Aviation analysis: The checklist philosophy

When aviation first began with the Wright Brothers, checklists did not exist. However, as more intricate airplanes were made the probability of committing an error and having a fatal error expanded drastically.

One of the first airplanes to have a checklist was the Boeing B17. On the first B17 flight the plane crashed after departure all because the pilot forgot to disengage the elevator lock, not allowing him to pitch the nose up. After this event checklists were introduced, to help avoid mishaps like this one from happening.

Even after countless hours of flying experience, pilots still use checklists to guarantee that critical tasks won't be overlooked. Checklist usage is a fundamental part of flying so it is imperative to focus on this skill from day 1. Pilots who tend to neglect using checklists are inclined to turn out to be more complacent and commit more errors which could create an unsafe environment.

During flight training you will most likely receive a checklist from your flight instructor or from your school.

Checklists are normally separated into various sections.

Ranging from the ‘Normal checklist’: This section incorporates procedures that are included in day-to-day flights. (I.e. pre-flight checks, engine start, before taxi, before take-off etc.)

After this section is the ‘Emergency checklist section’: This section is used during emergency operations such as engine failure, engine or cabin fire and so on.

Following this section is the ‘Abnormal checklist section’: This section incorporates procedures for situations that do not happen too often but can still occur such as electrical issues, equipment failures, a rough running engine etc.

Some checklists also provide a ‘Supplement checklist section’ which has additional data such as V-speeds of the airplane, cruise performance charts, engine priming and more. (If this information is not provided on the checklist it most certainly will be available in the aircraft Pilot Operating Handbook, which will always be on-board the aircraft).

So why do we need to use a checklist?

- Provides a step-by-step plan for performing important tasks.

- Helps to prevent accidents and save lives.

- Improves efficiency.

The aviation industry understands an uncomfortable truth. That we humans are imperfect decision makers and have unpredictable memories. We may recognize what's ideal and we may have tremendous experience to back us up however we will consistently overlook little subtleties and miss critical steps.

Dr Atul Gawande, creator of ‘’The habit of Top Professionals: The checklist manifesto.’’ Says, ‘’ Four generations after the first aviation checklists went into use, a lesson is emerging: checklists seem able to defend anyone, even the experienced, against failure in many more tasks than we realized. They provide a kind of cognitive net. They catch mental flaws inherent in all of us- flaws of memory, attention and thoroughness. And because they do, they raise wide, unexpected possibilities.’’

The key takeaway we can gain from the aviation industry is that a detailed plan and ongoing communication are the real game changers. They have demonstrated time and time again, that having an emphasis on effective procedures like checklists can guarantee that crews are on the same page and operating at their best.