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Cessna 177 Prebuy Evaluation Checklist – Scope and Detail

CESSNA 177 · Checklist

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Overview

This document is a prebuy evaluation checklist specifically for the Cessna 177. It is designed to guide mechanics and inspectors through a thorough examination of the aircraft before purchase. The checklist is divided into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on operational checks and engine inspections, while Phase 2 covers landing gear, cabin, and airframe assessments. Each section includes detailed tasks to ensure the aircraft is in good condition and compliant with maintenance standards. The checklist emphasizes the importance of reporting findings at the end of each phase, particularly if any high-cost issues are identified.

  • Estimated labor hours for checklist completion: 12 hours for fixed gear, 16 hours for retractable airplanes.
  • Perform engine cylinder compression checks and report findings, particularly for audible air leakage.
  • Inspect spark plugs for abnormal conditions and report the type and brand installed.
  • Check for compliance with airworthiness directives and ensure maintenance records are complete.
  • Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the airframe for cracks, corrosion, and overall condition.

Document

Source

Originally published by www.savvyaviation.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type
Checklist
Year
2024
Pages
5
File size
152 KB
Publisher
www.savvyaviation.com
How rare is it?
578CESSNA 177 registered worldwide · 500 active

Common. One of the most common aircraft types we track.

Documentation completeness
7/7

Full essential library on file for the CESSNA 177.

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In this document

Phase 1 - Operational & Function Check

Phase 1 begins with an operational and functional check of the aircraft according to the Aircraft Flight Manual. It includes detailed inspections of the engine and propeller, such as checking cylinder compression, spark plug condition, and examining fuel and oil lines for chafing. Maintenance records are also reviewed to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards.

Phase 2 - Landing Gear Inspection

Phase 2 involves a comprehensive inspection of the landing gear, including checking tire condition, brake components, and the overall integrity of the gear legs. For retractable landing gear, tests are conducted to ensure proper operation in both normal and emergency configurations.

Engine and Propeller Inspection

The checklist includes specific tasks for inspecting the engine and propeller, such as checking for oil leaks, cracks, and the condition of the propeller blades. It also requires a borescope examination of the cylinders and an inspection of the oil filter for metal debris.

Maintenance Records Review

Inspectors must verify the completeness of maintenance records, including logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller. This section emphasizes the importance of matching serial numbers and ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives.

Airframe Condition Assessment

The airframe section requires a thorough visual inspection for cosmetic flaws, corrosion, and structural integrity. Specific attention is given to areas prone to damage, such as the wing leading edges and tail structure.

Safety notes

  • Report any high-cost issues found during Phase 1 before proceeding to Phase 2.
  • If significant metal is found in the oil filter, retain the media for potential lab analysis.

