What Is a Flight Checklist?
Whether for civil, commercial, or military aviation, all pilots and their crew must regularly use preflight, in-flight, and landing checklists to ensure that everything is operating correctly before leaving or landing on a runway. Aviation checklists include the evaluation of the mechanisms aboard an aircraft and securing components into the right configuration for takeoff/landing. For information about what you might find listed on preflight, in-flight, and landing checklist, we invite you to keep reading as we discuss the most essential aspects of these flight protocols.
In general terms, a preflight checklist, also called a before-takeoff checklist, is a step-by-step guide that includes all of the important tasks which must be completed before taking off. This list ensures that the aircraft meets regulatory airworthiness standards and is in ideal mechanical condition to safely fly. Preflight checklists are helpful because they allow the pilot and crew to avoid having to remember the long list of tasks required therein. These tasks may include checking aircraft exterior components, internal electronic systems, and more.
In addition, once the preflight inspection has been cleared, subsequent checklists regarding the next stages of flight may be organized sequentially or in segments, and their content will vary depending on the specific aircraft to which they apply. Often, segmented checklists will be arranged into the following categories:
- Before-Takeoff Checklist
- Final Items
- Before-Landing Checklist
- Final Items
With this structure it is easy for pilots and the crew to complete essential tasks that will ensure safety at every stage of a flight. However, this is not the only way in which checklists may be structured. Some may be organized by using sections of the aircraft to be inspected. An example could be something like:
- Cabin
- Empennage
- Right Wing
- Nose
- Left Wing
Do Pilots Really Use Checklists?
Checklists are not only useful tools which are recommended to pilots, but are also required in most cases. As such, pilots generally use checklists, before, during, and after each stage of a flight with one of the most critical being the preflight checklist. According to Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), pilots who operate under Part 91 of the federal aviation regulations, which includes most non-commercial operations, may create their own checklists, providing that they contain each element that is published in the pilot’s operating handbook checklist of the aircraft they are flying.
In general, all commercial and non-commercial flights should at least complete the minimum inspection task list provided in the pilot’s operating handbook. More specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration explicitly requires a checklist for Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 121 operators (scheduled air carriers):
(a) Each certificate holder shall provide an approved cockpit check procedure for each type of aircraft.
(b) The approved procedures must include each item necessary for flight crewmembers to check for safety before starting engines, taking off, or landing, and in engine and systems emergencies. The procedures must be designed so that a flight crewmember will not need to rely upon his memory for items to be checked.
(c) The approved procedures must be readily usable in the cockpit of each aircraft and the flight crew shall follow them when operating the aircraft.
What Are the Preflight Checklist Procedures?
The procedures listed in the preflight checklist are dependent on the aircraft so they vary from one model to another. However, the following list provides a number of tasks that may be found in any preflight checklist:
- Secure nose engine oil
- Check fuel tank vent
- Secure tail tie-down
- Secure pitot tube cover
- Check wing tie-down
- Check fuel quick drain
- Check master switch
- Sample fuel quantity or check fuel quantity indicator
- Remove control lock
- Check clear landing light
- Check baggage door
- Check air filter
- Disconnect main wheel tire
- Check stall warning opening
- Check static port
- Check leading edge
- Secure elevator
- Secure lights
- Secure flaps
- Check horizontal stabilizer
- Secure rudder
- Secure aileron
This list is not in any given order, but it is an example of just how many items may be listed and why a checklist is necessary in most cases. It should be noted that all preflight checklists include a first step that involves verifying that the required documentation is in place. This step is usually abbreviated as ARROW, and it refers to the following documents:
Airworthiness Certificate: This is the certificate that confirms the aircraft meets the minimum standards to fly. This certificate should match the tail number of the aircraft.
Registration: Every aircraft must be registered with the corresponding authority; this registration should be renewed every 3 years.
Radio License: Only required for international flights, this license verifies that an aircraft has been permitted to use all of the radio equipment necessary for communication, navigation, and surveillance purposes.
Owner’s manual or Pilot’s Operating Handbook: All certified carriers are required to have one on board their aircraft.
Weight and Balance: This is a document reflecting the most current weight and balance so one can calculate whether or not the aircraft is too nose heavy, tail heavy, or too heavy in general.
Flight checklists are an essential process for ensuring optimal safety during every stage of the flight. Aviation Axis is a leading supplier of quality aviation parts, including in-demand aircraft checklist components, among others. With access to a widespread network of suppliers and an inventory of over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find components, we are sure to find a solution for whatever parts you need. As an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015 and FAA 0056B accredited organization, our customers can depend on us for our commitment to quality and customer service. Just fill out the Request for Quote form provided on our website, and give us 15 minutes or less to respond with one of the most competitive quotes on the market!
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