TM 1-1510-218-10 8A-4 NOTE Fuel    and    oil    quantity    checks    may    be performed    prior    to     Exterior    Check    to preclude carrying a ladder and fuel sample container during the balance of the preflight.  During warm weather, open fuel caps  slowly  to  prevent  being  sprayed  by fuel under pressure. 1.   Fuel sample – Check collective fuel sample from  all  drains  for  possible  contamination. Refer to Chapter 2 for locations. NOTE All  exterior  check  areas  are  illustrated  in Figure 8A-2. 8A-14.  LEFT WING, AREA 1. 1.   Left wing – Check as follows: *a.   General    condition    –    Check    for    skin damage     such     as     buckling,     splitting, distortion, dents, or fuel leaks. b.   Flaps    –    Check    for    full    extension    or retraction   (approximately   1/4-inch   play) and    skin    damage,    such    as    buckling, splitting, distortion, or dents. c.   Fuel sump drains – Check for leaks. d.   Ailerons  and  trim  tab  –  Check  security and trim tab rig. e.   Static     wicks    –     Check     security     and condition. f.    Wing   tip   and   position   lights   –   Check condition and for cracked lens. g.   Recognition/strobe light – Check condition. h.   Outboard wing fuel vent – Check free of obstruction and for fuel leakage. *i.    Main   tank   fuel   and   cap   –   Check   fuel level,   condition   of   seal,   cap   tight   and properly installed.  Locking tab aft. j.    Outboard deice boot – Check for secure bonding, cracks, loose patches, and stall strip. k.   Stall warning vane – Check free. *l.    Tiedown – Released. m. Wing ice light – Check condition. n.   Recessed and heated fuel vents – Check free of obstructions. 2.   Left main landing gear – Check as follows: *a.   Tires  –   Check  for   cuts,   bruises,   wear, appearance   of   proper   inflation,   wheel condition,  and  that  both  tires  have  the same tread design. b.   Brake assembly – Check brake  lines  for damage  or  signs  of  leakage  and  brake linings  for  wear.    Also  check  the  brake deice  assembly  and  bleed  air  hose  for condition and security. *c.   Shock strut – Check for signs of leakage, minimum  strut  extension  (5.5     inches), and    that    left    and    right    extension    is approximately equal. d.   Torque knee – Check condition. e.   Safety   switch   –   Check   condition,   wire, and security. H f.    Fire    extinguisher     pressure     –     Check pressure within limits (Chapter 2). g.   Wheel  well,  doors,  and  linkage  –  Check for    signs    of    leakage,    broken    wires, security, and general condition. h.   Fuel sump drains – Check for leaks. 3.   Left    engine    and    propeller    –    Check    as follows: CAUTION A  cold  oil  check  is  unreliable.    Oil  should be checked within 10 minutes after stopping  engine.    If  more  than  10  minutes have elapsed, motor engine for 40 seconds,   then   recheck.      If   more   than 10 hours    have    elapsed,    run    engine    for 2 minutes,    then    recheck.        Add    oil    as required.  Do not overfill. *a.   Engine oil – Check oil level, normally no more   than   3   quarts   low,   cap   secured, and locking tab aft. b.   Engine  compartment,  left  side  –  Check for fuel and oil leaks, security of oil cap, door,    and    general    condition.        Lock compartment access door. c.   Left cowl locks – Locked. d.   Left exhaust stub – Check for cracks and free of obstructions. e.   Propeller   blades   and   spinner   –   Check blade  condition,  deice  boot,  security  of spinner, and free propeller rotation.