Definition
A standardized list of items a pilot reviews and verifies during the approach phase to confirm the airplane is properly configured and the cockpit is prepared for landing. Items typically include fuel selector position, mixture, propeller setting, landing gear (if retractable), flaps, seatbelts, and landing lights, as specified by the airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
Plain English
A short list of checks the pilot runs through before landing to make sure the airplane is set up correctly and nothing important has been forgotten.
Context Anchor
Used during the approach to landing, including practice approaches such as a 90° power-off approach.
Why Pilots Care
Completing the checklist at the proper time prevents configuration errors such as forgotten gear extension or incorrect flap settings that can lead to runway overruns or gear-up landings.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a before-landing checklist as a casual reminder list. In flying, it is an aircraft-specific safety check that must be completed before landing.
Example Sentence 1
On downwind, the pilot completed the before-landing checklist and confirmed the landing gear was down and locked.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor reminded the student to finish the before-landing checklist before turning base so all configuration items would be complete.