Chaps checklist aviation

A TOMATO FLAMES

• Altimeter
• Tachometer
• Oil pressure
• Magnetic compass
• Airspeed indicator
• Temperature sensor [if liquid-cooled]
• Oil temperature [if air cooled]
• Fuel gauge
• Landing gear position [if retractable]
• Anticollision lights [if certificated after March 11, 1996]
• Manifold pressure [if turbocharged or supercharged]
• ELT [if required by 14 CFR 91.207]
• Safety belts

Day VFR Equipment + FLAPS

• Fuses [spares] or circuit breakers
• Landing light [if for hire]
• Anticollision lights
• Position lights
• Source of electricity

Day [or Night] VFR Equipment + GRAB CARD

• Generator or alternator
• Radios
• Attitude indicator
• Ball
• Clock
• Adjustable altimeter
• Rate-of-turn indicator
• Directional gyro

CIGAR

• Controls [free and correct, trim and flaps set]
• Instruments [checked and set]
• Gas [fuel level, pumps, and tank selector]
• Airplane secure, annunciators, autopilot test
• Run-up and radios

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

• Lights: ON
• Camera: Transponder set to ALT
• Action: Critical items checked

CGUMPS

• Carburetor heat: ON
• Gas: SET to the proper tank[s]
• Undercarriage: DOWN
• Mixture: SET for a go-around
• Power: AS REQUIRED
• Seatbelts and switches: ON

PUFFS

• Propellers: FORWARD
• Undercarriage: DOWN
• Flaps [Wing]: EXTENDED
• Flaps [Cowl]: CLOSED
• Seatbelts and switches: ON

The 5 C’s

• Cram: Full power [smoothly]
• Climb: Pitch for VX or VY
• Clean: Flaps and gear UP
• Cool: Cowl flaps OPEN
• Call: Make a radio call

ABCDEFG

• Airspeed: Pitch for best glide speed
• Best Landing Option: Establish and turn if necessary
• Checklists or Configure: As the situation dictates
• Declare an Emergency: Make a radio call [121.5]
• Execute an Emergency Landing: “Aviate” first
  • Fire Prevention: Fuel and electrical OFF
  • Ground Plan: Exit with safety equipment

VFR

• Vibration? None observed
• Rotation? Possible if no visible damage
• Fire? No smoke, fire, or fluid leaks

• 7500: “Hi, Jack.”
• 7600: “Can’t talk now.”
• 7700: “I’m on Fire!”

“If written it’s true. If spoken it’s magnetic.”

METARs, TAFs, and winds aloft are in reference to true north. ATIS, PIREPs, and automated weather reports are in reference to magnetic north.

3 152’s

• 3 SM visibility
• 1,000′ above clouds
• 500′ below clouds
• 2,000′ horizontally from clouds

5 F-111’s

• 5 SM visibility
• 1,000′ above clouds
• 1,000′ below clouds
• 1 SM horizontally from clouds

WEALTH [of Information]

• Weather reports and forecasts*
• Expected takeoff and landing performance
• Alternatives available*
• Length of runways to be used
• Traffic delays*
• How much fuel is required*

* = Required on flights under IFR or not in the vicinity of an airport

AV1ATE

• Annual: 12 calendar months
• VOR [IFR]: 30 days
• 100 Hour [if for hire]: 100 hours
• Altimeter and pitot-static system [IFR]: 24 calendar months
• Transponder: 24 calendar months
• ELT: 12 calendar months

ARROW

• Airworthiness Certificate
• Radio Telephone License [if international]
• Registration Certificate
• Operator’s handbook [AFM/POH]
• Weight and balance data

[MR.] GLEN P. WAHS

• General
• Limitations
• Emergency Procedures
• Normal Procedures
• Performance
• Weight and Balance/Equipment List
• Airplane and System Description
• Handling, Service, and Maintenance
• Supplements

CHAPS

• Clear the area [clearing turns]
• Heading established and noted
• Altitude established
• Position near an emergency landing area
• Set power and aircraft configuration

FEET SO 14-50

• Federal airway [1,200′ AGL up to 18,000′ MSL]
• Extension to a surface area
• En route domestic area
• Transition area [700′ or 1,000′ AGL]
• Surface area designated for an airport
• Offshore airspace area [beyond 12 NM]
• 14,500′ everywhere else

McPRAWN

• Military Operation Areas [Nonregulatory]
• Controlled Firing Areas [Nonregulatory]
• Prohibited Areas [Regulatory]
• Restricted Areas [Regulatory]
• Alert Areas [Nonregulatory]
• Warning Areas [Nonregulatory]
• National Security Areas [Nonregulatory]

MIDDLR

• Mandatory instruction
• Information
• Destination
• Direction
• Location
• Runway distance remaining

SMACFUM

• Standard day
• Most unfavorable weight [light]
• And most unfavorable CG [aft]
• Critical engine windmilling
• Flaps set for takeoff, gear UP, trim for takeoff
• Up to 5° of bank
• Maximum power on the operating engine

PAST

• P-Factor
• Accelerated slipstream
• Spiraling slipstream
• Torque

1. General
2. Limitations
3. Emergency Procedures
4. Normal Procedures
5. Performance
6. Weight and Balance/Equipment List
7. Airplane and System Description
8. Handling, Service, and Maintenance
9. Supplements
10. Optional information [e.g., Safety and Operational Tips]