Do Microlight Pilots use Checklists?

[Bundy]

A checklist is only good while still on the ground for a trike pilot like me. Just like TS I use mine to double check myself on all pre departure checks, the PAX (if any) etc... I have a few times had to get out of the trike because I missed a check and only picked it up off my check list...that's what its for
Sometimes I forget something....I'm human, I'm not a robot...

Hasell checks and that sort of thing should be cemented in your brain. I have a very specific "mental prep" before TO and landing... especially with a PAX.On TO, I do a last call before rolling and hesitate/listen out for a few secs (just to make sure there is not a plane on short finals I somehow was not aware of ). I tell the PAX not to talk to me untill I talk to them.

On Landing, I again ask the PAX to remain quiet untill after we land (need to concentrate on radio, manoevering etc)

Everyone is different. Only so much space on your leg for checklists in a trike and most of that is taken up by routing info etc.

Use them to check yourself BEFORE departure.....then just fly the damn plane

[John.com]

Excellent post Gavin . . . . ON THE $$$$ . . . . try to remember as much as possible, then use a checklist to double check you have everything covered off.

Many thanks,

John

[John.com]

In my humble opinion all aviators should adopt THIS as their mantra: "Speed of Response is a function of Habit Strength"!

This is a well-proven and easy-to-understand concept. In essence, the MORE we are trained (may I suggest 'off a checklist') how to respond in a sequential fashion to a situation (normal or emergency), the more seamlessly, accurately and effectively one will respond to a given situation, particularly when placed under great pressure (read: when something goes pear-shaped and there is a need to think and react extremely fast)!

So, where am I heading with this?

The more we train ourselves WITH CHECKLISTS when the situation (non-crisis) allows, the more seamlessly we will react WITHOUT THE CHECKLIST when a normal or crisis situation demands it!

So, my suggestion is:
1. Build your checklists
2. Learn them
3. Practice them
4. Ditch them
5. Fly
6. Finetune and rebuild your checklists based on practical experience during pre-flight, ground and in-flight operations
7. Go back to point 2. and never stop . . . . . because we are aviators and are tasked with adopting a professional approach to what we love doing . . . . FLYING!!!


So, YES . . . . I wish to suggest that checklists for trike pilots have their place, just maybe not in our hands when flying!!

My 1/2 cents worth . . . .

Safe Flying

John

[John Boucher]

"Speed of Response is a function of Habit Strength"

Muscle Memory ....