Aircraft Checklists

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OPR: CAP/DO CAP STANDARD 72-3 25 Aug 2020 Aircraft Checklists NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CIVIL AIR PATROL Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama This page intentionally left blank CAPS 72-3 25 Aug 20 1 CAP Standardized Aircraft Checklist Program To enhance aircrew standardization, as well as interoperability during responses to large- scale emergency service events and exercises, CAP has established a program for standardizing aircraft checklists at the national level. Although CAPR 70-1 still permits use of a manufacturer’s checklist in lieu of an NHQ-approved checklist, it is important to note that those checklists may not include STC required changes. In addition, manufacturer checklists will not include CAP-unique requirements. The PIC remains responsible for compliance with both STC and CAP requirements when using a manufacturer’s checklist. Checklists created by third-party vendors are not “manufacturer’s checklists” and are not approved for use. The CAP Standardized Aircraft Checklist Program consists of six major processes: Aircraft Configuration Assignment, Checklist Design, Development, Change, Approval, and Access. Each of these processes is described in the following sections. Aircraft Configuration Assignment CAP has identified common configurations within its fleet based on make, model, engine, instrumentation, navigation system, autopilot and other unique avionics. Using this approach, approximately 70 aircraft configuration groups have been established. A standardized normal procedures (NP) and emergency procedures (EP) checklist is developed and assigned to each of these configuration groups. Each checklist is named to reflect the configuration, type of checklist, and checklist version date (ex: C172P_Airplains_GPS_NP_01-Jan-20.) Using CAP’s Operational Resource Management System (ORMS) within eServices, checklists are assigned to each aircraft based on their membership in a specific configuration group. (See Figure 1.) Figure 1 - CAP Aircraft Configuration Groupings (example) CAPS 72-3 25 Aug 20 2 Design CAP has designed a standard checklist format which condenses each NP and EP down to a single page. Due to their relatively simplicity, glider procedures are contained in a single document. Attachments 1 through 3 contain sample documents showing the design of CAP standardized aircraft checklists. Beyond using the template, content guidance for CAP standardized checklists is relatively simple. First, AFM/POH content must be included and the order of steps must remain the same. If an STC has modified AFM/POH content, then those changes should be integrated into the CAP checklist. Warnings, Cautions, Notes from the AFM/POH must be called-out, but may be limited to a reference to save space. CAP-unique content is then added to each checklist in accordance with CAP/DOV guidance. Finally, each checklist must include the following note: This checklist is a guide to coordinate Pilot Operating Handbook and STC data applicable to this particular aircraft only. The applicable Pilot Operating Handbook and STC installations remain the official documentation for this aircraft. The pilot in command is responsible for complying with all items in the Pilot Operating Handbook and applicable STCs. Development CAP/DOV manages the standardized aircraft checklist program and provides templates for use when developing new checklists; however, CAP/DOV does not develop the actual checklists. Because development of CAP checklists requires access to current technical data, including the serialized AFM/POH, applicable STCs and in some cases, the aircraft logbook, this task must be performed by volunteers with access to those items. New checklists must be created in Microsoft Word format using the template provided by CAP/DOV, then submitted by the Wing Maintenance Officer to CAP/DOV for review and approval. Change As new aircraft are received, older aircraft are modified, and policies change, there will be a need to make changes to this program. The following sections describe how to request changes to the various elements of the program. Changing Assignment to an Aircraft Configuration Group As CAP aircraft undergo modifications, the checklist assigned in ORMS may no longer be appropriate. In some cases, modifications may result in the need to create a new aircraft configuration group. These requests can be made directly to CAP/DOV by emailing dov@capnhq.gov. Please include the aircraft tail number, year of manufacture, make, model, and avionics information (instrument type, nav, autopilot, and other mission systems) in the email. CAP/DOV can change an aircraft’s assignment to another configuration group or can provide template and source documents to support creation of a new configuration group/checklist if required. CAPS 72-3 25 Aug 20 3 Changing Existing Checklists Changes to existing checklists may be required due to changes in technical data or to correct existing errors. If you determine that a checklist requires changes, please email dov@capnhq.gov to request a copy of the source file (Microsoft Word) for editing. Please identify the checklist that you believe needs revision by the filename used in ORMS, an aircraft that represents that configuration (tail number, year of manufacture, make, model, and avionics information) and the reason why you believe the change is required. This will assist CAP/DOV in determining if other action is required or already in progress. Using the source file provided by CAP/DOV, create a revised checklist in Microsoft Word format. Revised checklists must be submitted by the Wing Maintenance Officer to CAP/DOV in Microsoft Word format. The email should include the revised checklist as an attachment and the body of the email should include the tail number, year of manufacture, make, model, and avionics information (instrument type, nav, autopilot, and other mission systems) of the aircraft. The approval process moves fastest when the checklist is