Private pilot with instructor reported private pilot forgot to remove the pitot cover resulting in a rejected takeoff.
Synopsis
Private pilot with instructor reported private pilot forgot to remove the pitot cover resulting in a rejected takeoff.
Narrative
A properly rated and endorsed private pilot was seeking additional flight training in a club (shared ownership) aircraft. Due to time constraints; it was agreed that the member performs the preflight ahead of the flight without the instructor being present.The instructor upon arrival checked the oil and fuel of the aircraft but did not notice the present pitot cover that was not removed during the preflight. The airplane was also parked ready to go on a hangar road in a way that approaching the aircraft from the car park location showed the right wing of the aircraft and obscured the left wing of the aircraft that hosts the pitot static under the low wing with the fuselage.During the runup; a take-off briefing was discussed where the take-off is to be aborted when the airspeed wouldn't reach a critical speed a specified intersection.During the take-off roll; the airspeed remained zero (due to the pitot cover in place); and as briefed; the take-off was aborted. Tower was informed of the take-off abort; an issue with the airspeed was reported; and taxi back to the parking was requested. After removing the pitot cover at the parking spot; the flight was conducted shortly after.Proper preflight procedure according to the POH is a mandatory preflight item. Instructors should verify as much as they can; but not all items can always be validated. The instructor has not flown with this pilot before and has not verified that his preflight procedure is within standards and in accordance with the POH; and should have been more alert.
Second reporter narrative
Private pilot with an instructor doing a checkout on the pilot's flying club aircraft had to abort takeoff when the airspeed was not live. The plane was taxied to the ramp/tiedown area and noticed the pitot cover was not removed. Due to instructor time constraint and though the instructor offered for a preflight review; the pilot did the preflight and got the plane ready on to the ramp. During the runup the instructor went over the airspeed's of the aircraft and the abort procedures.The pilot is a rusty pilot coming from a recent flight review after few years of not flying.The pilot did follow the preflight check list. The pilot thought of removing the pitot cover when the plane is set ready on the ramp and when the instructor shows up but the pilot forgot to remove since the preflight checklist was already completed.It is advisable for the pilot to follow the preflight checklist and execute them thoroughly and if possible; have another set of eyes to walk around the aircraft.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.