Make the Most of the Checklist

Examining the why and the how of the obsequious tool that is one of the first things a pilot learns is how to use.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 08:36 PM ET

Verified

It’s important to learn what each circuit breaker does in the cockpit. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Checklists are essential safety tools for pilots of all experience levels, not a crutch, ensuring systematic verification and compliance with operational metrics.
Pilots are encouraged to use both hard-copy and digital checklists, and can create personalized versions tailored to their aircraft and specific needs, which enhances understanding and training.
Checklists serve as a vital teaching tool, helping pilots learn to operate aircraft systematically and avoid errors, a practice dating back to the 1935 Boeing 299 crash where pilot oversight highlighted their necessity.

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I appreciate the convenience of online shopping, but there are just some times you want the sport of The Hunt. I have just returned from Boeing Field/King County International Airport (KBFI) with a new sectional, TAC, and 2024 FAR/AIM and a checklist for a Cessna 182N. One of my clients acquired this 1970s-era Cessna, and is working on her IFR ticket. I was at KBFI for a story, and happened to see the remaining pilot supply store, National Aviation was open and under new management.

In the past, The Aviator Store was the pilot supply store at KBFI, and National Aviation, located across the way, mostly carried hardware for aircraft, but they did have some sectionals and cockpit supplies for aviators in training. I wasn’t sure if they would have the paper I wanted because digital is so prevalent these days. The new National did not disappoint–the checklist had to be ordered. It is now in my possession, added to my checklist collection organized by make and model. I supposed I could go digital for this too, but I prefer a hard copy as a teaching tool. Digital is wonderful—I use ForeFlight too—but I don’t feel I am doing my job as a CFI if I don’t teach my learners how to use both paper and electronic.