When should the oil capacity be checked?

• A. Immediately after shutdown
• B. 5 to 30 minutes after shutdown
• C. Before start
• D. During fueling

Answer: (B)

Oil quantity is read after the engine has had time for the oil to settle back into the sump following shutdown. When the engine is running, oil is pumped throughout the system and some remains in lines, bearings, and accessory gear trains. If you check immediately after shutdown, the reading can be inaccurate because oil hasn’t finished draining back to the sump, which can give a misleading indication of the true quantity. Waiting about 5 to 30 minutes allows the oil to drain and settle, so the level reading reflects the actual oil in the sump. This helps ensure you don’t misjudge with an over- or under-filled condition and supports proper lubrication for the next flight. Checking during fueling is unsafe, and checking before start may not show the settled level.