SOFIE Checks
SOFIE Checks
Join Date: Jun 2006
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I am not familiar with these, having used FREDA checks in Europe.
Can anyone tell me what they consist of
Can anyone tell me what they consist of
The only checks you need to know are in the manufacturer's Pilot Information Manual.
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Thats a bit harsh.
Its all well and good to memorise the POH but if you are jumping between types all day then a good set of generic checks makes sure you don't forget anything. It also allows you to keep your eyes out the window at a fairly important phase of flight rather then reading checks off your kneeboard.
You'll probably find that all the items in the manufacturers check lists will be covered by PUFF, SOFIE, etc, maybe not in the exact some wording or order but its all there if you have been taught them properly from the start.
As for the original point of the post, not sure about SOFIE so would be interested to hear what it stands for.
Its all well and good to memorise the POH but if you are jumping between types all day then a good set of generic checks makes sure you don't forget anything. It also allows you to keep your eyes out the window at a fairly important phase of flight rather then reading checks off your kneeboard.
You'll probably find that all the items in the manufacturers check lists will be covered by PUFF, SOFIE, etc, maybe not in the exact some wording or order but its all there if you have been taught them properly from the start.
As for the original point of the post, not sure about SOFIE so would be interested to hear what it stands for.
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Generic checklists may provide adequate coverage for similar type of aircraft and will cover things safely in most circumstances.
I do remember (some research would be required for more details etc) an ATSB report which at least inferred some critisism of a pilot who applied a generic checklist during rough running/failed engine. The generic check provided FUEL PUMP-ON but the aircraft was fitted with a switch marked OFF/LO/HI. I forget the sequence that took place but the report indicated that the less correct option was used which may have contributed to the incident.
Obviously if the worst should happen and you are doing something not in the Flight Manual, then you could be in trouble (legally and otherwise). Whether it works in practice is another thing. I guess a generic checklist combined with a mental note for the aircraft you're flying's individual needs might be a happy compromise, but again, you're not covered.
I do remember (some research would be required for more details etc) an ATSB report which at least inferred some critisism of a pilot who applied a generic checklist during rough running/failed engine. The generic check provided FUEL PUMP-ON but the aircraft was fitted with a switch marked OFF/LO/HI. I forget the sequence that took place but the report indicated that the less correct option was used which may have contributed to the incident.
Obviously if the worst should happen and you are doing something not in the Flight Manual, then you could be in trouble (legally and otherwise). Whether it works in practice is another thing. I guess a generic checklist combined with a mental note for the aircraft you're flying's individual needs might be a happy compromise, but again, you're not covered.
Join Date: Apr 2005
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One instructor I knew in England had a downwind check of My Friend Fred Had Hairy Balls MFFHHB. Which stood for Mixture -Fuel - Flaps - Harness - Hatches - Brakes. Just think of any word and most pilots can make a mnemonic out of it. Strange thing mnemonics are not used in airliners and with so many cockpit checks you would think reminders would be handy.
I am in the unfortunate position of having to remember about the longest 'commit to memory' checks around. When they get that long, mnemonics become a hinderance and it's just easier to remember checks by patterns. We might sometimes use a short nmemonic to get through a series of checks that have no logical order, or just keep stumping us. Either way, regular practice is the only sure fire method to get them fluid.
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I am in the unfortunate position of having to remember about the longest 'commit to memory' checks around. When they get that long, mnemonics become a hinderance and it's just easier to remember checks by patterns. We might sometimes use a short nmemonic to get through a series of checks that have no logical order, or just keep stumping us. Either way, regular practice is the only sure fire method to get them fluid.
R
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Bit of a fan of the old BUMFCH (pronounced bumf**k) checklist for downwind/approach checks:
Brakes
Undercarriage
Mixtures
Fuel
Carby Heat
Harnesses
AM.
Brakes
Undercarriage
Mixtures
Fuel
Carby Heat
Harnesses
AM.
Last edited by vh_ajm; 5th Nov 2006 at 04:30. Reason: grammar correction
Join Date: Sep 2006
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.......sure consult the POH on any type for an exact proceedure/explanation as far as checks go but when in an emergency or even being distracted by pax etc the old "PUFF" for Eg. will see you down safe every time. The human brain is an amazing piece of bodily engineering but it has it's limitations as far as memorizing things, just prior to taking off or landing isn't a good time to find out what those limitations are esspecially if yr hoping from one A/C type to another where type repetition isn't constant !:[)..............i've flown C150's to a LR35 & still after 26 yrs I use "PUFF" even if it's only for the U/C !
Capt Wally:-)
Capt Wally:-)
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.......sure consult the POH on any type for an exact proceedure/explanation as far as checks go but when in an emergency or even being distracted by pax etc the old "PUFF" for Eg. will see you down safe every time. The human brain is an amazing piece of bodily engineering but it has it's limitations as far as memorizing things, just prior to taking off or landing isn't a good time to find out what those limitations are esspecially if yr hoping from one A/C type to another where type repetition isn't constant !:[)..............i've flown C150's to a LR35 & still after 26 yrs I use "PUFF" even if it's only for the U/C !
Capt Wally:-)
Capt Wally:-)
I understand that written checklists are good training for budding airline pilots, etc but I generally do my runnups and checks while taxying and that can get a bit hairy if you are trying to read off a written checklist.
Piston singles and twins, I use:
Pre take-off
T-trim
M-mixture
P-pitch
F-fuel, fuel pumps
F-flaps
I-instruments
H-hatches, harnesses
C-controls
L-lookout
Lined up
Check DG - set runway heading
Lights
Transponder
Pitot heat (if required)
Pre landing
U-undercarriage
B-brakes
M-mixture
P-pitch
F-flaps
H-hatches and harnesses
L-lookoout
Short final
R-rich (mixture)
F-fine (pitch)
G-green (undercarriage lights)
Don't use a mnemonic - just learnt them!
Works for me - ain't bent one yet!
R
