I'm a wanna-be pilot that came across the Grumman AA5 a little while ago having never heard of them before. The more I see of the AA5 the more it becomes my wanna-have plane! Affordable, pretty, fast (for the category) and decent payload for a 4 seater.
Good catch on catching the metal plate riveted to the wing. I was not so lucky when it came to catching the wear plate on the trailing edge of the wing and the flap. The corrosion got into the rear spar and John at Excel air had to cut the spar out and replace it. Its not a cheap fix. I hope everyone that has an Grumman has taken a minute to inspect that item to see if it is a steel plate and have it removed before it does cause damage to their rear spar of their wing.
I learned that after release the rear tie down to step back and look and the after I see the prop and spinner to step back and look at the plane for damage and symmetry. I like you idea, as You can always refer to the checklist when you get back to the cabin.
I have always told my students that the preflight starts 100’ away from the airplane, sometimes you need to look at the whole airplane from a distance. Sometimes you can see things from a distance that you won’t see up close.
On the traveler scupper drain, when fuel will expands and leak, it does so via the tank vent, which is close to the wing tip. Not via the scupper drain hole, which is right under the fuel cap.
Wow ! Piper Cherokee 140 did not get this intensive . Now wondering if my instructor missed or skipped some checks. 1960....Better safe than sorry. Thanks
