Was it me or him?

[Cary]

I'm an awful one to respond, because I tend not to use a written checklist in my own airplane (which gets a comment from the instructor everytime I have an IPC or biennial) or in other airplanes that i know well. I've even passed ATCO checkrides without using one. But that doesn't make it right, and every so often I do miss something, although so far as I know, nothing critical has ever been missed. Normally, however, I have a mental checklist that includes a right to left flow in my airplane which covers everything unless I get interrupted.

In airplanes that I'm either less familiar with or are more complicated than my hot rod 172, I do use the written checklist that the manufacturer provides.

I don't know any instructor that discourages the use of checklists. The one you encountered is the first ever. Not only would I do as you did, but I'd be inclined to visit with the chief instructor of the club, and if he wasn't receptive, visit with your local FAA designated aviation safety counselor.

Cary

 

[Kream926]

i would bring this up the the chief pilot......

thats something that cant be taken loosley. not professional at all

 

[Catbert]

What everybody else said so far.

 

[troy]

I'd consult the Safety counselor at the FSDO. Looks like he needs another ride with the feds.

 

[geardown]

I've been flying longer than I could drive, but I have NEVER shorted myself on a preflight because. Using a Checklist is PROFFESSIONAL . There is an absolute reason that Airline crews , who fly every day, use them. I can recite any checklist we have at any time drunk or sober but when I find myself with the urge to recite a checklist without actually looking at it and reading it I make a special effort to READ and DO The CHECKLIST. It is the Last opprotuninty to find a potentiel problem with your aircraft at that piont in time and probably comes from someone elses (BAD) experience. I have had plenty of near or actual emergencies after takeoff even with this attitude but I don't care to think off the risk I could have incurred by just being LAZY.

Never Except Mediocracy from Yourself or Anyone Else if You want to Survive a Career in Aviation.

 

[Say Again Over]

You did the RIGHT thing!

 

[NYCPilot]

This story almost sounds unbelieveable, although I believe you. It's amazing and I know guys like that are out there. Did you speak with the D.O. or C.P. about this instructors behavior. You definately did the right thing and hopefully taught this guy a lesson.