Custom Checklists

There’s some misinformation out there, so let’s be clear: In Part 91, you are permitted to make your own checklist. But if you do, there are things to consider.

Fred Simonds

Monday, July 01, 2024 at 04:59 AM ET

Verified

Side view of the Boeing XB-17 (Model 299) after the fire was extinguished. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft checklists originated from a 1935 crash, becoming indispensable tools to manage increasing aircraft complexity, serve as memory aids, and prevent human error, particularly during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing.
The effectiveness of a checklist relies on proper design, meticulous adherence to manufacturer guidelines (POH/AFM), and consistent use, as poor design, non-use, or improper execution can undermine safety and contribute to accidents.
Pilots are encouraged to personalize their checklists, incorporating human factors principles such as logical flow, clear language, information "chunking," and appropriate formatting, while ensuring all mandatory items and supplemental equipment checks are included.

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On October 30, 1935, a Boeing 299, a prototype of the B-17 Flying Fortress, departed Wright Airfield in Ohio and immediately entered a steep climb. The aircraft stalled and crashed, killing two pilots of the five men aboard.

Investigation revealed that the pilots failed to unlock the aircraft’s rudder and elevator gust locks. Boeing investigators realized that aircraft had become too complex to manage by memory. This insight led them to create the first preflight checklist, which led to the comprehensive checklists of today.