Aircraft Checkout Checklist Template (Free Download)
Checklists · Free template
A club checkout is the moment you decide a member is safe to take your airplane alone. If two instructors run it differently, you have two standards — and the gap is where incidents happen. A written checkout checklist makes the bar explicit and repeatable: everyone covers the same ground, the endorsement means the same thing, and you have a record if a question ever comes up.
Why standardize the checkout
Clubs live and die on shared trust in shared airplanes. A consistent checkout is how you earn it — it protects the member (they actually learned the airplane), the club (the aircraft is flown by people who know it), and the checking instructor (there's a record of what was covered).
Tailor the maneuvers and knowledge items to your aircraft and operation, but keep the structure: paperwork and currency, aircraft knowledge, preflight, ground and air maneuvers, and a clear go/no-go on the sign-off.
The template
Member & currency
- ☐Certificate & ratings verified
- ☐Current medical on file
- ☐Flight review current (within 24 calendar months)
- ☐Club membership active & dues current
- ☐Renter/club insurance requirements met
Aircraft knowledge (oral)
- ☐V-speeds and limitations
- ☐Fuel system, capacity, and management
- ☐Electrical & avionics overview
- ☐Emergency procedures (engine failure, fire, electrical)
- ☐Weight & balance for this aircraft
- ☐Performance: takeoff/landing distances, this field
Preflight & ground
- ☐Preflight inspection to club standard
- ☐Starting, taxi, run-up
- ☐Radio & avionics setup
- ☐Passenger & security brief
Flight maneuvers
- ☐Normal & crosswind takeoff and landing
- ☐Slow flight & stalls (power on/off)
- ☐Steep turns
- ☐Emergency descent / simulated engine failure
- ☐Go-around
- ☐Short & soft field (as applicable)
Sign-off
- ☐Areas requiring follow-up (if any)
- ☐Checkout result (Pass / Additional training needed)
- ☐Checking instructor (name & signature)
- ☐Date
- ☐Member (name & signature)
FlightBoard's pilot qualifications & checkouts does this in the app, shared with the whole club and current on any phone. Free for solo owners.