On Mar 26, 10:09*am, Andy wrote:

However I have never used a written checklist, or action list, for
takeoff or landing in a glider. *The check list goes away before I get
in and does not come out again until I'm back at the trailer.

No doubt people miss required actions when under pressure, but does a
checklist help in single pilot operations? *Crews of military aircraft
and of large civil transport aircraft are required to memorize the
required response for all situations requiring immediate action. *Only
after the sequence has been executed is it confirmed by use of a
checklist. *Even routine tasks such as cockpit preparation are
performed without a check list, typically using a "flow" technique.
Only when it is all done is the the checklist used for confirmation.

I'm still capable of remembering a mnemonic action list long enough to
cover a glider pre-takeoff or landing check. *When I can't remember
the list I'll probably be too old, fatigued, dehydrated, or scared to
remember to get the checklist out.

Andy

Checklists save lives in where complex, life threatening tasks are
involved such as flying, surgery, etc. Its a proven fact. I probably
don't need a checklist either when everything is going great. But when
my assembly is interrupted, or I have to get out of the cockpit on the
flight line for some reason, or I am landing in a field, or a whole
string of seemingly small things stack up to a situation, I want my
lists. You are a very lucky man to have never forgotten to do
anything important in your flying career. I wish I could say the
same.

For those interested, check out "The Checklist Manifesto" by Atul
Gawande

Matt Jr.