Use of a Checklist

In my years of flying, I have either done or instructed people that have done just about anything that can happen to a GA plane. One of the highest things that pilots don’t do or forget is the use of checklists. There is a checklist for everything. Just ask the airline guys! GA pilots, or even advanced pilots flying GA aircraft, seem to think at times they know how to do a run-up or maneuvers without a checklist. Believe me, after years of instruction I need and use the checklist.

My first airplane was a nice PA28-140 and it was instrument. I was proud of being a CFII and had my own plane and I knew it well. I operated out of a grass strip with power lines on the north end and often flew just below gross weight, not hard to do in a 140, but got to the point I thought I didn’t need the checklist because it was my plane and I had done a run up very often. One day I taxied out, did my run up, and started my takeoff. The plane lifted off, but was not climbing well and did not develop full RPMs. I was able to force it over the power lines but told the passengers we were going to have to do an off-field landing because it would not climb and we were descending. During the emergency check I discovered the mag switch on one mag and put in on both. The plane started to climb and gain altitude.

Moral of this is to always use the checklist. Don’t rush things when you are flying no matter how well you know your plane or how often you have done the run-up. This also applies for flight training; everyone that has taken an advanced rating has to use the checklist for maneuvers. Its free, you can use it confirm you have your set up correct, and things will go faster for you to get those ratings. When you fly instruments, use the checklist. Review your approach DH, go around, and frequency and things will work out every time. Instrument pilots: Can you imagine doing an approach without a plate? Or one that is for a different airport? Get the correct checklist for your plane make and model. Have fun flying and use the checklist!

Editor’s Note: Paul Van Brant is also a CFI of the Year for Minnesota.