Register

In the Aircraft and in Life, Flow Is Essential

Everyday process and procedure takes on added meaning, purpose, and for this pilot, pleasure.

The updates to the Citation CJ4 Gen2 improve the flow. [Credit: Paul Bowen]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article distinguishes between "flow"—the intuitive, practiced sequence of actions pilots develop through experience—and "checklists," which serve as vital verification tools to confirm the flow and catch any missed steps.
  • This "flow," built on muscle memory and repetition, significantly enhances safety and efficiency in aviation, particularly during critical phases like pre-start procedures and takeoff.
  • The author contrasts aviation's effective integration of flow and checklists with the often-ineffective application of checklists in other fields (e.g., surgery), where they frequently fail to improve safety due to a lack of genuine "challenge and response."
  • "Flow" is presented as a universal human phenomenon, extending beyond aviation to various activities, including surgical preparation, sports rituals, and everyday routines.
See a mistake? Contact us.

After the seat belt comes the initial nest building. Headset adjusted and water bottle stowed. Seat full back and full down, oxygen checked, parking brake set, battery switch on, voltage checked. Beacon on to let the line guys know that there’s power on the airplane and somebody is in the cockpit. Rotary switch check, air source select on both, fuel quantity noted and compared to fuel required. Does the flap handle match flap position? Reach (or call) for the before-start checklist.

After the first two or three hundred hours in the airplane, you get familiar. It’s called flow.

Dick Karl

Dick Karl is a cancer surgeon who appreciates the beauty and science involved in both surgery and flying. Dick’s monthly Gear Up celebrates the human side of flying. He writes about his enthusiasm for both the machines and the people who fly and maintain them.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE