Procedures and Memory Items

PIPER PA-18 Floats and Wheels

The below float plane procedures and memory items are a basic overview providing the “minimum expected knowledge” upon arrival and beginning of training. 

View more in-depth Procedures and instructional videos on our Amplified Procedures for Piper PA-18 page.
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)
ater Rudders – DOWN
F uel – FULLEST TANK
agnetos – ON
ixture – RICH
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 (OMCHHH)
O il Pressure – CHECK
M ags – BOTH ONE
C arb Heat – ON
H eadset
H arness
H atch

*SEAT BELTS ON AFTER
LEAVING BEACH OR DOCK.*

Run Up (CHTs >200°, Into Wind)
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
Let it Slide
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
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

 

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

Step Taxi
Fuel – FULLEST
Flaps – NONE
Carburetor Heat – COLD
Area – CLEAR (Important!)
Water Rudders – UP
Stick – BACK
Power – FULL
Over Hump Reduce – 1900 RPM
Tune for the Step – Attitude

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

FuelSwitch Tanks
MixtureMixture Rich, Carb Heat On, Primer Checked Locked
MagnetosSwitch Mags To Determine If One Has Failed
Fuel SwitchesON (A/C Equipped with Fuel Boost Pumps)