Use Your Checklist

Knowing how and when and why to do things in the airplane starts with it.

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 08:34 AM ET

Verified

Whatever stage of flying you are in, preflight checks before takeoff are a necessary element of your flight. [FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

Even highly experienced pilots can make fatal errors by overlooking critical preflight checklist items, such as removing a control lock, underscoring the universal need for diligent checklist use.
Aviation checklists were originally developed following early accidents caused by forgotten critical procedures, serving as essential tools to ensure tasks are completed logically and safely.
Pilots must understand the "why" behind checklist items and adapt procedures to specific situations, as rote application or misinterpretation can lead to dangerous actions, emphasizing the importance of proper learning and context.

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Recently, I found myself writing about the crash involving veteran military and airshow pilot Dale “Snort” Snodgrass. According to the final NTSB report, the June 2021 loss of his SIAI Marchetti was attributed to failure to remove the control lock before initiating takeoff, resulting in an unrecoverable stall-spin scenario on takeoff. The fact that such an experienced pilot (with more than 6,500 hours and a career as a naval aviator) missed this item—which is usually one of the first things on the preflight checklist—should put the rest of us on notice.

It could happen to us—so follow that checklist like your life depends on it.