Military Influence Can Be Felt All Over General Aviation

From checklists to call signs, here's what pilots have adopted from the armed forces.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

In the civilian world call signs are often bestowed after the first solo or when a certificate or rating is achieved. In the military, it can be more complicated. [Credit: Glenn Watson]

Key Takeaways:

Aviation checklists were created following the fatal 1935 crash of the Boeing Model 299 prototype, caused by the pilot forgetting to release a control lock, highlighting the need for systematic procedures.
Checklists are now fundamental for flight safety, guiding pilots through all phases of flight with disciplined usage protocols like "challenge and response," and are subject to regulatory oversight.
Pilot call signs are a military tradition adopted by civilian aviators, often earned through a pilot's last name, memorable incidents (including mistakes), or successfully navigating serious situations.

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The next time you pick up the checklist of your aircraft, remember this: It was created because of a horrible day in October 1935 when the Boeing Model 299 (XB-17), the prototype of the B-17, crashed during takeoff from Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, in what was supposed to be a demonstration flight to earn a military contract.

The four-engine aircraft was the fastest and the most technologically advanced aircraft of the time. According to the official accident report, the aircraft lifted off, reached an altitude of approximately 300 feet, and then entered a stall. Two of the five crewmembers—including the pilot—were killed.