise
Second Rise
Neutralize
Tuning for the Step
(If step taxiing, power 1900 rpm)
After Take Off
Positive Rate – FLAPS UP
Power – 2500 RPM
Air Speed – 75 MPH
Trim – SET
Cruise
Pitch – LEVEL
Power – 2400 RPM
Trim – SET
Before Landing
Carb Heat – ON
Water Rudders – UP
Fuel – FULLEST
Power – REDUCE
Flaps – (Below 80) ONE NOTCH
Lake – INSPECT
Landing
Touchdown
Shutdown (power to idle)
Let It Slide (Maintain pitch attitude)
Stick Back (As the nose comes up)
After Landing
Water Rudders – Down
Flaps – Up
Carb Heat – ON
Trim – SET
Land and Maintain the Step
Touchdown
Shutdown (power to idle)
Let It Slide (Maintain pitch attitude)
Power Up (About 1900 rpm)
Stabilize
Flaps Up
Engine Shutdown (Docking or Beaching)
Ammeter – CHECK CHARGE
Switches – OFF (Except Master)
Mixture – IDLE CUT OFF
After safe approach assured
Mags – OFF
Master – OFF
Emergencies
Engine Failure/Fire in Flight (PPP – FMMM)
SIMULTANEOUSLY
P itch – For 70 mph
P oint – To Landing Spot
P rocedure – Perform
———Procedure———-
F uel Switch – ON (Switch Tank)
M ixture – Mixture, Carb Heat, Primer
M ags – CHECK
M aster – ON
Engine Fire in Flight
Fuel Selector – OFF
Mixture – IDLE CUT OFF
Heater – OFF
Slip away from flames
Electrical Fire in Flight
Master – OFF
Ventilate the cabin
If smoke stops, and there are no flames, Land as soon as Practicable.
If smoke or flames continue, Land Immediately
Important Notes:
USE CARBURETOR HEAT ANYTIME INDICATION OF
CARBURETOR ICING OR VISIBLE MOISTURE EXISTS.
STICK BACK AT ALL
TIMES WHEN PROP IS
TURNING TO PREVENT
PROPELLER DAMAGE.
Additional Procedures:
Sailing
Water Rudders – UP
Stick – In direction you want to turn
Rudder – Opposite direction
PIPER PA-18
Airspeed Limits & Capacities
| Float Plane | Tail Wheel | |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuvering | 94 MPH | 96 MPH |
| Max Structural Cruise | 110 MPH | 121 MPH |
| Never Exceed Speed | 138 MPH | 153 MPH |
| Max Flap Extension Speed | 80 MPH | 85 MPH |
| Vx | 45 MPH (Full Flaps) | 45 MPH |
| Vy | 75 MPH | 75 MPH |
| Best Glide Speed | 70 MPH | 70 MPH |
| Max Fuel Capacity | 36 Gallons | |
| Max Oil Capacity | 8 Quarts | |
| Minimum Oil Capacity | 4 Quarts |
QUICK EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
| Fuel | Switch Tanks |
| Mixture | Mixture Rich, Carb Heat On, Primer Checked Locked |
| Magnetos | Switch Mags To Determine If One Has Failed |
| Fuel Switches | ON (A/C Equipped with Fuel Boost Pumps) |