Aircraft Checklists

The use of checklists and other memory aids is critical to the safe operation of an aircraft. Countless times accidents have occurred due to a pilot's lack of procedural attention.

Good piloting begins with a solid habit of checklist use. In addition, being familiar with the checklist items on your particular aircraft and the various "flows" a pilot must commit to memory makes flying a much less strenuous task.

Seattle Flight publishes its aircraft checklists online, for students to download and print out. Students are encouraged to occasionally do a little "arm chair flying"... that is sit down with the checklist and rehearse the procedures that you do in your aircraft.

From transitioning to a more advanced aircraft to earning a multi-engine rating, much of the learning that must be done is that of procedures... and the "emergency drills" and "flows" that a pilot does when something goes wrong.

Sharpening your procedural skills... "being able to do it in your sleep"... will not only help you ace your check-ride but will allow you to reach proficiency in less time with greater efficiency.

Good use of checklists, familiarity with your aircraft and excellent CRM will make you a much better pilot.

Seattle Flight also offers a "visual" checklist for each of its aircraft online. This checklist consists of images presented in a slideshow, so that students may see pictures of the actual checklist items on their computer at home. It is a great study-aid and helps new pilots and transitioning pilots alike become more familiar with our Piper aircraft.