Today the weather was cooperating, and I was able to get a ride down to Michigan City airport to pick my plane after its annual inspection was completed.

One part of picking up my plane, especially if I did not do an owner assist, is to make sure as best I can that the annual  has been completed (ie: log books updated and signed) and that during the pre-flight inspection to really look to insure that all parts and pieces are where they should be and that there are no extra parts, pieces or tools hiding in the plane.

Per the FAR’s (Federal Aviation Regulation) the pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.

With that said I like to be there early so there is no rush to get home before sunset, or to get it out of the shop before they close. It’s always a good idea to look under the cowl and take the time to look everything over paying special attention to any areas where work was done. Get the hands in there and test hose connections, etc. Then I do the external checks very thoroughly. Same deal on startup, every little thing gets tested.

It’s no problem to run up several times and check out the engine and prop for any out of the ordinary behavior. Make sure and check the flight controls a few times (physically and visually) for full range of motion, correct movement, and really pay attention to any change in feel or resistance.  Check the radio including the push to talk (PTT). That’s about it, other than expect the unexpected and have plenty of outs if things don’t seem right.  And with that said, I always stay in the vicinity of the airport for a bit until I am sure everything is okay.

And with all that completed it was back to Benton Harbor I went with the clouds following.  From the pictures included here you can see it was a good day for flying 😊