Checklists

[Marauder]

I'm in my 4th day of a two week vacation and if this is what retirement feels like, I'm ready! Along with the newly updated "honey do" list staring me in the face, I decided to upgrade my plane's checklists. I have been an avid checklist user since my days of going through a 141 school for my private.

In the older Mooney I fly, the POH checklist is, well err, dated... I created an updated version when i bought the pllane and revised it when things were added or removed from the plane. Of course, doing a number of updates over the years, you got to wonder if there is too much or not enough stuff on it. I know I got the "gotcha" items and the rest may not be needed.

When I get back to my PC, I will post mine for comment. The big change was adding verbiage after the item to be checked. Previously, the check item was on the list, but no action item. I added them back this time around.

Can any of you post your checklists so I can see if my new updates are missing anything? I'm also finding it interesting addressing the newer electronics pre-flight tasks (like databases, new experience for me).

[FloridaMan]

I've got to update mine too. I have a '67F with manual gear. I still need to update my checklists with all the emergency procedures and speeds. I found a '77 J POH that I use to supplement what isn't included in my 67F's POH, which is nothing more than a pamphlet with a couple charts that looks like it was designed for an experienced WW2 pilot who was transitioning. The J POH covers emergency procedures and I've been meaning to add a page that includes those.

Lycoming released a bulletin on change to runup procedures: http://www.lycoming.com/support/publications/service-instructions/pdfs/SI1132B.pdf

I wrote mine in outline form with bold keywords in each item. I find myself having difficulty tracking and going back and forth between the checklist and aircraft if the checklist has too little white space or is overly wordy.

The one useful checklist device I use is for when I pull onto the runway. It helps for if you find yourself being rushed. I call it the three 3s and they cover for the things that I managed to nearly miss when I first got my plane. I set the flaps when doing my runup, just in case something happened to the hydraulics I would see that they didn't come up on their own.

First set: Trim:Flaps:Fuel Selector

Second set: Fuel Pump:Lights:Transponder

Third set: Prop, Mixture, throttle.

[201er]

My checklist:

1 Put the gear down

2 Put the gear down

3 Put the gear down

I think everything else can be mended on the go.

[Marauder]

Ok, UNCLE! Is there an easy way to download a Word document to share or is it limited to photos only?

[Marauder]

The one useful checklist device I use is for when I pull onto the runway. It helps for if you find yourself being rushed. I call it the three 3s and they cover for the things that I managed to nearly miss when I first got my plane. I set the flaps when doing my runup, just in case something happened to the hydraulics I would see that they didn't come up on their own.

First set: Trim:Flaps:Fuel Selector

Second set: Fuel Pump:Lights:Transponder

Third set: Prop, Mixture, throttle.

Here is another variation of a mnemonic saying that I learned for the just before takeoff phase. It is called LIFT:

L -- Lights

I -- Instruments (heading indicator aligned with runway heading, engine instruments good)

F -- Fuel (on the fuller tank, boost pump on), Flaps

T -- Transponder, Time Off (from my old VFR days)

[Hank]

There are Takeoff and Landing checklists on my panel, backlighted and everything.

If it's possible to attach a Word doc, I have mine formatted as a pamphlet, laminated, folded in half and stapled. It's just the right size to fit my kneeboard, and is easily customized.

[Marauder]

There are Takeoff and Landing checklists on my panel, backlighted and everything.

If it's possible to attach a Word doc, I have mine formatted as a pamphlet, laminated, folded in half and stapled. It's just the right size to fit my kneeboard, and is easily customized.

Thanks Hank. I've got mine in Word format, printed them out and slid them into some Jepp approach plate covers on knee board. I was offering to put mine on the forum if someone could tell me how to get them there. Would love to see what your's look like. Trying to get a sense if I missed anything!

[Hank]

I'm not home now, but the plane is. I'll see what I can do.

I started with what's in the book, then rearranged to suit equipment and my own preferences. Pretty straightforward, but no fancy tabs or anything.

[David Mazer]

You might want to look at this site: http://freechecklists.net/ I posted my checklist there a number of years ago. I've changed mine but the one posted is a good starting point.

