The test runs about five minutes and it includes the computer flight control system. I do another walk around to make sure all panels are buttoned up and generally look the jet over for anything obvious like leaks or hanging fasteners. I go back under the right side and pull the wing tank pin (if a tank is installed) and the right main landing gear pin. I still have the EPU pin so I wrap them up in their “Remove Before Flight” streamers. I go around back, duck under the exhaust and go under the left side, pulling pins and wrapping them in their streamers. I make a stop at the left side hydraulic door to check pressure and quantity, then to the large bit ball door for any blinking lights or a popped bit ball. I go into the left wheel well and stow the pins in the large pin box, then give a quick look over and head to the back of the jet again.
“Self test passed Chief, ready for trim.”
“Roger sir, standing by.”
“Trim disconnected, (he tries to trim) should be no movement.”
“No movement.”
“Connected”
I see the flight controls slowly moving and give tell him what I see.
“Nose up, down, left roll, right roll, left rudder, right rudder, all neutral.”
“Clear for big movements sir.”
“Nose up, down, kick (stab goes down further), left roll, right roll, left rudder, right rudder, all neutral.”
Flight controls checked good so I head under the left side just behind the wheel and have him check brakes.
“Ready on left side sir.”
Brake channel 1 is selected. He pumps the left pedal and then the right. On the left side there should be movement in the brake discs and pucks when he pushes left, and no movement on the left side when he pushes right.
Then he switches to brake channel 2 and does the same test. Then I move over to the right side and we repeat the check but with the results for the right side instead.
“Everything looks good Chief. Parking brake is set. We’ll be number one in this flight and will be taxiing in about five minutes.”
“Copy that sir. I’ll be disconnecting and see you out front. Good hunting and have a safe flight!”