When Do Pilots Use Checklists?

Pilots have checklists for the following: “before start,” “after start,” “before takeoff,” “cruise,” “pre–descent,” “in–range” (about 10 minutes before landing), “after landing,” “parking” and, if the airplane is finished for the day, a “termination” checklist must be completed. Checklists are fundamental to the aviation industry, the most regulated industry I know, because they virtually eliminate mistakes and oversights. In addition to mechanical checklists mounted in the cockpit, we consult plasticized checklist sheets and electronic ones displayed on airplane computer screens, as well as reference checklists for such procedures as de–icing.