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:

Checklists originated from a 1935 aircraft crash, becoming essential memory aids to manage increasing aircraft complexity, ensure proper configuration, and prevent human error in aviation.
While vital for safety, checklists must be meticulously designed and consistently used, as improper design, non-use, or poor execution can negate their purpose and contribute to accidents, especially during critical flight phases.
Pilots are allowed to customize their checklists, provided they meticulously include all manufacturer's POH/AFM items and adhere to human factors principles like logical flow, chunking, clear phraseology, and expert review to maximize their effectiveness and safety.

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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.