Definition
The individual tasks, checks, or actions listed on a cockpit checklist that a pilot is required to perform and verify at a specific phase of flight, such as before takeoff, before landing, or in response to an abnormal condition.
Plain English
The separate things written on a checklist that the pilot needs to do or confirm one by one before moving on.
Context Anchor
Seen whenever the pilot is expected to follow a checklist, including before practicing ground reference maneuvers.
Why Pilots Care
Completing every checklist item reduces the chance of overlooking a critical step that could affect safety or aircraft performance.
Intuition Check
Do not treat checklist items as casual reminders. In aviation, they are specific actions or checks the pilot is expected to complete.
Example Sentence 1
Before turning onto the runway, the pilot completed each of the before-takeoff checklist items in order.
Example Sentence 2
After completing the before-landing checklist items, the pilot verified the fuel selector was set to both tanks.