I guess this is the case of national differences. In Canada the HASEL check ( ie one "L" for lookout ) is taught with the A for area. Personally like the original poster I can't see the point of the "aircraft" check.
The point of the HASEL check is to make sure new pilots are sure the aircraft is prepared for
any manoever. The configuration that the aircraft is set up for ( ie what flaps to set, limit speeds etc) is a manoever specific SOP. "Checks" like the HASEL should be to ensure flight safety critical items are not missed. It should not be a "how to fly" checklist.
Any aerobatic instructor that needs a mnemonic to make sure they are in a aerobatic as apposed to an non aerobatic Cessna 152 before starting a loop, needs to re think their profession
