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Checklists are not for Dummies

Why don't fighter pilots learn to fly without checklists? I found the following article and found it very fitting to use when many oppose or refuse to use a checklist because they feel it is insulting their intelligence.


Why don't fighter pilots learn to fly without checklists? When I fly a Cessna 152, I know what to do, I don't need to refer to a book. Why does the Air Force let pilots cheat?



You asked why fighter pilots learn to fly with checklists, and why the Air Force lets them cheat. I think you have some misconceptions about the purpose and benefits of checklists, and how they are used by pilots of all kinds of aircraft, not just fighters.


Checklists are not a way of cheating or avoiding learning how to fly. They are a way of ensuring that pilots perform all the necessary tasks and procedures in a safe and consistent manner, especially in complex or critical situations. Checklists help pilots avoid errors, omissions, and oversights that could compromise the safety of themselves, their passengers, their aircraft, and others.


Checklists are based on the best practices and standards of the aviation industry, and are designed by experts who have extensive knowledge and experience in flying. They are also regularly updated and revised to reflect changes in technology, regulations, and lessons learned from accidents and incidents.


Checklists are not meant to replace the pilot's judgment, skill, or knowledge. They are meant to supplement them and enhance them. Pilots still need to know how to fly their aircraft, how to handle emergencies, how to communicate with air traffic control, and how to make decisions based on the situation. Checklists are simply tools that help pilots remember and verify what they need to do before, during, and after each flight.

Also checklists are especially important for fighter pilots, who fly some of the most advanced and sophisticated aircraft in the world. Fighter jets have many systems and components that need to be checked and configured properly for each mission. Fighter pilots also face many challenges and threats in their environment, such as enemy fire, weather, terrain, and fatigue. Checklists help fighter pilots ensure that they are prepared for any scenario, and that they can focus on their tactical objectives without being distracted by routine tasks.


You mentioned that you fly a Cessna 152 without using a checklist. While a Cessna 152 is a relatively simple and easy aircraft to fly compared to a fighter jet, it still has its own set of procedures and requirements that need to be followed for safe operation. For example, you need to check the fuel quantity and quality, the oil level and pressure, the tire condition and pressure, the flight controls' freedom and correctness, the instruments' accuracy and functionality, the engine's performance and temperature, the electrical system's status and voltage, the radio's frequency and volume, the navigation equipment's settings and signals, the weather conditions and forecasts, the runway length and direction, the traffic pattern and density, the emergency procedures and equipment, etc.


In our current operating environments we love the use of our TPM stations. Initially TPM was Total Predictive Maintenance a simple checklist that askes our Team Members to self-check their machines before commencing operations. Then it was determined that our Team Members could do more and TPM became Total Productive Maintenance where in addition to self-checks our Team Members were allowed to conduct minor maintenance functions like topping up fluid levels. These days I promote Total Productive Management where I have combined several different checklists to cover equipment self-checks but also how we want the work area to be left (5S) along with topping up operational supplies like forms, lubricants and tape.


Our TPM stations only need to be refreshed on a monthly basis and they also build a histogram so you can resolve common recurring issues.

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