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In the flight manual (DA-20) in the wing section it is written: “Aileron including inspection panel - visual inspection”. What does the “including inspection panel” part mean?
Also, during In-Cabin check when it’s written e.g. “Free” in relation to different knobs. What is expected exactly? E.g. I see “Carburetor Heat” - “free, OFF” as I have to check if the relevant knob is just pulling in/out freely and leave it in OFF position. But if it’s written just “Free”?
"including inspection panel" means that when inspecting the wings you should also access any inspection panels - looking up an online manual for the DA20 describes thusly:
The bottom shell of both wings has holes for access panels below the flap and aileron bellcranks. The bottom shell has a hole for an access panel below the B-bolt. This gives access to the B-bolt for removing the wings.
Which means you should probably open any inspection panels which are accessible without tools (ie, a screwdriver) and check the general condition of any parts inside, such as structural spars, linkages, bolts etc.
Related:
The term "Free" in a checklist against anything such as a knob or lever means that that lever is not impeded from movement in any way and can travel the full range of expected movement. For example, that there is not a control lock in place, or something in the way of its movement or that any bearing have not seized it in place.
The ones which say "Free, OFF" probably have a reason for doing so, the ones that say just "Free" probably sets them in a latter step to something sensible. eg, "Trimmer: Free" - later on pre-takeoff it will say "Trimmer: Set take-off". Contrast to "Mixture: Free, ICO" - its important that mixture is reset to Idle Cut Off after the check for "free"
Inspection panels on the wings are usually fastened with screws, ie. they're not meant to be accessed without tools. That is the case on the aircraft I fly, and inspecting them means checking that all panels are in place and secure, ie. you won't end up flying with a big hole on the bottom of your wing.
The ones meant to be accessed without tools and opened during preflight should be specifically called out and described as such in the POH. Indeed, whilst the maintenance manual on page 47 states:
The DA20-C1 aircraft has a small number of access panels. The panels give access for maintenance. Most panels are GFRP moldings. Self-tapping screws or camlock (quick-release) fasteners hold the panels.
the POH does not mention them other than by "visual inspection". This means you're not supposed to access the panels during the preflight, merely look at them and confirm they're there, intact and secured properly.
