PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
MODEL PA28-181
QUICK REFERENCE
NORMAL PROCEDURES
Speeds
Preflight Inspection
• Never exceed speed (VNE) ................. 154 KIAS
1. Cabin
• Max structural cruising speed (VNO) 125 KIAS
a. Control wheel ........... release restraints
• Design maneuvering speed (VA)
b. Parking brake .................................... set
At 2550 lbs. G.W. ............. 113 KIAS
c. Avionics .......................................... OFF
At 1634 lbs. G.W. ............... 89 KIAS
d. All switches .................................... OFF
• Best rate of climb speed (VY) .............. 76 KIAS
e. Mixture ................................. idle cut-off
• Best angle of climb speed (VX) ........... 64 KIAS
f.
• Rotation speed (VR) ..................... app. 57 KIAS
g. Battery master switches ................. ON
• Turbulent air operating speed .......... 113 KIAS
h. Fuel gauges .................. check quantity
• Maximum flap speed (VFE) ................. 102 KIAS
i.
Annunciator panel ...................... check
• Initial final approach speed ................ 75 KIAS
j.
Interior Lights ..................... Night check
• Final approach speed (Flaps 40º) ....... 66 KIAS
k. Exterior Lights...............................check
• Maximum demonstrated crosswind ..... 17 KTS
l.
• Best glide speed (VGLIDE) ..................... 76 KIAS
m. Pitot Heat........................................check
• Stall speeds
n. Battery master switch ................... OFF
Magneto switches .......................... OFF
Stall horn ...................................... check
• 2550 lbs. (0º flaps) ....................... 50 KIAS
o. Flaps ............................................ extend
• 2550 lbs. (Full flaps) .................... 45 KIAS
p. Flight Controls................Free & Correct
q. Trim ............................................. neutral
Weights
r.
• Maximum Ramp .................................. 2558 lbs.
s. Windows ............................ check clean
• Maximum Weight ................................ 2550 lbs.
t.
• Maximum Baggage ............................... 200 lbs.
u. Tow bar and baggage ... stow & secure
Pitot and static systems................ drain
Required papers & POH ......... on board
v. Baggage door ............... close & secure
Fuel Limitations
• Total capacity ................................ 50 U.S. GAL
CAUTION: Care should be taken when an
• Unusable fuel .................................. 2 U.S. GAL
ops check of the heated pitot head is being
• Usable fuel ..................................... 48 U.S. GAL
performed. The unit becomes very hot.
Ground operation should be limited to 3
Performance
minutes to avoid damaging the heater
• Best economy mixture ......... lean to peak EGT
elements.
• Best power mixture ..... 100ºF rich of peak EGT
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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2015
PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
CAUTION: When draining any amount of
MODEL PA28-181
4. Left Wing
fuel, care should be taken to ensure that no
a. Surface condition ...... clear of frost/ice
fire hazard exists before starting engine.
b. Fresh air inlet ................................ clear
c. Fuel tank sump .......... drain and check
d. Fuel tank vent ................................ clear
2. Right Wing
a. Surface condition ...... clear of frost/ice
e. Main gear strut ........ check (4.5” ±.25”)
b. Flap and hinges ........................... check
f.
c. Aileron and hinges ...................... check
g. Brake block and disk .................. check
d. Static wicks ................... check - secure
h. Tie down and chock ................. remove
e. Wing tip and lights ...................... check
i.
Fuel tank ...... check supply/secure cap
f.
j.
Pitot/static head .................. holes clear
Fuel tank ...... check supply/secure cap
Tire ............................................... check
g. Fuel tank vent ................................ clear
k. Wing tip and lights ...................... check
h. Fuel tank sump .......... drain and check
l.
i.
Tie down and chock ................. remove
m. Flap and hinges .......................... check
j.
Main gear strut ........ check (4.5” ±.25”)
n. Static wicks .................. check – secure
k. Tire ................................................ check
l.
Brake block and disk .................. check
Aileron and hinges ..................... check
5. Fuselage
a. Antennas ...................................... check
m. Fresh air inlet ................................. clear
b. Empennage .................... clear frost/ice
3. Nose
c. Stabilator and trim tab ................ check
a. General condition ........................ check
d. Tie down .................................... remove
b. Cowling ....................................... secure
c. Windshield .................................... clean
d. Propeller and spinner ................. check
Before Starting Engine
e. Air inlets ......................................... clear
1. Preflight inspection ........................ complete
f.
Engine baffle seals ...................... check
2. Brakes ........................................................ set
g. Chock ......................................... remove
3. Circuit breakers ............................... check in
h. Nose gear strut .... Check (3.25” ±.25”)
4. Alternate static source ........................... OFF
i.
