wrote:
Sure, and in my 2000 hours in F-4s my pilot and I always used a
checklist before landing - but it was for items that needed to be setup
or checked to ensure a safe landing - not basic airmanship issues! If
I recall correctly, the pre-landing checks for the F-4 was Gear - down,
Flaps - full down, Hydraulic pressures - good, Warning lights - check,
Anti-skid - On. Nothing about speed to fly based on fuel weight, wind,
pattern, use of the speed brakes to slow down, etc. - these are part of
the landing procedure and did not need a checklist.

There was a Descent checklist that was accomplished during the initial
descent to take care of the administrative cleanup of the cockpit -
such things as fuel on internal tanks, cabin pressure, altimeter
settings, etc. that was meant to ensure the jet was configured for an
approach. Most of the glider "landing checklists" fit better in this
category - and as such should be accomplished BEFORE entering the
pattern. Used this way, they make sense. I just don't think they are
useful or appropriate while in the pattern - by then it's too late or
even counterproductive!


I am with you. I think that this obsessiveness over checklists can be
downright dangerous. Do you REALLY need a checklist that tells you to
look out of the cockpit? What are you NOT DOING while you are reading
this checklist?

I watched a guy land gear up last summer. He explained that the pattern
became crowded and he didn't have time to go down his checklist. Maybe
he needs another checklist that tells him to check the first list!

Tom Seim
DG-400
Richland, WA