Chapter 11. Checklist

General

A thorough pilot will make every attempt to avoid in-flight problems prior to departure. While each aircraft will require a different specific inspection, in this section we have provided a general checklist for pre-flight preparation, inspection and in-flight contingencies.

Be prepared for systems failure. Know what to do in advance. Always plan a way out of a situation. If a borderline decision has to be made, take the safest course of action. Don't exceed your own or the aircraft's limitations. Face the fact that you are flying with what can only be called minimum equipment. If anything, including weather, equipment, or your health, is not up to par, DON'T GO.

Position survival gear so that it is readily available, but clear of controls. The best survival techniques include thorough planning, knowledge of the route, and reliable weather information. There is no room for error in trans-oceanic flight, so plan accordingly, then re-check.

Allow sufficient time for a thorough briefing, planning, and administrative details. Try to put the airplane to bed ready to go, avoiding the possibility of last minute mistakes.

Pre-Flight Preparation

The following checklist, cross-referenced to text appearing in this manual, will assist you during the preparation stages of your oceanic flight. It is not intended that this checklist address all aspects of oceanic flight preparation.

Have you obtained all the current departure, enroute arrival and topographical charts for your entire route of flight and your alternate? (Chapter 3)

Do you have an instrument rating and have you recently flown IFR? (Chapter 3)

What long range NAVAIDS are you planning to use? When did you last practice long range navigation? (Chapter 3)

What can you expect in terms of available daylight in Iceland? (Chapter 3)

Has your aircraft been thoroughly inspected by a licensed mechanic for suitability for a long, over water crossing? Do you have the necessary aircraft documents? (Chapter 3)

If your flight will transit Canadian airspace, and chances are good that it will, do you have the required Sea/Polar Survival equipment necessary to adhere to Canadian Air Regulation 540? (Chapter 3)

What is the proper format to be used when filing an oceanic flight plan? (Chapter 5)

Are you aware of the proper procedures to be used in obtaining an oceanic clearance? (Chapter 6)

What do you know of hypothermia? How can it be prevented? (Chapter 10)

What can you expect in terms of VHF radio coverage in the NAT Region? (Chapter 8)

Do you know what to include in a position report? When should a revised estimate be forwarded to ATC? (Chapter 8)

Is the selected SELCAL Code valid for the FIRs in which you are planning to fly? (Chapter 8)

If the flight is planned for FL280 or above, has the State of Registry approved the flight in MNPS Airspace through a letter of authorization or its equivalent? (Foreword, Chapter 1)

Are you fully briefed on what to expect in the way of Search and Rescue services? Do you understand the importance of an operable ELT? (Chapter 10)

Have you obtained the relevant meteorological information for your flight? (Chapter 2)

Have you checked current NOTAMs with special regard to the status of radionavigation aids and airport restrictions? (Chapter 5)

Pre-Flight Inspection

Pull the cowling and inspect for leaks and general overall condition. Inspect:

1. Fuel system and management

2. Radio equipment and condition

3. Engine condition

4. Oil pressure, temperature, and consumption

5. Instruments

Check compass on nearest runway heading to your course (on a compass rose if available within 30 days prior to departure).

1. Swing compass with radios and navigation lights ON

2. Check compass deviation with master switch off

3. Check compass deviation with VHF off

4. Check compass deviation with HF both ON and OFF

5. Check compass deviation with pilot heat ON

6. Check compass deviation with rotating beacon ON and OFF

7. Make notes on all deviations

8. Keep alternator load at 50% or less if possible

9. DO NOT assume compass card is accurate ADF may be affected by the alternator, VHF, HF, pilot he at, rotating beacon, autopilot, coastal refraction, or atmospheric conditions. Check and re-check all NAVAIDs receivers.

In-Flight Contingencies

Do not deviate from your current flight plan unless you have requested and obtained approval from the appropriate air traffic control unit, or unless an emergency situation arises which necessitates immediate action. After such emergency authority is exercised, the appropriate air traffic services unit must be notified of the action taken and that the action has been taken under emergency authority.

Make all position reports, as detailed on page 19, and report any problems to Air Traffic Control agencies as soon as possible. It is also good policy to report fuel remaining in hours and minutes when relaying position or other relevant flight information.

If you encounter difficulty, report immediately on the appropriate VHF/HF frequency or on VHF 121.5. Don't delay in this call, as it could take SAR forces up to four hours to reach your position.

Remember that commercial airline traffic over the North Atlantic is heavy. Do not hesitate to enlist the assistance of these aircraft in relaying a position or discussing a problem. The VHF frequency 131.8 MHz is for exclusive use as an air-to-air communications channel. The moral support alone may be enough to settle nerves and return the thought processes to normal.

The weather at your destination should be well above IFR minimums and forecast to remain so or improve. After 10 to 14 hours at altitude, your ability to handle marginal weather conditions may be in serious doubt. Therefore, your personal weather minimums should be well above the published minimums. Alternate airports should be chosen with the same care.

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