PRE-TAKEOFF CHECK

Objective: To ensure that the student understands and complies with all items on the runup and before-takeoff checklists


Content: Runup and before-takeoff checklist items, including lights-camera-action


Equipment:
Airworthy aircraft. PTS. Runup and before-takeoff checklists


Schedule:
Ground lesson: 15 minutes
Instructor demonstration: 5 minutes
Student practice: 5 minutes each subsequent flight
Postflight feedback: 5 minutes

Instructor:
Preflight: Explain checklist items, list common errors, discuss, demonstrate checklist use
Postflight: Give feedback and suggestions.
Student:
Preflight: Attend to explanation, be an armchair pilot, answer questions
In flight: Perform new maneuver after demonstration
Postflight: Ask questions.
Completion Standards:
Pilot shows understanding of all items on the runup and before-takeoff checklists and completes them properly before every flight.

GROUND LESSON:
PRE-TAKEOFF CHECK

Review: Taxiing, passenger briefing
Objective: Understanding/compliance with all items on the runup and before-takeoff checklists
Materials: Runup and before-takeoff checklists from the POH

INTRODUCTION: Attention/motivation: (1 minute)
Why do we use checklists? It would seem to be simpler if we just learned to do everything right and then did it. We don't use checklists for driving, after all. But driving is simpler, and the price of getting distracted and not having our mixture rich, for example, could cause some small hazards. A checklist doesn't take much time, and ensures our getting it right.

DEVELOPMENT: Overview and explanation: (10 minutes)
    Explain proper positioning of the plane. Division of attention
    Using the runup and before-takeoff checklists from the given POH, instructor talks the student through each procedure, and its reason.
    Review V-speeds and takeoff checklists before taking off
    CLEAR the area: follow ATC instructions to avoid a runway incursion


Common errors: (2 minutes)
Not using the checklist, or omitting items
Attention only inside cockpit during runup
Allowing dubious operating condition
Not checking both mags

Oral evaluation/quiz and discussion questions: (3 minutes)
Q: What is the purpose of… (items from the checklists)
Q: What does Cecil B. DeMille say before takeoff roll, and why lights-camera-action?
Q: What steps take place between completion of the runup, and full-throttle for takeoff?