Training and Safety Tip: Checklists cultivate consistency
Forming good habits—such as checklist usage—from the start of flight training will set you up for success throughout your flying journey.
Proper use of checklists is a checkride requirement and is described in the Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards’ (ACS) Appendix 2: “Safety of Flight.” But the benefits of checklist usage go well beyond passing the checkride.
Using checklists doesn’t mean, however, that in every instance you should get out the list and run through the items. The ACS states that there may be some instances in which doing so would be “impractical or unsafe.” Because of that, you should memorize some items, and then consult the checklist to confirm all items were completed when it is safe to do so.
Emergency checklist items are an example of the type of items to memorize. You may have already memorized some tasks that you perform on every flight. Memory aids such as acronyms or other mnemonics can be helpful. For example, saying “lights, camera, action” before takeoff is a reminder to turn on the exterior lights, turn on the transponder, confirm the mixture is full rich, and then apply full takeoff power.
You may also be familiar with the acronym “GUMPS” that many pilots use before landing to remind them to check gas, undercarriage, mixture, propeller, and seat belts. Using these memory joggers is very helpful but does not take the place of using the checklist even if it’s after task completion to confirm all appropriate actions were taken.
By getting into the habit of using checklists early on in your primary flight training, you will set yourself up to use them for all your flying. This will prove helpful if you choose to pursue advanced training—for example to earn an instrument rating or obtain other certificates and ratings—and as you transition to other aircraft types and higher performance aircraft.
