A bit of aviation history in checklist design. RAAF Publication No. 416 February 1944 Pilot's Notes for Tiger Moth Aircraft. By Command of the Air Board. Air Force Head-Quarters, Melbourne, S.C.1
Vital Actions before take off:
Elevator Trim neutral.
Throttle Friction nut tight
Mixture control right back to fully rich position.
Fuel cock fully on. Contents sufficient for flight.
Slots unlocked.
Flying controls tested for freedom of movement.
Contrast those items for simplicity with the checklist for the Cessna 172 and Cessna 150 used by one Melbourne flying school.
Trims...set for takeoff.
Throttle friction nut ...set firm
Mixture...rich
Magnetos...on both
Master...On
Primer...in and locked
Fuel...On both
Flaps...Set 0 degrees or 10 degrees for take off.
Instruments...Checked and Set.
Engine instruments...in the green
Switches...Lights etc
Controls..Full, free, correct sense
Hatches & Harness ...secure.
Note one vital check is missing in the flying school checklist. Seats...Secure. That item is listed in the manufacturers Cessna Pilot Information Manual