Mike,

I use another memory aid in addition to GUMPS.

PUF on final, which stands for:

Prop(s) - set for go around
Undercarriage - confirm it is down and locked
Flaps - final setting for landing

This "PUF on final" check saved me from a possible gear up landing (or
at least explaining to the instructore why I missed the gear check) during
the early days of my retract flying experience. This occurred after an
instructor pulled the gear pump circuit breaker while distracting me with
something else. I did the GUMPS check on downwind, and placed the
gear handle down, the gear dropped but did not fully extend and lock,
the noise picked up, I had extra drag, and it seemed like the gear was
in fact down. However, I failed to comfirm the green lights. After turning
final and doing the "PUF on final" check, I noticed the lights were not on.

Another technique taught to prevent the above senario is to leave your
hand resting on the gear switch until the down and lock indicators are
illuminated. If you don't move your hand off the switch until you confirm
the gear is down and locked, you will be less likely to overlook confirming
the locked status.

Have fun flying Saratoga.

Ron


"Mike Granby" wrote in message
oups.com...

Landing was, of course, the hardest bit. I never
came close to fogetting the gear, as I had my instructor shouting
GUMPS! GUMPS! every ten seconds, but I did realize when we did a
straight-in approach to a controlled airport how things like that can
shorten the accident chain...