[QUOTE=Meldrew;11008225]I was taught to fly 50years ago, SEP, the “downwind” checks I learned then are firmly imprinted in my mind, I always do them,..........
Me too 50+ years now and still push an imaginary u/c down as l do the checks.
After all you never knew when one day you might be in a folding u/c aeroplane. I even still say "pitch set to fine"
Why not, even if only to be consistent, it only consumes a few seconds.