- Not getting a full weather brief before every flight
- Rushing through a pre-flight inspection
- Doing an incomplete run up or skipping it entirely
- Multi-tasking while taxiing. (Entering the flight plan in the GPS can wait)
- Not using a checklist on each flight
- Not filing a VFR flight plan
- Not utilizing flight following
- Misuse of Special VFR
- Not using enough rudder (especially during a go-around)
- Not having a taxi diagram out while taxiing. (Wandering can be costly and dangerous)
- Planning an IFR alternative that’s too close to the destination airport. (It’s the same weather pattern)
- Not understanding installed technology. (What’s this button do?)
- Dialing the wrong frequency. (This is especially easy to do with the numbers after the “point”)
- Not asking for help earlier, before it’s too late. (Fear of declaring an emergency has caused lots of problems)
- Not briefing a departure and possible emergencies before departure. (Think about what you’ll do if you have a fire or lose an engine after takeoff)
- Not checking aircraft performance / density altitude. (Can you take off safely? Do you have a reject spot?)
- Allowing distractions in the cockpit
- Mismanaging single pilot resources. (Passengers and ATC can be a great help)
- Not monitoring instruments.
Reflect on and ponder these nineteen points. Do any of these seem familiar to you; something you are constantly or occasionally doing? Is there something that you could do to change your flight habits?
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