Below the line

[shanwen]

I have heard pilots, in a number of cockpit dvd's that I have, use the phrase ' below the line' as a check item prior to take off. What exactly are they refering to here? Engine instrument readings ?

thanks,
shanwen

[Intruder]

The Before Takeoff Checklist is divided into 2 parts by a horizontal line. The first part is done while holding short or approaching the hold-short line. The remainder, "below the line," is completed when cleared onto the runway.

[G SXTY]

That's pretty much it. "The line" simply signifies a break or pause in the checklist, which requires something to happen before we can proceed.

The Q400 after start checklist, for example, has certain items which can be completed as soon as the engines are started, and others which can only be done once the props are unfeathered, on completion of pushback. A dotted line is inserted to remind us not to run through the entire checklist as soon as we start.

[parabellum]

And a point worth remembering, when you are working through a check list, if you don't get to "the line" and are interrupted then you must go back to the beginning of that check list rather than try to carry on from the point of interruption. "The Line" is the only acceptable point of interruption from which you may continue the check list.