Nose wheel tire ............................ check
5. Carb heat ........................................... full cold
j.
Oil ................................... check quantity
6. Flaps .................................................... retract
k. Dipstick ........................ properly seated
7. Avionics ................................................... OFF
l.
Oil filler cap ................................ secure
8. Fuel selector ............................. desired tank
m. Fuel strainer .................................. drain
9. Passengers .......................................... briefed
10. Seats ............... Adjusted & locked in position
11. Seat belts & harnesses....................Fastened
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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2015
PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
NOTE: If engine does not start within 10
seconds, prime and repeat starting procedure.
Maximum 5 start attempts permitted, allow a 2
MODEL PA28-181
Normal Start - Hot Engine
1. Throttle..............................................1/2” open
minute rest period before each attempt. If not
2. Battery Master Switch.................................On
achieved by 5th attempt. Allow a 30 minute
3. Alternator Switch.........................................On
cooling period before reattempt.
4. Left Magneto................................................On
5. Electric Fuel Pump......................................On
Caution: Do not attempt flight is there is no
indication of alternator output.
6. Mixture................................................full RICH
7. Propeller area.......................................cleared
8. Starter ......... engage (max 10 second crank)
Caution: If a positive oil pressure is not
indicated within 30 seconds following an engine
9. Right Magneto Switch................................On
10. Oil Pressure...........................................check
11. Avionics......................................................On
start, stop the engine and determine the trouble.
In cold weather it will take a few seconds longer
to get a positive oil pressure indication.
Engine Start when Flooded
1. Throttle ............................................. open full
2. Battery master switch .............................. ON
Normal Start - Cold Engine
3. Alternator switch ...................................... ON
1. Throttle ........................................... 1/4” open
2. Battery master switch ............................... ON
3. Alternator switch ....................................... ON
4. Left magneto .............................................. ON
5. Electric fuel pump ..................................... ON
6. Anti-collision lights ................................... ON
7. Mixture............................................... full RICH
8. Propeller area .................................... cleared
9. Starter ......... engage (max 10 second crank)
10. Throttle ........... adjust to maintain 1000 RPM
11. Right magneto ........................................... ON
4. Anti-collision lights .................................. ON
5. Left magneto ............................................. ON
6. Electric fuel pump .................................. OFF
7. Mixture .......................................... idle cut-off
8. Propeller area ..................................... cleared
9. Starter ......... engage (max 10 second crank)
10. Mixture .............................................. advance
11. Throttle ........... adjust to maintain 1000 RPM
12. Right magneto .......................................... ON
13. Oil Pressure ......................................... check
14. Avionics master ........................................ ON
12. Oil pressure .......................................... check
13. Avionics ..................................................... On
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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2015
PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
MODEL PA28-181
Warm-Up
Before Takeoff
1. Throttle.......................................800-1200 RPM
1. Flight instruments .................. check and set
2. Flight controls ..................... free and correct
Before Taxiing
3. Fuel selector ............................... proper tank
1. Radios/Avionics ......................... as required
2. Fuel selector ............................. switch tanks
4. Electric fuel pump .................................... ON
5. Landing light ...............................................ON
6. Engine gauges ..................................... check
7. Carburetor heat ....................................... OFF
Taxiing
8. Mixture ....................................................... set
1. Taxi area .................................................. clear
9. Seat backs .............................................. erect
2. Parking Brake.....................................released
10. Seats .......... adjusted and locked in position
3. Throttle.........................................apply slowly
11. Belts/harness ........................ fastened/check
4. Brakes ................................................... check
12. Flaps .......................................................... set
5. Steering ................................................. check
13. Trim ............................................................ set
14. Doors .................................................. latched
15. Air conditioner (if installed) ................... OFF
Ground Check
16. Takeoff ................................................. briefed
1. Brakes ........................................................ set
2. Run-up area ............................................ clear
17. Anti-collision lights .................................. set
18. Transponder .............................................. set
3. Throttle ........................................... 2000 RPM
4. Magnetos ......................... max drop 175 RPM
max differential 50 RPM
Takeoff
5. Vacuum ............................... 4.8 to 5.2 in. Hg.
Normal
6. Oil temperature ..................................... check
1. Flaps...........................................................set
7. Oil pressure .......................................... check
2. Tab..............................................................set
8. Air conditioner (if installed) ................ check
3. Accelerate to................................ 52-65 KIAS
9. Ammeter ................................................ check
4. Control Wheel..................back pressure to
10. Annunciator panel ................................ check
rotate to climb attitude
11. Carburetor heat .......... approx. 75 RPM drop
12. Electric fuel pump ................................... OFF
13. Fuel pressure ........................................ check
14. Idle ........................................................... check
15. Throttle ........................................... 1000 RPM
Short Field, Obstacle Clearance
1. Flaps...........................................................25o
2. Accelerate to.................................41-49 KIAS
3. Control Wheel.......................back pressure
to rotate to climb attitude
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
4. After breaking ground accelerate to 45-54
KIAS depending on weight.
