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AirbusA320 OUTSIDE CHECK explained by CAPTAIN JOE
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AirbusA320 OUTSIDE CHECK explained by CAPTAIN JOE

How to Perform an Exterior Walk-Around Check on an Airbus A320

Introduction to the Outside Check

  • The video introduces the concept of performing an exterior walk-around check on an aircraft, specifically the Airbus A320.
  • This procedure is essential for pilots to ensure that their aircraft has not sustained any damage or leaks from previous flights.

Importance of Safety Gear

  • Before starting the outside check, it’s crucial to wear a high visibility vest due to safety concerns around aircraft operations.
  • Ear protection is recommended because of loud noises from air conditioning packs during checks, especially on passenger jets.
  • For night operations, a powerful flashlight should be used instead of a mobile phone light; turning on wing and logo lights can help spot contamination.

Initial Steps Before the Walk-Around

  • Set the parking brake before checking brake wear indicators on the main landing gear.
  • Look for snow accumulation on wings upon exiting onto the jetway staircase; report this for de-icing if necessary.

Detailed Inspection Process

Forward Fuselage Checks

  • Start at the left forward fuselage; inspect angle of attack probes and static ports for cleanliness and damage.
  • Ensure chocks are in place at nose wheel and check tire conditions for cuts or cracks. Verify that hydraulic lines show no leaks.

Nose Wheel and Lighting Checks

  • Confirm that takeoff and taxi lights are functional without burnt-out bulbs or cracks. Inspect oxygen discharge indicator disc for proper condition.

Pitot Tubes and Static Ports

  • Ensure both pitot tubes are clean with covers removed before flight. Check standby static port cleanliness as well.

General Condition Assessment

  • Examine nose radome for cracks or bird strikes; verify slats' condition on either wing.

Engine Inspection Details

Engine Number Two Checks

  • Spin engine fan blades gently while listening for unusual sounds; check blades for bends or cracks.
  • Inspect generator cooling inlet and anti-ice outlet for blockages, ensuring no missing panels exist around engine pylon.

This structured approach provides a comprehensive overview of conducting an exterior walk-around check, emphasizing safety protocols, detailed inspection steps, and critical components requiring attention.

Pre-Flight Inspection Checklist

Checking the Right-Hand Wing and Slats

  • Inspect the condition of the slats, ensuring that the refuel coupling filler cap is closed. Verify that fuel level indicators are flush with the wing and check for leaks from the fuel water drain valve.
  • Ensure navigation and strobe lights at wingtips are undamaged. Check for any static discharges and scan for broken or missing upper fuselage antennas. Confirm ailerons hang down due to lack of hydraulic pressure, and verify flaps and control surfaces' positions.

Landing Gear Inspection

  • Examine right landing gear for missing wheel nuts, deep cuts on tire sidewalls, and overall tire wear. If issues are found, call maintenance for prompt tire replacement.
  • Look for damage to brake fans; check brake wear indicators. If indicators are flush with guides, request maintenance to swap brakes quickly.

Structural Integrity Checks

  • Observe landing gear main structure; note limits on strut compression indicating potential hard landings. Ensure safety pin is removed from downward block springs to allow gear retraction upon takeoff.
  • Confirm landing light functionality and ensure air conditioning pack outlet is unobstructed. Check VHF antenna attachment and position of outflow valve along with aft portable water drain mast.

Tail Section Examination

  • Inspect horizontal stabilizer and elevator for damages caused by debris from main landing gear. Look for holes or cracks as well as static discharges.
  • Monitor vertical stabilizer, fin, rudder, APU inlet/outlet, fire extinguisher overpressure disc placement, and rear navigation light condition while walking along aft fuselage.

Final Checks Before Flight

  • At center fuselage, ensure all doors (e.g., ground hydraulic connections) are closed/latched. Check air conditioning back inlet door for obstructions; confirm anti-collision light integrity.
  • Repeat checks on left landing gear similar to right side inspection including wings' leading/trailing edges.

Importance of Thorough Inspections

  • Emphasize that pushback drivers will conduct another thorough outside check after ground crew has cleared equipment; they ensure all panels/doors are secure before flight.
  • Document start/end times of pre-flight checks in technical flight log along with signature confirming completion—this process must occur before every flight.

Maintenance Protocol

  • Highlight that outside checks apply not only to larger aircraft but also smaller planes/helicopters which may have protective covers marked "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT."
  • In case of malfunctioning parts during inspections, certified technicians will document repairs in technical logs proving aircraft's airworthiness or declare it AOG (Aircraft On Ground).

