A flight is never complete until the engine is shut down and the airplane secured. Unless parking in a designated, supervised area, the pilot should select a location and heading which will prevent the propeller or jet blast of other airplanes from striking the airplane broadside. Whenever possible the airplane should be parked headed into the existing or forecast wind. After stopping on the desired heading, the airplane should be allowed to roll straight ahead enough to straighten the nosewheel or tailwheel. Finally, the pilot should always use the procedures in the manufacturer's checklist for shutting down the engine and securing the airplane. Some of the important items include:

      1. Set the parking brakes ON.
      2. Set throttle to IDLE or 1000 RPM.
      3. Turn ignition switch OFF then ON.
      4. Set propeller control (if equipped) to FULL INCREASE.
      5. Turn electrical units and radios OFF.
      6. Set mixture control to IDLE CUTOFF.
      7. Turn ignition switch to OFF when engine stops.
      8. Turn master electrical switch to OFF.
      9. Install control lock.
      10. Place chocks at wheels.
      11. Tie down airplane.

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