MODEL PA28-181
Pre-Maneuver (I.P. 3 C’s)
5. Accelerate to......................................64 KIAS
1. Instruments ...................................... checked
6. Flaps.........................................slowly retract
2. Position ............. nearest emergency landing
7. Accelerate to......................................76 KIAS
3. Configuration ....................................... check
4. Fuel ............................................... fullest tank
Soft Field
5. Fuel pump .................................................. ON
1. Flaps...........................................................250
6. Mixture ................................................ full rich
2. Accelerate to.................................41-49 KIAS
7. Ignition ..................................................... both
3. Control wheel..........back pressure to rotate
8. Landing/anti-collision .............................. ON
9. Clearing turns & Call ..................... performed
to climb attitude
4. After breaking ground, accelerate to 45-54
KIAS depending on weight
Post-Maneuver
5. Accelerate to......................................76 KIAS
1. Landing light ........................................... OFF
6. Flaps.........................................retract slowly
2. Electric fuel pump .................................. OFF
3. Mixture .................................................. adjust
Climb
4. Engine gauges ..................................... check
1. Flaps ................................................. retracted
2. Best rate (flaps up) ........................... 76 KIAS
3. Best angle (flaps up) ........................ 64 KIAS
4. En route climb .................................. 87 KIAS
5. Electric fuel pump ... OFF at desired altitude
6. Landing Light.............................................OFF
Descent
Normal Descent
1. Throttle .................................. max 2500 RPM
2. Airspeed .................................. max 122 KIAS
3. Mixture .................................................... RICH
4. Carburetor heat .................... ON (if required)
Cruise
Power off Descent
1. Power .............................. set per power table
1. Carburetor heat .................... ON (if required)
2. Mixture .................................................. adjust
2. Throttle ................................................ closed
3. Airspeed ...................................... as required
4. Mixture ......................................... as required
5. Power verify with throttle every 30 seconds
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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2015
PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
MODEL PA28-181
Approach and Landing
Parking
1. Fuel selector ............................... proper tank
1. Parking Brake..............................................set
2. Seat backs .............................................. erect
2. All Switches...............................................OFF
3. Seats .......... adjusted and locked in position
3. Doors...................................................secured
4. Belts/harness ............................ fasten/adjust
4. Tie Downs & Chocks..........................secured
5. Electric fuel pump ..................................... ON
6. Landing Light............................................. ON
7. Mixture ........................................................ set
8. Flaps ................................ set - 102 KIAS max
9. Air conditioner (if installed) ................... OFF
10. Initial approach speed ..................... 75 KIAS
11. Final approach speed (flaps 40º) .... 66 KIAS
After Landing
1. Power .............................................. 1000 RPM
2. Flaps ..................................................... retract
3. Electric fuel pump ................................... OFF
4. Landing light ............................................ OFF
5. Pitot heat .................................................. OFF
6. Carburetor heat ....................................... OFF
7. Transponder .......................................... STBY
Engine Shutdown
1. Flaps ..................................................... retract
2. Electric fuel pump ................................... OFF
3. Air conditioner (if installed) ................... OFF
4. Avionics ................................................... OFF
5. Electrical Switches .................................. OFF
6. Throttle .................................................... IDLE
7. Magnetos ..................... Checked & Grounded
8. Mixture ................................................. Closed
9. Magnetos ................................................... OFF
10. Alternator switch ..................................... OFF
11. Battery master switch ............................. OFF
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
ABNORMAL & EMERGENCY
MODEL PA28-181
Engine Power Loss in Flight
PROCEDURES
1. Fuel selector ........... switch tanks (with fuel)
2. Electric fuel pump .................................... ON
3. Mixture .................................................... RICH
Engine Fire During Start
4. Carburetor heat ......................................... ON
1. Starter ........................................ crank engine
5. Engine gauges ..................................... check
2. Mixture ............................................ idle cutoff
If no fuel pressure is indicated, check tank
3. Throttle ................................................... open
selector position to be sure it is on a tank
4. Electric fuel pump ................................... OFF
containing fuel.
5. Fuel selector ............................................ OFF
When power is restored:
6. Abandon if fire continues
1. Carburetor heat ....................................... OFF
2. Electric fuel pump .................................. OFF
If power is not restored, prepare for power off
Engine Power Loss During Takeoff
landing.
