Use of Checklists

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach proper helicopter checklist usage according to ACS standards HI.17.B. The candidate will effectively instruct on checklist procedures, attention division techniques, memory items execution, and single-pilot resource management principles while maintaining flight safety throughout all phases of helicopter operations.

Content

Introduction to Checklist Philosophy

Checklists are the helicopter pilot’s insurance policy against human error and forgotten procedures. In helicopters, where systems failures can escalate rapidly and autorotation procedures may be required immediately, proper checklist usage becomes even more critical than in fixed-wing aircraft.

Types of Checklists in Helicopter Operations

Normal Checklists

• Pre-flight inspection checklist
• Engine start and warm-up checklist
• Pre-takeoff checklist
• Cruise checklist
• Pre-landing checklist
• Engine shutdown checklist

Emergency Checklists

• Engine failure checklist
• Tail rotor failure checklist
• Hydraulic failure checklist
• Fire in flight checklist

Memory Items vs. Checklist Items Memory items are immediate actions that must be performed from memory when reading a checklist would be unsafe or impractical. Think of memory items as your “muscle memory” responses - actions so ingrained they happen automatically during high-stress situations.

Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM) and Checklist Usage

In single-pilot helicopter operations, the pilot must balance multiple responsibilities:

• Aircraft control
• Situational awareness
• Communication
• Checklist completion

SRM principles for checklist usage:

1. Prioritization: Fly the aircraft first, then complete checklists
2. Attention division: Use visual scanning between checklist items
3. Timing: Complete checklists when workload permits
4. Verification: Cross-check instruments and systems

Risk Management in Checklist Operations

Attention Division Challenges (HI.XVII.B.R1) The primary risk in checklist usage is fixation - becoming so focused on the checklist that situational awareness suffers. Helicopter pilots must maintain the scan pattern: checklist item → flight instruments → outside scan → next checklist item.

Memory Items Execution (HI.XVII.B.R2) During emergencies like engine failures or loss of tail rotor effectiveness, immediate action memory items must be performed without hesitation. The sequence is: memory items → control the aircraft → review checklist when conditions permit.

Practical Checklist Techniques

The Flow-Do-Verify Method

1. Flow: Complete logical sequences from memory (muscle memory)
2. Do: Perform the specific actions
3. Verify: Use the checklist to confirm all items completed

Challenge-Response Method Single pilot calls out the item and response: “Mixture - Rich,” “Carburetor heat - Cold”

Silent Reading Method Read each item silently, perform the action, then move to the next item

Teaching Checklist Discipline

When instructing checklist usage, emphasize:

• Checklists are not suggestions - they’re requirements
• Never skip items or take shortcuts
• If interrupted, restart from the beginning
• Use the same checklist technique consistently

Common Checklist Errors to Address

1. Rushing through checklists - Leads to missed items
2. Performing actions before reading the item - Defeats the verification purpose
3. Skipping checklists during high workload - When you need them most
4. Not using memory items properly - Delayed response in emergencies

Schedule

Equipment

Required References:

• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• FAA-H-8083-21 Helicopter Flying Handbook
• Aircraft-specific Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
• FAA-S-ACS-29 Helicopter Instructor Practical Test Standards

Materials:

• Sample helicopter checklists (normal and emergency)
• Laminated emergency memory items card
• Helicopter cockpit poster or diagram
• Stopwatch for timing demonstrations

Visual Aids:

• Checklist technique comparison chart
• SRM attention division diagram
• Memory items flowchart

Instructor Actions

The CFI candidate will:

1. Demonstrate proper checklist technique using multiple methods (flow-do-verify, challenge-response, silent reading) while explaining the advantages of each approach

2. Simulate emergency scenarios requiring immediate action memory items, demonstrating the proper sequence: memory items → aircraft control → checklist review when conditions permit

3. Show attention division techniques by performing checklist items while maintaining visual scanning pattern and explaining the process verbally

4. Model SRM principles by prioritizing aircraft control over checklist completion and demonstrating appropriate timing for checklist usage

5. Teach common error recognition by intentionally demonstrating incorrect techniques (rushing, skipping items) then correcting with proper methods

6. Explain risk management strategies for checklist usage in various flight phases and emergency situations

Student Actions

The student will:

1. Practice different checklist techniques under instructor guidance, demonstrating understanding of when each method is appropriate

2. Perform memory items scenarios responding to simulated emergencies with immediate actions followed by checklist verification

3. Demonstrate attention division by completing checklist items while maintaining proper scan and flight path control

4. Identify checklist errors when presented with incorrect techniques by the instructor

5. Explain SRM principles as they relate to single-pilot checklist operations

6. Ask relevant questions about checklist procedures and emergency responses

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate’s performance is satisfactory when they demonstrate the ability to teach checklist usage per ACS standards HI.17.B by:

Knowledge Standards:

• Explaining appropriate checklist usage throughout all flight operations (HI.XVII.B.K1)
• Teaching the distinction between memory items and checklist items with specific examples (HI.XVII.B.K2)
• Demonstrating SRM principles applicable to single-pilot checklist operations (HI.XVII.B.K3)
• Explaining when checklist review should be deferred until safe conditions permit (HI.XVII.B.K4)

Risk Management Standards:

• Teaching proper attention division and visual scanning techniques during checklist usage (HI.XVII.B.R1)
• Demonstrating immediate action memory items execution followed by checklist review (HI.XVII.B.R2)

Skill Standards:

• Modeling effective CRM/SRM principles including appropriate checklist use, attention division, and visual scanning (HI.XVII.B.S1)
• Performing memory items correctly when checklist usage is unsafe, then reviewing the checklist once conditions permit (HI.XVII.B.S2)
• Teaching techniques are clear, accurate, and promote safety-conscious checklist discipline
• Explanations demonstrate thorough understanding of helicopter-specific checklist applications and emergency procedures