Feedback Request

  • Encourage viewers to comment on specific aspects of the outside check they would like more detailed videos about (e.g., antennas or instruments).
Video description

✈️WANT TO BECOME A PILOT?✈️ https://bit.ly/474j06T 📗📗📗GET MY NEW BOOK https://amzn.to/32TH4x7 📗📗📗 📸 INSTAGRAM FLYWITHCAPTAINJOE: https://goo.gl/TToDlg 📸 🌐MY WEBSITE: https://goo.gl/KGTSWK 🌐 🛒👕---► T-SHIRT SHOP goo.gl/Svrqmx ◄ --👕-🛒 📖👨 NEW FACEBOOK PAGE: https://goo.gl/heUKGb 👨📖 ▼▼My FLIGHT-KIT I highly recommend for you guys▼▼ MY HEADSET: https://amzn.to/2CrTrzz MY SUNGLASSES: https://amzn.to/2VY6FNo MY PILOT BAG: https://amzn.to/2DiWKux Company iPad: https://amzn.to/2W1zM2n ▼▼The VIDEO EQUIPMENT I use in my studio and outdoors▼▼ MY CAMERA: https://amzn.to/2T1VK3g LIGHTING: https://amzn.to/2szSRv4 IN-FLIGHT RECORDINGS: https://amzn.to/2VY7A0g ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ What is a outside-check ?  I´m sure you might have experienced this once you were waiting at the gate prior to boarding, the pilot walking around the aircraft and closely looking at the exterior of his aircraft. What is he/she doing ? That is what I´d like to explain in today´s video !  Every pilot has to check if his aircraft, helicopter, gilder, little sports plane or a big commercial jet, hasn´t encountered any damage or leakage from prior flights. Aviators call this regular procedure the outside check or exterior walkaround ! Let´s take the Airbus A320 as an example. After completing our first checks within the cockpit, the last item on the "preliminary cockpit preparation checklist” reads, “EXTERIOR WALKAROUND —— PERFORM !  You have a similar checklist in your car manual, in which you should check your tire pressure, oil quantity etc. prior to a long car journey. So the aircraft manual lists the items which should be inspected whilst doing your outside check.  For example:  • Condition of Pitot Probes ( free and clean ) • Clean Static Ports ( Parts to measure altitude and speed ) • Damages on aircraft nose section   • Chocks in place ( so the aircraft can move ) • Nose wheel structure, tyre abrasion  • Depth of nose wheel damper  • Condition of taxi and runway turn of lights  • Condition of exterior antennas   • Condition of landing lights  • Any leakage of wing tanks  • Strobe and navigation lights on the outer part of wing • Condition of slats and flaps  • In and outlet of turbine  • Fan blades of turbine   • Tyre abrasion on main landing gear   • Brake wear on main landing gear  • Depth of main landing gear damper • Possible damages on horizontal stabilizer  • Horizontal stabilizer in neutral position  • In and outlet of auxiliary power unit ( APU )  • Any dents and scratches of wings and fuselage   • Any leaking fluids  • secure closing of doors and hatches  These are only a few important ones listed in the exterior walk around “checklist”. To approve that you have completed the outside check you need to write down time and your signature into the “Technical Flight Log”, similar to your service check book in your car. Important ! This not a “once a day check”, NO, the outside check has to be performed prior every flight !  The same rule applies for little sports planes, private jets and helicopters, although these aircrafts fly on a less regular basis, so their vulnerable instruments, engine in and outlets are covered with a red protective cover, marked with big letters “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT”. And safety bolts, which protect the rudders from flapping about in the wind, are also tagged with this warning sign. More information about the “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” in another blog.  It´s required by law, that a commercial jet has to have functional flashlights and reflective vests to properly perform the outside check during night operation.  In the event that something is malfunctioning or broken, we´ll request a certified technician for help. If he can repair the broken part, he´ll state his repairs in the "technical flight log” and approves that the aircraft is airworthy. Otherwise if new parts or a bigger inspection and repair is needed, he will “write it off” and the aircraft is then AOG = Aircraft on ground !  Safety first always goes first !  So the next time you´re waiting at the gate, look out for your pilot performing his outside check ! Next time we´ll talk about the REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT warning pins and tags. Thank you very much for your time! I hope you enjoy this basic introduction video about an A320 outside check! Wishing you all the best! Your "Captain" Joe Into Song: Lounge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5ImNzexO4E Outro Song: Joakim Karud & Dyalla - Wish you were here https://goo.gl/kJ9pef ALL COPYRIGHTS TO THIS VIDEO ARE OWNED BY FLYWITHCAPTAINJOE.COM ANY COPYING OR ILLEGALLY DOWNLOADING AND PUBLISHING ON OTHER PLATFORMS WILL FOLLOW LEGAL CONSEQUENCES