1. If sufficient runway remains for a normal
landing
Power off Landing
1. Trim for 76 KIAS
2. Land straight ahead.
2. Locate suitable field
If insufficient runway remains:
3. Establish spiral pattern
1. Maintain safe airspeed
4. 1000 feet above field at downwind position
2. Make only shallow turns to avoid
for normal landing approach
obstructions
5. When field can be easily reached, slow to 66
3. Flaps as situations requires
KIAS for shortest landing
If sufficient altitude has been gained to attempt
6. Touchdown should normally be made at
lowest possible airspeed with full flaps
a restart:
1. Maintain safe airspeed ............VGLIDE 76 KIAS
When committed to landing:
2. Fuel selector ........... switch tanks (with fuel)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Flaps .............................................. as desired
Throttle .................................................. Close
Mixture ........................................... idle cutoff
Magnetos ................................................. OFF
Battery master switch ............................ OFF
Alternator switch .................................... OFF
Fuel selector ........................................... OFF
Seat belt and harness ............................ tight
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3. Electric fuel pump ......................... check ON
4. Mixture ......................................... check RICH
5. Carburetor heat ......................................... ON
6. If power is not regained, proceed with power
off landing
ACT Program Version (1.4)
PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
MODEL PA28-181
Fire in Flight
Carburetor Icing
• Source of fire ............................................ check
1. Carburetor heat ......................................... ON
Electrical fire (smoke in cabin):
2. Mixture .............. adjust for max smoothness
1. Battery master switch ............................. OFF
2. Alternator switch ..................................... OFF
Engine Roughness
3. Vents ....................................................... open
1. Carburetor heat ......................................... ON
4. Cabin heat ................................................ OFF
5. Land as soon as practicable
If roughness continues after one minute:
Engine Fire:
1. Fuel selector ............................................ OFF
2. Throttle ............................................. CLOSED
3. Mixture ............................................ idle cutoff
4. Electric fuel pump ....................... check OFF
5. Heater/defroster ....................................... OFF
6. Proceed with power off landing procedure
1. Carburetor heat ....................................... OFF
2. Mixture .............. adjust for max smoothness
3. Electric fuel pump .................................... ON
4. Fuel selector ............................. switch tanks
5. Engine gauges ..................................... check
6. Magneto switch .......... check Left then Right
If operation is satisfactory on either one,
continue on that magneto at reduced power and
High Oil Temperature
full “RICH” mixture to first airport.
1. Land at nearest airport and investigate the
Prepare for power off landing.
problem.
2. Prepare for a power off landing.
Alternator Failure
1. Verify failure
Loss of Oil Pressure
2. Reduce electrical load as much as possible
1. Land as soon as possible and investigate
3. Alternator circuit breakers ................... check
4. Alt switch .......... OFF(for 1 second), then ON
cause.
If no output:
2. Prepare for a power off landing.
1. Alt switch .................................................. OFF
Reduce electrical load and land as soon as
Loss of Fuel Pressure
practical
1. Electric fuel pump ...................................... ON
2. Fuel selector .................... check on full tank
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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2015
PIPER Pilot Checklist
Archer III
MODEL PA28-181
2. If ammeter shows zero:
Spin Recovery
• ALT switch ...................................... OFF
1. Rudder ............. full opposite of rotation
2. Yoke ...................................... full forward
3. Reduce electrical loads to minimum:
3. Ailerons ....................................... neutral
• ALT circuit breaker .... check and reset
4. Throttle .............................................. idle
• ALT switch ........................................ ON
5. Rudder .......... neutral (when spin stops)
4. If power not restored:
6. Yoke ... as required to regain level flight
Open Door
If both upper and side latches are open, the
• ALT switch ...................................... OFF
If alternator output cannot be restored,
1. Land as soon as practical.
door will trail slightly open and airspeeds
2. Anticipate complete electrical failure.
will be reduced slightly.
3.
Duration of battery power will be dependent
on electrical load and battery condition prior
To close the door in flight:
to failure.
1. Slow airspeed ............................ 87 KIAS
2. Cabin vents .................................... close
3. Storm window ................................. open
Electrical Overload
If upper latch is open ........................... latch
Alternator over 20amps above known
electrical load
If side latch is open .. pull on armrest while
ALT switch ................................................ ON
moving latch handle to latched position
BAT switch ............................................. OFF
If alternator loads are reduced:
If both latches are open .. secure side latch
Electrical load .............. reduce to minimum
then top latch
Land as soon as practical
If alternator loads are not reduced:
ALT switch .............................................. OFF
Electrical Failures
BAT switch ................................. as required
NOTE:
Land as soon as possible.
Anytime the bus voltage is below 25 Vdc, the
Low Bus Voltage Annunciator will be illuminated
Anticipate complete electrical failure.
1. ALT annunciator light illuminated:
• Ammeter ...... check to verify inop. ALT
ACT Program Version (1.4)
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