Full document text

30 N. Gould Street, Suite 7491 Sheridan, WY 82801 Toll Free +1 (888) 465-8038 11/17/2024 Rev. 1 1 Cessna 177 Prebuy Evaluation Checklist – Scope and Detail NOTE: This is a two-phase checklist. Please perform phase 1 items first and report results before proceeding with phase 2 items. If there are any high-cost issues noted during Phase1, we might need to terminate the prebuy examination early. NOTE: Estimated labor hours to complete both phases of this checklist: 12 hours for fixed gear airplanes. 16 hours for retractable airplanes. PHASE 1 1.1 Operational & Function Check 1.1.1. Perform Airplane Operational and Functional check IAW the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual. 1.2 Engine and Propeller 1.2.1. Before removing cowling, check spinner to cowl alignment. 1.2.2. Check cylinder compression hot. Report compression readings. Report location of audible air leakage (rings, exhaust valve). 1.2.3. Perform borescope examination per the Savvy Aviation Cylinder Borescope Evaluation Checklist. Label photos and upload to Savvy. 1.2.4. Spark plug examination. Report any abnormal color or appearance, particularly top spark plugs. Report brand and type of spark plugs installed, massive or fine wire. 1.2.5. Check all fuel and oil lines, wire bundles and ignition harness leads for chafing and security. 1.2.6. Check rocker area drain back tubes for chafe damage. 1.2.7. Remove oil filter, cut open and inspect for metal. If significant metal is found, please provide one or more high-resolution photographs of filter media, check with a magnet to determine whether metal is ferrous or non- ferrous, and save filter media in a zip-lock plastic bag in the event we need to send it out to a lab for microscopic examination. 30 N. Gould Street, Suite 7491 Sheridan, WY 82801 Toll Free +1 (888) 465-8038 11/17/2024 Rev. 1 2 1.2.8. Check engine for cracks and oil leaks. Check front crankshaft seal for oil leaks. If any cracks or leaks are found, please provide high-resolution photos. 1.2.9. Check engine baffles for cracks. Check inter-cylinder baffles for proper position. Check flexible baffle seals for condition and proper orientation. Check for baffle rivet chafing on upper cowling. 1.2.10. Check engine mount for corrosion, heat damage and chafing. Check for sagging engine shock mounts. 1.2.11. Check for chafing on the propeller governor oil line. 1.2.12. Exhaust system examination for exhaust leaks, cracks, and bulges. Check for exhaust flange erosion. Check mufflers and flame cones for damage. Pressure test the exhaust system and heat exchanger. 1.2.13. Check propeller hub for cracks and leaks. Check prop blades for nicks, corrosion, areas of excessive filing. Check propeller spinner and spinner back plate for cracks. 1.3 Maintenance Records 1.3.1. Check for complete airframe, engine and propeller logbooks. Check for any damage history. 1.3.2. Check aircraft serial number matches the logbooks, registration, and airworthiness certificate. Check engine serial number matches logbooks. 1.3.3. Check to see if the main gear actuator rod end has been replaced with the newer design with no zerk fitting (stress point). 1.3.4. Provide AD compliance list. Report any applicable ADs for which compliance is not well documented. 1.3.5. Check for last 500-hour inspection or overhaul or replacement of magnetos. 1.3.6. Verify date of most recent 91.411 / 91.413 biennial certifications (static system, altimeter/encoder, transponder). 1.3.7. Confirm that aircraft is equipped as shown in equipment list. 1.3.8. Check for alterations that have mandatory ICA requirements. 30 N. Gould Street, Suite 7491 Sheridan, WY 82801 Toll Free +1 (888) 465-8038 11/17/2024 Rev. 1 3 IMPORTANT: Please report your Phase1 findings to Savvy and obtain authorization to proceed with Phase 2. PHASE 2 2.1 Landing Gear 2.1.1. Check tires for condition. 2.1.2. Check nose strut extension. 2.1.3. Check the condition of the brake calipers, hoses, discs and linings. If discs or linings look worn, measure thickness. 2.1.4. Check gear legs for corrosion. 2.2 Retractable Landing Gear 2.2.1. Place aircraft on jacks. Perform landing gear retraction test in the normal and emergency configurations. Check for abnormal noises, time the extension and retraction. 2.2.2. Check nose gear door hinges. Check nose gear door link and grommet. 2.2.3. Check shimmy damper for condition. 2.2.4. Check nose gear uplock arm bumper. Check uplock cam for proper orientation and evidence of previous damage. 2.2.5. Check nose gear retract brace for excessive play. 2.2.6. Check main gear leg well bumper pads for condition. 2.2.7. Check hydraulic power pack rigid line clearance to rudder cables. 2.2 Cabin 2.2.1. Check brake master cylinders and parking brake valve for leaks. 2.2.2. Check windows for condition. Check cabin door structure for cracks. Check cabin door frame to see if sagging cabin doors have caused chafing in the door frame. Door hinge up / down play should be less than ¼”. 30 N. Gould Street, Suite 7491 Sheridan, WY 82801 Toll Free +1 (888) 465-8038 11/17/2024 Rev. 1 4 2.2.3. Check engine controls for smooth operation and adequate cushion. 2.2.4. Check operation of flight controls, including rudder, brakes, and flaps. Check for excessive play in the control yoke universal joints. 2.2.5. Check all interior lights (including instrument lighting) for proper operation. 2.2.6. Check fuel quantity indicators for proper operation (Functional check only; please do not de-fuel the aircraft for this check.) 2.2.7. Pull back interior to check cabin side wall for cracks and condition. 2.2.8. Check headliner for evidence of leaks at the door. Check sidewalls and floor for evidence of leaks and water damage. Check for evidence of fuel leaks at the wing root area. 2.2.9. ELT, remove batteries, look for leaks and corrosion. Perform functional check. Report if expiration date is near. 2.3 Airframe 2.3.1. Check entire exterior of airframe for significant cosmetic flaws (e.g. cracks,

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missing or discolored paint), corrosion in exhaust trail area or battery box vent, antenna base cracks). Check wing leading edges for damage. 2.3.2. Check for corrosion in the spar cap area. Look for swelling or bumps. 2.3.3. Check tail tie down and aft vertical spar for evidence of tail strike damage. 2.3.4. Check stabilator for play. No play up / down or front / back. Check for stabilator counterweight steel brackets installed. 2.3.5. Check stabilator trim actuator rod for cleanliness and corrosion. 2.3.6. Check stabilator trim tab free-play 2.3.7. Check underside of wings for evidence of fuel leaks, with concentration at fuel quantity senders, access panels, and drains. 2.3.8. Check wing leading edges for damage. 2.3.9. Check inside wing for corrosion. Any significant corrosion, please note and provide pictures. Evidence of any treatments? (Corrosion X or ACF 50). 2.3.10. Check pitot heat for proper operation. 30 N. Gould Street, Suite 7491 Sheridan, WY 82801 Toll Free +1 (888) 465-8038 11/17/2024 Rev. 1 5 2.3.11. Check wing flaps for excessive chafing. Flap tracks/rollers for excessive wear. Flap skins for cracks. (note if stiffener is installed on trailing edge) 2.3.12. Check flight controls for freedom of movement including trim systems. Check fuel vent tubes are secured with clamp away from aileron. 2.3.13. Check for required placards 2.3.14. Report any obvious modifications or repairs to the airframe. If so, are there corresponding 337’s. 2.3.15. Check areas of any major repairs noted in logs for quality of work and correctly repaired. 2.3.16. Report any obvious mods to the aircraft, such as speed mods, etc. If installed, are Form 337 records available? 2.3.17. Check for required placards inside and out, including compass card. 2.3.18. Verify that aircraft cabin contains airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, POH, current W&B, applicable avionics operating manuals, hand microphone. 2.3.19. If equipped with engine monitor, download data and send data to Savvy. —END—

Type certificate, explained

What's in the CESSNA 177 TCDS

A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is the FAA's record of what an aircraft type was approved as. It is the source of truth for weights, seating, fuel and the rules the design was certified against. Expand any line to see what it means.

TCDS A13CERev 25· Issued 2007
Read the full TCDS

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