Kneeboard Acronyms

1. IMSAFE (Pilot Fitness Self-Check)

• Illness – No illness affecting performance.
• Medication – No medications impairing judgment or reaction.
• Stress – Manageable stress levels.
• Alcohol – No alcohol within 8 hours (or per regulations).
• Fatigue – Adequately rested.
• Eating – Properly nourished and hydrated.

2. PAVE (Pre-Flight Risk Assessment)

• Pilot – Assess personal fitness (cross-reference IMSAFE).
• Aircraft – Confirm airworthiness and equipment readiness.
• enVironment – Evaluate weather, terrain, and airspace.
• External Pressures – Consider time constraints or passenger expectations.

3. ARROW (Pre-Flight Documents Check)

• Airworthiness Certificate – Ensure it’s on board and valid.
• Registration – Verify aircraft registration is current.
• Radio Station License – Required for international flights (less common in U.S. VFR).
• Operating Handbook – Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or flight manual on board.
• Weight and Balance – Confirm calculations for the flight.

4. TOMATO FLAMES (Required VFR Day Equipment, per FAA 14 CFR 91.205)

• Tachometer – For each engine.
• Oil Pressure Gauge – For each engine.
• Manifold Pressure Gauge – For each altitude engine (if applicable).
• Airspeed Indicator – Functional and calibrated.
• Temperature Gauge – For liquid-cooled engines (if applicable).
• Oil Temperature Gauge – For each engine.
• Fuel Gauge – For each fuel tank.
• Landing Gear Position Indicator – For retractable gear aircraft.
• Altimeter – Set to local pressure or elevation.
• Magnetic Compass – Functional and deviation card present.
• ELT – Emergency Locator Transmitter, checked and armed.
• Seatbelts – For all occupants.

5. FLAPS (Night VFR Equipment, additional to TOMATO FLAMES, if applicable)

• Fuses – Spare fuses or circuit breakers accessible.
• Landing Light – If the flight involves hire or compensation.
• Anti-Collision Lights – Strobe or beacon lights operational.
• Position Lights – Navigation lights (red, green, white) functional.
• Source of Power – Adequate electrical power (e.g., battery or alternator).

6. SAFETY (Pre-Flight Walkaround Checklist)

• Structure – Inspect airframe for damage or defects.
• Antennae – Check for secure attachment and condition.
• Fuel – Visually confirm quantity, cap security, and no leaks.
• Engine – Check oil, belts, hoses, and propeller condition.
• Tires – Inspect for wear, cuts, and proper inflation.
• Yoke – Verify control surfaces move correctly.

7. WARTS (Pre-Takeoff Weather Check)

• Wind – Check direction and speed for runway selection.
• Altimeter – Set to current local setting.
• Runway – Confirm active runway and length suitability.
• Temperature – Note for performance calculations (e.g., density altitude).
• Sky – Assess cloud cover, visibility, and weather trends.

8. CDEF (Engine Start Checklist)

• Carb Heat – Off or cold.
• Door – Secure and latched.
• Electrical – Master switch on, check lights and avionics.
• Fuel – Selector on, pump on if required, primer as needed.

9. CIGAR (Pre-Flight Cockpit Checklist)

• Controls – Check free and correct movement of ailerons, elevator, rudder, and flaps.
• Instruments – Verify all instruments (altimeter, airspeed, etc.) are set and functioning.
• Gas – Confirm fuel quantity, selector on proper tank, and fuel pump on if required.
• Attitude – Ensure trim is set for takeoff and aircraft is balanced.
• Run-up – Perform engine run-up to check mags, carb heat, and other systems.

10. LIGHTS (Pre-Takeoff or Engine Start)

• Lights – Navigation and beacon lights on.
• Instruments – Check and set for departure.
• Gas – Fuel selector and pump as needed.
• Heater – Carb heat off, cabin heat as desired.
• Trim – Set for takeoff.
• Safety – Seatbelts, doors secure, and controls checked.

11. CRAFT (Clearance Copy for Departure, if in controlled airspace)

• Clearance – Obtain and confirm ATC clearance.
• Route – Verify assigned route or planned VFR route.
• Altitude – Confirm assigned or intended cruising altitude.
• Frequency – Note departure and en-route frequencies.
• Transponder – Set transponder code as assigned or 1200 for VFR.

12. FREDA (In-Flight Navigation Check, for cross-country)

• Fuel – Monitor quantity, switch tanks if needed.
• Radio – Check frequencies and communication status.
• Engine – Monitor gauges (oil, fuel pressure, temps).
• Direction – Confirm heading and navigation progress.
• Altitude – Verify cruising altitude and airspace compliance.

13. 3Ps (In-Flight Decision-Making Model)

• Perceive – Identify hazards (weather, terrain, etc.).
• Process – Evaluate risks and options.
• Perform – Take the safest course of action.

14. AV1ATE (In-Flight Emergency Checklist)

• Airspeed – Establish best glide or appropriate speed.
• Venue – Identify nearest airport or suitable landing site.
• 1 (One) – Select best option (e.g., runway, field).
• Anounce – Declare emergency on 121.5 MHz or ATC frequency.
• Troubleshoot – Analyze and address the issue if time permits.
• Execute – Commit to landing or resolution plan.

15. ABCDE (Alternative In-Flight Emergency Prioritization)

• Airspeed – Set to best glide or emergency speed.
• Best Landing Site – Identify nearest airport or suitable field.
• Checklist – Run emergency checklist if time permits.
• Declare – Contact ATC or 121.5 MHz with emergency.
• Execute – Commit to landing or recovery plan.

16. HALT (Pre-Landing Situational Awareness)

• Heading – Align with runway or traffic pattern.
• Altitude – Confirm pattern altitude and descent plan.
• Lights – Landing and navigation lights as needed.
• Traffic – Scan for other aircraft in the pattern.

17. CGUMPS (Pre-Landing Checklist)

• Close Flight Plan
• Gas – Fuel selector on fullest tank, fuel pump on if applicable.
• Undercarriage – Landing gear down and locked (for retractable gear aircraft).
• Mixture – Set to rich or as required for landing.
• Prop – Set propeller to high RPM (for controllable-pitch props).
• Switches – Landing lights, pitot heat, or other switches as needed.

18. FLOW (Generic Post-Landing Checklist)

• Fuel – Check fuel levels and selector.
• Lights – Verify navigation, landing, and strobe lights.
• Oil – Confirm oil pressure and temperature.
• Weather – Recheck weather conditions if continuing.

19. CHECK (Post-Landing Checklist)

• Carb Heat – Off.
• Heading – Confirm runway clear and taxi instructions.
• Electrical – Turn off unnecessary lights or systems.
• Cowl Flaps – Open if applicable.
• Kill – Shut down non-essential systems (e.g., avionics).

20. CARE (Post-Flight Shutdown Checklist)

• Controls – Secure yoke or stick, parking brake set.
• Avionics – Turn off radios and non-essential electronics.
• Radios – Confirm off to prevent battery drain.
• Engine – Mixture to idle cutoff, mags off, master switch off.