[WardHolbrook]

For Part 91 operators it's legal to modify your checklists to your heart’s content, just make sure that you retain the required items in some logical sequence. I’ve always modified the "normal procedures" checklists in the aircraft I fly to have a logical flow pattern. Some of the original factory checklists have you unnecessarily bouncing the cockpit as you run the checklist. Not at all "flow friendly". The purpose of using flows in conjunction with a written checklist is to simplify cockpit workload and to introduce a level of redundancy into the process - you always have two passes to check every item. It also helps you to minimize heads down time; for example, you do the “ After Takeoff Flow” as soon as possible after takeoff, but you also wait until you're out of 10,000’ or well clear of the airport terminal area (and its associated traffic) to run the After Takeoff checklist. That way you minimize the heads down time in the airspace where most VFR traffic is. Do the flow, verify with the written checklist when it's safe to do so. Two separate methods, one backs up the other. It doesn't matter whether you're flying a Mooney M20C or a G4 it all works the same and it enhances safety.

When it comes to developing the flows that work for your airplane, I recommend that you try to run from top left to bottom right, in a way that makes sense. It's also quite useful to spend some time sitting in the cockpit with the original factory checklist in front of you. It will become quite evident how to reorder things to come up with some logical checklist flows.

Keep the checklists concise and to the point. The Normal Procedures Checklist probably doesn’t need to be 9 pages long. Years ago I flew MU-2s for LifeFlight. Our two particular airplanes had been leased by the US Air Force and flown by US Air Force pilots. When we took delivery of them the Air Force checklists were still in the cockpit. What an eye-opener. I have never seen a more complicated checklist in my life! It was comprised of two of the standard issue military multi-ringed blue binders with page after page after page of "to do" items. By comparison, the MU-2 FlightSafety checklist was one 8 1/2" x 11" laminated sheet. The FlightSafety checklist was more than adequate. I had no idea what the purpose of the Air Force checklist was. As I remembered, it had every warning, caution, comment and suggestion contained in the AFM. Definitely overkill and probably a safety concern - too much heads down time required to wade through it. Take an example from Piper - most of you have probably seen or used the checklist that they silk-screened onto the sun visor in the various Piper Arrows. Short and to the point and above all, adequate.

Don’t forget to include any avionics specific pre-takeoff checks into your flows and checklist as well. You’ll want to read through your equipment supplements in your POH and incorporate any appropriate autopilot and avionics checks. Often, these checks aren’t addressed in the airframe manufacturer’s checklists and they really need to be done.

Once you've developed your checklists, save them to a file so that they can be easily modified, checklists tend to be a work in progress. Also, I've found it handy to print them on card stock and take them to the nearest Staples Office Supply. They'll laminate them for $1 per page. With a little bit of work you can end up with a very professional checklist.

[DonMuncy]

My checklist is 4 pages, made up of: Preflight, Before Start, Engine Start, Taxi, Before Take-off, Cruise, Pre-landing, Airport in sight, Final, Post landing, Shutdown.

These are listed down the length of a letter size paper, but utilize only the left half of the page. The pages are glued back to back and then laminated, so it winds up 2 pages printed on both sides, about 4 by 10 inches. I hooked them together with pieces of clear strapping tape, which acts as a hinge. Thus a "long skinny 2 page book".

This check list resides on the right side of the glareshield and one my wife's jobs is to read the appropriate checklist to me at the correct time.

I can't imagine why anyone would want to see mine, as I assume everyone has generated what they want on theirs, but I'll be glad to share if you will contact me.

[1964-M20E]

Here is a word file I found a while back on the internet and I modified it to fit the Mooney. It is a long checklist and ocassionally I review it and update it. Feel free to modify it as you see fit.

Checklist M20F.zip

[Marauder]

Here is a word file I found a while back on the internet and I modified it to fit the Mooney. It is a long checklist and ocassionally I review it and update it. Feel free to modify it as you see fit.

Thanks! How did you upload a Word doc? I can only find a photo upload option.