Pre and Post Flight Checklists: Essential For Safe Flying
Flight checklists are an important step in a pilot’s routine. When a pilot skips, rushes, or neglects a pre and post flight checklist, they increase the risk of being unprepared in an emergency.
Although pre and post flight checklists take time to fill out, it shouldn’t be an obstacle to complete. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to use written checklists because relying on memory alone can cause them to overlook important details.
Every item on the checklist serves a purpose, and pilots should never ignore any of them. Above all, safety comes first. If something isn’t working properly, the aircraft should not take off.
Purpose
Pre and post flight checklists ensure safety and preparedness before, during, and after a flight.
Before stepping into the cockpit, pilots must check the outside of the aircraft first.
Here’s a quick rundown of a pre-flight checklist:
- Walk around the aircraft to check for overall damage, leaks, or obstructions.
- Inspect any cracks, dents, or loose panels.
- Inspect the wings, tail, and control surfaces to ensure hinges are secure and there’s no visible damage.
- All tires should be properly inflated.
- Ensure there are no hydraulic leaks from the brakes.
- Verify the correct fuel quantity and grade for the flight.
- Secure fuel caps.
- Check the propeller, engine area, and navigation/landing lights.
- Remove any tie-downs and covers.
See our Pre-flight Checklist Guide for a more detailed breakdown.
Once completed, pilots move to the cockpit. They’ll perform a series of checks before starting the engine. This allows the pilot to know if the systems are working properly and ready to go. Additionally, they should check avionics, electrical setups, fuel, and any passenger briefings.
Keep checking systems throughout takeoff and during the flight. When it’s time for landing, pilots must perform last-minute safety checks that include:
- Landing gear deployment
- Flap settings
- Speed adjustments
- Navigating landing strip
After landing the aircraft safely on the ground, post-landing checks are also required to ensure the aircraft is at the right gate, retracting flaps, and checking the brakes.
Here’s a quick rundown of a post-flight checklist:
- Turn off the ignition.
- Switch off electrical equipment such as lights and avionics.
- Check fuel and oil levels for logging or refueling.
- Set the parking brake.
- Tie down the aircraft, both wings and tail.
- Collect personal items and log aircraft time.
- Inspect exterior a final time.
Safety
Because flying comes with dangerous risks, minimizing as much human error as possible is essential. That’s why completing flight checks should always be non-negotiable. Our Aviation Checklist resource covers how standardization helps reduce risk across all types of flights. Even if a pilot’s behind schedule, they should never rush a checklist. Building a habit of prioritizing checklists keeps you and any passengers safe.
Professionalism
Being a pilot comes with various responsibilities. Professionalism is one of them. Conducting thorough pre and post flight checks are part of a pilot’s duty to those in the aircraft and others in the airspace. It reflects a pilot’s commitment to safety, discipline, and accountability. These checks ensure pilots fly with the highest level of care.
Building Safe Flying Habits
At Bravo 6 Flight Academy, our Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) teach each student pilot how to adapt checklists within regulatory guidelines, ensuring students make a good habit of filling out written checklists.
Bravo 6 CFIs explain each step of the checklist, including what to check, how to check it, and why it matters. Students regularly practice reading and following the checklists so they don’t miss any steps.
Ready to become a committed pilot? Enroll at Bravo 6 Flight Academy today and start your flight training!
