Pre-flight Checklist

[Mitch]

hi Guys,

Before I forget, I was talking with a couple other pilots at the Oceanside Open this weekend about pre-flight check-lists. After a bit of discussion, it became clear that people tend to develop their own set of checks over time as they have their own "learning experiences". I think it would be great to hear what other people have come up with, so we all don't have to repeat mistakes others have already made with our own first-hand accounts.

As an aside, I personally have a written pre-flight list on my flight deck. I figure if commercial pilots with thousands of flights and 10 times that many hours don't chance this critical process to memory, I certainly shouldn't.

I'll start with mine (assuming I can remember it!):

1. Reserve
2. Helmet Chin Strap
3. Carabiners
4. Harness Buckles
5. Glider layed-out and lines clear.
6. Turn: Left risers over right (for reverse launch)
7. Radio check.

I modified it a bit from what I was taught, but it's pretty minimal and only covers mechanical issues. I'm thinking of adding some checks as to my mental state as well - like checking my comfort and alertness/distraction/focus levels.

I'd love to hear any and all things people make sure to check before launching.

    Thanks, mitch

[Dan Wells]

 

Don’t forget your speed system and your flight instruments in your checklist. 

 

Another few things to keep in mind. 

 

If your helmet is on the chinstrap should always be fastened. 

Harness on or off.  Never just partially strapped in.

Never talk to anyone or allow other distractions when you are hooking in.  There is always some spectator wanting to ask you questions.  Just politely tell him to give you a minute or completely ignore him while you are getting into your harness.

 

 

Dan Wells

503 804-1077

pdx...@gmail.com

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[Stan Mordensky]

Aside from the standard double checking of leg straps are clipped, reserve pins are proper, and so forth, I pay extra attention to make sure my leg straps and speed bar are in no way tangled, crossed, or whatever with each other.

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[Alan]

From Luis Rosenkjer at Atlanta Paragliding (very slightly modified to add the LBC for my new harness):

R-123(LBC)4 BigHugeSTAR

Reserve (pins in, handle check before I get in the harness)
1 helmet buckle clipped
2 biners locked, brakes on top (mallions and lines checked while unpacking)
3 buckles; legs, buckle (waist), chest
4 corners (is my wing oriented with the 4 corners where they belong, clear of cravats?)
B for bridle (don't have one, not towing, usually...)
H for hook knife, in place, lanyard stowed
S for stirrup (now pod) and speed system, in place, connected and routed clean
T for tops, left on launch
A for airspace, is Dave Cantrell still buzzing launch? ;)
R for radio check

And..CLEAR (which I still feel weird not saying before I launch since I started as a hang glider pilot)

Every time.

[Glen Baker]

It's a bit tailored to the DAR group, but here's my personal pre-flight decision tree. For CPC use it's probably appropriate to replace "Tim" with "Dave C".

..glen

On Mon, Apr 28, 2014 at 3:15 PM, Mitch <mitch...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[David Cantrell]

Interesting PreFlight Checklist.