Cockpit check procedure

This regulation requires airlines operating under Part 121 to develop and use written cockpit checklists for each aircraft type they fly. These checklists must cover all safety-critical items that crews need to verify before starting engines, taking off, landing, and during engine or system emergencies.

The key requirement is that checklists must be comprehensive enough that pilots don't have to rely on memory alone—everything important must be written down. This standardizes procedures and reduces the risk of forgetting critical steps during normal operations or high-workload emergencies.

The approved checklists must be physically accessible in the cockpit (not locked away or difficult to reach), and flight crews are required to actually use them during operations. This ensures consistent, methodical completion of safety checks across all flights and crew members, which is fundamental to airline safety management.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*