3.5. Interior Inspection. Ensure the prop area is clear before turning the battery on or starting/motoring the engine. Pre-solo student pilots will verbalize each item in the interior inspection checklist. Check the flight controls for free and correct movement with full control range available. Use care when checking flight controls to avoid jamming the control surfaces against the stops. During the flight controls check, it is common practice to visually confirm the neutral elevator stick position.

pp. 47-48