Checklists

Any time this topic comes up the discussion is about the contents of
the list. This post is about the physical attributes of a glider
checklist.

No matter what items are on a checklist, it doesn't matter if you
can't find it when you need it. It doesn't matter if the type is too
small to read. It doesn't matter if you can't hold it while you fly.
If it's not convenient to use, it won't be used.

Lists with large, easy to read type are usually too large to put on a
glider panel.

The CAP K-21's I fly have checklists dangling from the right side of
the panels on parachute cord so just grabbing for the cord puts the
list in your hand. Dropping the list lets it fall against the cockpit
side between the pilots right leg and the side of the cockpit where it
is completely out of the way yet easily found again.

They are laminated in plastic so they are very durable. At just 2.5"
wide and 10" high, they are easy to hold while marking an item with
your thumb as you perform the check with the left hand. The lists use
large, high-contrast type which is easy to read in all lighting
conditions even by presbyopic seniors wearing dark sunglasses. The
pre-takeoff checklist list is on one side and the landing checklist is
on the other.

This dangling checklist is so convenient, all pilots can be seen using
it on every flight. Using it becomes so habitual it feels very
uncomfortable to fly another glider without one.