Northeast Comanche Tribe
 

 
CHECKLIST FOR A TEMPORARY CO-PILOT

Adapted from ICS �Comanche Tips�

 

�The other day I was going through my �glove compartment� in my PA24-180 and found an article that gave instructions for a temporary co-pilot. I found it to be woefully inappropriate for my plane. Using it as a guide, I developed the checklist below that I will photocopy and let my passengers know where it is if ever needed. I do not intend to dwell on it for everyone who sits to my right except for my wife who is the most frequent passenger.�
 
 Kenn Tridel, ICS #11927
 

In the event of an Incapacitated Pilot:

  1. Get control of the Airplane.
     
    1. Get the pilot off the controls � tighten the shoulder strap to keep the pilot�s body away from the steering wheel (yoke).
    2. Level the airplane � use the yoke to fly straight and keep the wings level with the ground. If you cannot see the ground, use the instrument 2 up from the pilot�s yoke (artificial horizon) as a guide.
    3. Set the Transponder � located in front of you - to �7-7-0-0�, the distress signal.
    4. Set the radio to 121.5, the emergency frequency � reach across to the far left and turn the knobs to 121.5, then press the flip-flop switch.
    5. Press the microphone button on your yoke and say �MAYDAY, MAYDAY� � release the button to listen.
    6. Report the problem to the answering controller � who you are and what has happened.
       
  2. Fly to an Airport with a long runway.
     
    1. Request a heading from the controller. Slowly turn to that heading using the Directional Gyro (DG), keeping the dot centered on the horizon. ALL TURNS are done slow and wide.
    2. Turn the Fuel Selector � on the floor between the seats � to the fullest tank. Fuel gauges are in the lower middle of the panel.
  3. Land on the Longest Runway INTO the wind � the controller will help you get there.
     
  1. When it is time to start down to a lower altitude � about 5 to 10 miles away �
     
    1. Push the MIXTURE control knob (red) fully in using you thumb on the button to unlock it.
    2. Pull the THROTTLE knob (black) out slowly so that the Manifold Gauge � panel upper right � reads about 16.
    3. Push the PROP CONTROL knob � center, looks like a faucet handle � fully in. The engine sound will change � this is Okay.
    4. Slow the airplane to not less than 100 MPH as you descend.
    5. Descend to an altitude of 1000 to 1200 ft above the airport. Keep the gyro indicator one dot below center while descending.
    6. Pull back on the yoke to level off - add power (THROTTLE) as needed to maintain 100 MPH.
    7. Lower the wheels � lever in panel center, move it down.
    8. Turn the trim control - crank handle in the ceiling � down (counter clockwise) to relieve hand pressure required on the yoke.
       
  2. Lower the flaps � the long handle between the seats - 2 notches (out of 3) by pushing the button to release. Pull back about 6 inches until button re-locks.
     
  1. About 2 miles from the end of the landing runway
     
    1. Line up with the centerline of the runway � use the yoke to move sideways, your feet to point the nose.
    2. Pull the THROTTLE out slightly � Manifold from 16 to 14 � to descend at about 500 ft per min at 90 MPH.
    3. Readjust trim control on ceiling to relieve hand pressure on the yoke.
    4. Be ready to add THROTTLE if needed � speed is critical.
    5. Aim for the numbers on the near end of the runway. Adjust THROTTLE to maintain 90 MPH.
    6. As soon as you are over the runway and 8 to 10 feet above it, slowly pull the THROTTLE fully out. Point the nose by steering with your feet.
    7. Once down, use the brake lever � left center under panel � to slow and stop the plane.
       
  2. To stop the engine, pull the red MIXTURE control all the way out. After the engine stops, turn of the ignition key and the Master Power switch (bottom of panel, far left).
 

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 Last updated  01/01/21