add an S to one of your checklists: S = Seatbelts
On Apr 5, 2010, at 9:22 AM, [email protected] wrote:
I've always thought that the "flow" system was best checklist system
for light aircraft allowing for their simplicity and my penchant for
keeping things simple.
I remember from pilot training days in the T-33, the before
starting engine checklist was "Left to right-Checked". Huh? That's
it to start a jet?
The method was to flow" from left to right checking to ensure all
switches and other items were in the correct position. I submit
that this would be a good system for the Ercoupe owing to its.
simplicity. Actually, some airlines use this system also, claiming
the checklist is not a "do list".
The drill: Before starting engine - Left to right (Fuel on,
primer, ignition both, master switch on). I use a simple memory jog
"1-2-3-4", or you could use an acronyms like FFIM.
The starting engine checklist is simple. After all, it's like
starting a car. Start the engine then, check OIL PRESSURE
immediately. That's only one item but a very important one.
Before taxi is another simple cockpit check, left to right,
glancing and setting appropriate items, such as Transponder
Standby, Radio on, Altimeter set, GPS on and whatever else you want
to set.
The taxi checklist could include only two items, brakes (checked
immediately as you begin to taxi and flight instruments, i.e., turn
and slip indicating left/right turn, mag compass-bowl full of fluid
no bubbles and indicating turns. BF.
The before take off checklist I like to use is MAGIC, standing for
Magnetos, Aircraft trim, Gas, Instruments (oil pressure, amps) and
Controls (free and easy, left aileron up, right down, elevator up
down and rudder left/right if you have rudder pedals).
Taking the active would be Transponder-Alt or On, Carburetor heat-
Off. CT. (I use CI because I still want to call the transponder
the IFF).
For descent, not much to do except carburetor heat on, if required,
maybe mixture rich if you have one. (I usually have carb heat on for
descent as a matter of habit).
Before landing, if you have a mixture control ensure it is set rich
and check carb heat on
After landing, not much to do here except carb heat off and
transponder standby. CT again.
I know everyone will want to add/delete items from this but this
system is workable and keeps your eyeballs looking outside while
taxiiing and while flying. In any event KISS and keep the blue on
top and green on the bottom.
Bart
