Checklists

[Doghouse]

Ah, back on the site after a few years without computer. New username, new start - feels good. Gone a bit up-market with all the smilies and stuff hasn't it?

Question: We're getting sick of pilots turning up with either no checklist or some knackered homemade thing smaller than a fag packet, so we've designed our own. Anyone know if they need to be approved by CAA if they are used for training? We're an FTO so no commercial stuff involved.

[idle stop]

So far as I am aware, no specific approval is required from the regulatory authority.
However, you must be careful that the recommended practices and procedures set out in the Flight Manual are reflected in your Checklist. Think legal liability!
If in doubt, I suggest you check with the aircraft manufacturer, or its local agents, for advice.

[Stan Evil]

If the aircraft is used for CPL skill tests or initial IRs then the checklist needs to be approved by a CAA Flight Examiner along with the whole aircraft. If the aircraft is used for multi-engine, type or instructor training then the checklist should form part of the operations manual and should therefore be approved by a CAA training standards inspector. If it's just PPL/IMC work then the PPL examiner effectively approves or rejects the checklist when he does a test. Generally speaking the checklist should have a minimum of all of the checks that are in the POH. Things like pre-takeoff and descent checks can be added to and massaged into mnemonics but, unless there's a very good reason for it, and your insurers agree, emergency drills should be exactly as is.