Approved checklists

Tinstafl

Tinstafl

Pre-Flight
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Tinstafl
Has anyone worked on the process to create a new, approved checklist for an aircraft requiring a type rating? I am new to part 135 operations but consensus is that for some aircraft the original checklists were designed by lawyers rather than by operators.

The weaknesses come up in terms of both the flow and organization of some checklists as well as repeated informational “fine print” that can interrupt the flow of said checklist in an operationally impactful way.

To be clear, every checklist is different and requires time and training to become fluent in its usage while becoming operationally effective and smooth.

Point being, some of the checklists kinda suck. . And there is a formal process for getting a revised checklist approved for cockpit usage.

I’m curious how much change is typically allowed, what items are typically “off limits” for revision, how much specific wording can be redesigned, and what information might have been useful when initially working on the revision drafts. I’m new (and junior) so my input will obviously be minimal but I’m curious so that any feedback I provide can still be useful.

If there’s a more appropriate forum with more part 135 folks then I’m all ears. This is the only online forum I’ve posted in. Thanks!
 
Whether you believe the "written by lawyers" myth or not, some POH checklists are downright horrible and unless, your have never upgraded anything, don't account for modifications that may be needed because of the installation of new equipment, unless your plan is to flip back and forth between the original and the AFMS for each of those new avionics and engine monitor.

I don't know how many here are in that part of the 135 world. If you don't get a relevant answer, I'd suggest trying jetcareers.com. Although there's some GA discussed there, the main membership is in the 135 and 121 worlds. I'm not sure whether you'll find anyone there who works in the OpSpec and Part 135 FOM spaces, but it's probably worth a shot.
 
True, I should have put “designed by lawyers” in quotes. Point being that lots of influences go into writing and designing checklists and the final product isn’t always that great. I’ve seen it from J3s to the current ride. I’ve always had a habit of making my own for actual usage but that’s obviously not possible now (for good reasons).

Thanks for the tips.
 
Tinstafl said:
I’m curious how much change is typically allowed, what items are typically “off limits” for revision, how much specific wording can be redesigned, and what information might have been useful when initially working on the revision drafts.
Click to expand...
I would start with the things that need to be changed, ensuring that nothing is eliminated that is a required item. I’d then be sure to incorporate changes due to mods, using verbiage from the AFMS checklists.

Then add the stupid stuff like “and altimeters” to the “flight instruments” line item if your flight department has a history of taking off with incorrect altimeter settings.
 
Tinstafl said:
Has anyone worked on the process to create a new, approved checklist for an aircraft requiring a type rating? I am new to part 135 operations but consensus is that for some aircraft the original checklists were designed by lawyers rather than by operators.

The weaknesses come up in terms of both the flow and organization of some checklists as well as repeated informational “fine print” that can interrupt the flow of said checklist in an operationally impactful way.

To be clear, every checklist is different and requires time and training to become fluent in its usage while becoming operationally effective and smooth.

Point being, some of the checklists kinda suck. . And there is a formal process for getting a revised checklist approved for cockpit usage.

I’m curious how much change is typically allowed, what items are typically “off limits” for revision, how much specific wording can be redesigned, and what information might have been useful when initially working on the revision drafts. I’m new (and junior) so my input will obviously be minimal but I’m curious so that any feedback I provide can still be useful.

If there’s a more appropriate forum with more part 135 folks then I’m all ears. This is the only online forum I’ve posted in. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Your DO and CP should have the answer to your question. It’s found in the 8900.1
 
midlifeflyer said:
Doc, does the discussion of checklists for Part 121/135 go into that much detail? I never had a reason to read through it.
Click to expand...
It does, but it also takes a bit of common sense. It will not tell someone how to write a checklist line by line, but it will give parameters to use.

An example is Dassault. If one tries to use what they publish as a checklist, it’s long and detailed. What it actually contains is the expanded checklist where all minute details can be found. The operator takes the expanded and builds his own checklist using the expanded as a guide. For instance, no need to place the part of each engine start. A before start checklist and an after start checklist is used to confirm what just happened after all 3 starts.

If something goes awry, then you have either the expanded checklist or the QRH.

For the equipment I’ve operated I have written the preflight, before start, after start, taxi, before takeoff, after takeoff, approach, before landing, after landing and shutdown on an 8X11 sheet, typically one sided.
 
Some of the guidance in the 8900.1:

….the operator’s submission conforms to, or is consistent with, the following:
• Title 14 CFR and other applicable regulations (hazardous materials (hazmat),
security, health, etc.);
• Criteria and guidance in this order;
• The operator’s OpSpecs;
• Criteria and guidance in ACs;
• Applicable Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFM), manufacturer’s operating bulletins,
and Airworthiness Directives (AD);
• Safe operating procedures;
• The operator’s Crew Resource Management (CRM) policies; and
• Flight Standardization Board (FSB) and Flight Operations Evaluation Board
(FOEB) training recommendations.
 
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