After reading Pprune forums and threads for a few years, I am absolutely amazed that these still deal with checklists, SOPs related to proper flaps positioning for takeoff, and this coming from eminently well qualified pilots, or from airline trainees who are fresh out of training.
xxx
I have flown the line now for 22,000+ hours, and since 1969... of which many years as instructor, in aircraft... or simulator... Yes, at times I was not very "professional" as instructor or line pilot, and failed proper use of before takeoff checks... But
one single thing saved me and maybe 500 people in the back from becoming accident statistic...
xxx
The three killers in a jet airplane...
TRIM - FLAPS - SPOILERS
Everytime I line-up on a runway for any takeoff, I crosscheck the 3 killers.
Did you do your checklists or not, does not matter...
With your three killers checked and properly set, you will get the bird off into the air...
Checklists or no checklist completed, SOPs completed or not...
Forgot transponder, you will not crash...
Landing lights ON or OFF, you will not crash...
Galley power not OFF, you will not crash...
Takeoff warning horn INOP... you will not crash...
Cabin "ready" or not, you will not crash...
xxx
In a jet plane, 3 things will kill you on takeoff...
(1) Pitch trim not set (green band)...
(2) Flaps not set (leading edge and trailing edge flaps)...
(3) Spoilers/Speedbrakes not stowed...
Applies to any jet plane, DH Comet II, to A-380, going through Learjets...
xxx
EVERY TIME I LINE UP ON A RUNWAY, I say aloud "TRIM, FLAPS, SPOILERS"...
It saved me a few times in line operations -
Once the trim was all the way nose UP, dont know why, we did set it ok initially.
A few times flaps were still all the way UP... snow and slush situation...
And in training, it saved my life a lot of times, when "rushing" things...
Remember in the old days, we did do training in airplanes, not in simulators...
Even though we completed the before takeoff checks and runway items...
Even though we completed the "abbreviated" training checklist...
I always say "3 killers - trims, flaps, spoilers" when on the runway.
xxx
Saudia does read a "before takeoff prayer" and Insh'Allah... from the Kuran...
Being catholic, I might elect to say "Jesus, Marie, Joseph"...
But for me, it is always and everytime "TRIM FLAPS SPOILERS" for my prayer.
xxx
Now please discuss your check-lists and SOPs "this and that"...
Ready for the "flak" from the XXI Century geeks who now command CRJs etc...
You make me laugh, or, actually cry... Glad to retire soon.
The next takeoff accident will be with a crew who did not read this. SORRY...
xxx
This is what I teach in classroom and simulators SOPs...
You do not do it... in my book, you fail...
In simulators, the 3 killers not verified, your training session is stopped for the day... right then...
xxx
Happy contrails