Checklist Usage and Verbage

[Don Grillo]

This was a recent Safety Topic at our monthly membership meeting. After flying with a number of CFI-G’s and members, it was noted that everyone reads the Checklists differently. In order to bring standardization to reading checklists see the following. This is how checklists should be read aloud.

Challenge and Response
How to read and respond to a checklist




Standardization. That is a term used in aviation which in general terms means “to bring into conformity with a standard especially in order to assure consistency and regularity.”  Checklists need to be read and responded to with the same consistency and regularity. For the student, eventually, the checklist will become second nature. However, their is a proper way to read and respond to a checklist.  In this article, I will discuss the Before Takeoff and Landing Checklists that we use at Sky Soaring.

The Expanded Before Takeoff Checklist:
AABBCCCDE

Altimeter…Check that the altimeter is set at field elevation. At Sky Soaring we use 900 feet MSL.


Airbrakes…Deploy the airbrakes fully, visually checking each wing that they are fully extended. Close and lock the airbrakes visually checking they are closed and the handle is locked.

Belts…seat belt harnesses should be on and secure for both the front and back seat occupants.  The PIC is responsible to ask the other seat occupant if his/her seat belt is on and secure.

Ballast…if installed, should be secure in its holder.

Canopy...Close and lock the canopy. Pushing up on the canopy with a closed fist will ensure the canopy is locked.

Controls…check the ailerons, elevator and rudder for free and clear movement in all directions. This is also a good time to check the trim setting.

Cable…Check the towrope for the proper towring, that it is connected and a release check has been completed, if necessary.

Direction (Wind)…Note the direction and speed of the wind. Headwind, Tailwind, Crosswind, Gusts.

Emergency (Plan)…Your emergency plan should you have a low altitude rope break or other emergency such as towplane failure. (PTT = Pre Termination of the Tow

The Expanded Before Landing Checklist:
FUSTALL

Flaps...if installed, Flaps are set in the landing configuration.

Undercarriage…Visually check the gear handle is in the gear down and locked position.

Speed…approach speed based on weight, wind/speed and wind gusts.

Trim…trim is set for the landing configuration.

Airbrakes…airbrakes are checked by deploying and then stowing.

Look…check the windsock, look for traffic on the runway and glider movement areas and in the traffic pattern.

Land…full concentration during the approach and landing noting your aim point

Challenge and Response, how the checklist should be read aloud and responded to aloud even if you are flying solo.  A good habit pattern to get into.


Before Takeoff  Checklist

ALTIMETER…..SET, 900 FEET, CHECKED
AIRBRAKES…..CHECKED, STOWED AND LOCKED
BELTS…………….ON AND SECURE

BALLAST……….NOT REQUIRED/INSTALLED AND SECURE
CANOPY………..CLOSED AND LOCKED

CONTROLS……CHECKED
CABLE…………..CONNECTED
DIRECTION……WIND DIRECTION CHECKED AND NOTED
EMERGENCY…BELOW 200 FEET STRAIGHT AHEAD, 200-400 TEARDROP RIGHT/LEFT RETURN TO FIELD, ABOVE 400 MODIFIED PATTERN

ANNOUNCE….BEFORE TAKEOFF CHECKLIST COMPLETE

Before Landing Checklist

FLAPS….SET FOR LANDING/NOT INSTALLED
UNDERCARRIAGE….DOWN AND LOCKED
SPEED….___ MPH/KTS
TRIM….SET FOR LANDING

AIRBRAKES….CHECKED
LOOK…WIND DIRECTION, GROUND/RUNWAY TRAFFIC, PATTERN TRAFFIC
LAND…AIM POINT_ _…LANDING

ANNOUNCE…BEFORE LANDING CHECKLIST COMPLETE

• This topic was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by Don Grillo.

[Dennis Burke]

Can we add one more item to the Before-Landing X-list…….Radio Call.?I have been putting that item after “airbrake”, before “Lookout & Land”Then my reminder becomes “FUSTARLL” Just a thought.

[Karl Landl]

How about using CBSWIFTCBE for Controls, Ballast, Straps, Wind, Instruments, Flaps,Trim, Canopy, Brakes, Emergency procedures. Used this one all the time, is easier to remember and was never criticized by any CFI-G for using it.

Karl

On Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10:38:38 AM CDT, SSI <webmaster@skysoaring.com> wrote:

[Don Grillo]

Denny and Karl, thanks for the follow up questions. Note that the checklists in this thread are for the Sky Soaring club ships. These are standard Schweizer checklists that have been used for decades and are in all club ships. Club CFIG’s use and teach this checklist. By using a standard Challenge and Response for each checklist item, everyone on board will understand what is being checked.

Many private ship owners will create there own checklist that fits the equipment on there glider. Karls CBSWIFTCBE checkist is used by many as well.
The moral of the story, no matter what checklist you use, is it should be a Challenge and a Response related to the item being checked.

Denny, the Radio Call is one of those items that hasn’t been incorporated in the Before Takeoff and Landing checklists. It has to be mentally remembered. Usually a Preflight Radio check is done to be sure you can communicate with the towplane. The landing radio call is to announce your intention to land.

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