Originally Posted by
LineTroll
Currently working on my private and I'm trying to memorize my checklists. I am working on the emergency checklist right now. Anyways, the small checklists are easy enough to just muscle through in a few sittings. Once you get into the bigger lists how do you commit that stuff to memory?
I've just gone through individual scenarios at work and stuff, doing the motions, visualizing a cockpit. What's your strategies?
You are on the right path but instead of just doing the steps, think about WHY you are doing the steps. What does each step accomplish? And why are they in a specific order? Let's take this C-150 emergency checklist.
ENGINE FIRE ON THE GROUND OR IN FLIGHT
1. Fuel Valve Handle--OFF
2. Mixture--IDLE CUT-OFF
3. Communicate--Transmit MAYDAY, MAYDAY,
MAYDAY on radio frequency in use OR
emergency
frequency of 121.5, squawk 7700
4. Master switch--OFF
5. Cabin heat and air--OFF
6. Airspeed--120 MPH (If fire is not extinguished, increase
glide speed to find airspeed which will provide an
incombustible mixture.
7. Prepare for landing--see FORCED LANDING
PROCEDURE
Why do you want to turn the fuel valve handle off? You want to stop fuel from flowing to the engine fire.
Why mixture cut-off? Again, cut fuel off to the engine
Mayday to tell people you have a problem and may need help (from m'aidez..french for help me)
Squawk 7700 to show people where you are
Master Switch off to cut the electrical power (note: you lose your radio and your squawk will vanish)
Cabin heat off.. why?
Airspeed 120mph why? Certainly not best glide...
Think about the procedure and why you are doing the steps rather than just memorize them. IF you understand why you are doing something rather than just moving switches you will do much better.
Oh.. and good
luck <G>