Checklist Usage and Verbage

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    • #13392
      Don GrilloDon Grillo
      Keymaster

        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 7 months, 2 weeks ago by Don GrilloDon Grillo.
      • #13393
        Dennis BurkeDennis Burke
        Participant
          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.
        • #13394
          Karl LandlKarl Landl
          Participant
            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:

          • #13402
            Don GrilloDon Grillo
            Keymaster

              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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