How to preflight a Cessna 172 airplane
The airplane preflight inspection is performed before each flight to ensure that all the required paperwork is on board, that the airplane systems are working properly and that the correct amount of fuel and oil are in the tanks. It’s your chance to really look the airplane over inside and out to assure yourself that it’s ready to fly because once you’re airborne you just can’t pull over in case something goes wrong. This week’s video tip demonstrates how complete the external preflight inspection on a Cessna 172.
This video tip is from Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course—everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your pilot certificate, with online ground school, FAA test prep, and real-world training, all in one easy-to-use package.
- Seaplane Training: Mastering Glassy Water Landings - February 18, 2026
- Video Tip: Flying in Class E and G Airspace - February 11, 2026
- Video tip: Airport runway signs and markings - February 4, 2026
I’m so happy that you’re doing this. I have to do a rusty pilot’s course, and this will be a great refresher. Got licensed in 1989
Video de como aterrizar el avión.
The C-172 is a nose wheel plane and has a shimmy dampener. If this a fluid containing unit it should be checked for leaks. I’ve had my share of problems with these things.