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• They take too much time . . .
• I know my airplane so well . . .
• They are too much work . . .
• I fly a simple airplane . . .
• Forgetting to finish them...

So Why Should We Use Checklists?

• Helps prioritize items.
• Frees up brain power for other tasks.
• Reminds us of items when under pressure or fatigued
• Standardization.

Methods of Checklist Usage

• Call-do-response (“cookbook method”) -  typically used in general aviation.  It is not the CRM way because it does not provide redundancy and causes too many distractions.
• Challenge-Verification-Response (checklist backs up flow patterns) - this method relies on a memorized flow method backed up by challenge-response (call out then wait for response).  Memorized flow checklists can't be relied upon because memory quality can be guaranteed.  Challenge-Response forces inter-crew checking: You check an item once in the flow pattern. The other pilot checks it again in the Challenge-Response pattern.

How we fail in our checklist usage

• Using Memory Only - no challenge response backups means no inter-crew checking
• Checklist pulled out by habit, but not used 
• Checklist left entirely up to the PNF without checking for action or response from PF
• ”Shortcutting”-Calling several items at once, failing to verify action for each.
• Failure to declare completion of checklist which can confusion, and can devastate situation awareness.  Example:  "After Landing Checklist Complete"

Things that should cause us to use a checklist

• Preflight inspection: Arrive early!! Shift attention to flight
• Before Starting Engines: After door is closed, pax briefed
• Taxi: Out of chocks
• Before Takeoff: Arriving at runup area, or end of active rwy.
• Lineup: Cleared by tower for takeoff (or t/o decision made)
• After takeoff/climb: 500 or 1000 ft. above airport.
• Cruise: reaching cruise altitude
• Descent: Beginning descent into terminal area.
• In-range: 10 miles out - sometimes combined with approach briefing.
• Approach: Cleared for IAP or IAF, base leg at latest . . .
• Before Landing: FAF inbound (IFR); TPA or 3 miles (VFR)
• After landing: Hold when clear of runway
• Shutdown: In chocks again

When using your checklist:

• Respond with item status
• Touch the items
• Call checklists completed

Your Thoughts...

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