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## Checklists 

The value of using a checklist is well known to the airlines and the military. Regulations require air carrier pilots and military pilots to use checklists. Also, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) practical tests require pilot certificate applicants to use checklists. Checklists are effective and contribute to safe flying because routine and familiarity breed complacency. Like military and airline pilots, balloonists who fly every day need a checklist to ensure nothing is omitted. For example, professional balloon ride operators are subject to distractions and interruptions during their preflight, layout, assembly, and inspection. Infrequent balloon flyers, which include most balloonists, need checklists because long periods of inactivity create memory lapses. A typical balloonist may make only 25 to 30 flights per year or less. A checklist does not replace proficiency, but it helps. [Figure 6-1] 

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A checklist can also save time. By arranging the layout, assembly, and inspection in a logical order, and accomplishing more than one task at a time, duplication and wasted time is minimized. For instance, a properly arranged preflight checklist includes many tasks that are performed while the fan is running, so people are not just standing around waiting for the envelope to inflate. Also, a checklist eliminates needless walking. Students and new pilots need checklists because they are forming habit patterns, and need prompting to reinforce training and confirm good habits. 

There are two theories regarding checklists. One popular procedure is the “call-and-response” method. One person reads the checklist, and the pilot responds that the item is in the proper configuration. This is rather time consuming, and probably not appropriate for ballooning activities. At the other extreme are large groupings of components and items 

to check with a casual glance to confirm that those items look correct. Perhaps the best methodology suited for ballooning is smaller groupings (i.e., basket, burner and fuel system, instruments, envelope security) and using the checklist as an outline to ensure that each item is checked. It may be appropriate to create a habit pattern of physically touching particular items to ensure security and proper operation. Pilots are cautioned that a checklist is not necessarily a “to- do” list. Flight training should emphasize proper procedures and habits, with a checklist used to confirm that tasks have been completed. 

## Preflight Inspection Checklist 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and the practical test standards (PTS) for balloon pilot certification require the pilot to inspect the balloon by systematically utilizing an appropriate checklist prior to each flight. Most balloon manufacturers include a preflight inspection checklist in the flight manual. This may be used as the basis for a personalized preflight checklist. Each balloon manufacturer lists maximum allowable damage with which a balloon may fly and still be considered airworthy. Balloon pilots should be familiar with the manufacturer’s maximum allowable damage rules for their balloon and abide by them. 

Using a written checklist, the pilot should make certain that the balloon is correctly laid out for inflation, all control lines are attached, the fuel system is operating correctly, maximum allowable damage limits are not exceeded, and all components are ready for flight. The pilot is responsible for all aspects of flight, including preflight operations. 

The best checklist is one each pilot develops for his or her individual balloon. A good source for checklist items is the manufacturer of the balloon. Also, checklists from other pilots and manufacturers may be incorporated into a personal checklist. Remember, a checklist is a living document that changes when modifications or additions are appropriate. 

## Emergency Checklist 

Carefully study and memorize emergency checklists. Do not try to read a checklist during an emergency; that is for an aircraft with two- or three-person crews and at high altitude. During an emergency, take prompt action to resolve the problem, and when the situation permits, refer to the balloon’s flight manual to ensure all necessary items have been accomplished. The single most important action in an emergency is to continue to fly the balloon and regain control of the situation. Appendix C contains sample checklists that may be used or modified to meet specific requirements for a particular balloon system or flight operation. 

