Checklist C-172

Before Starting Engine

  1. BRIEF passengers
  2. Harnesses & doors SECURE
  3. Fuel selector set to BOTH, get ATIS
  4. Avionics power OFF, flaps UP
  5. Circuit breakers IN
  6. Key in ignition, brakes HELD

Starting Engine

  1. Mixture RICH
  2. Carb heat COLD
  3. Master & beacon ON
  4. Throttle 1/8" to 1/4"
  5. PRIME engine (0 to 6 times)
  6. Announce "CLEAR"
  7. Ignition START
  8. SET 800 to 1000 rpm
  9. Oil pressure CHECK

Before Taxi

  1. Check flaps UP
  2. Mixture LEANER if hot
  3. D.G. & altimeter SET
  4. Transponder STANDBY 1200
  5. CALL ground
  6. Brakes CHECK before taxiing

During Taxi

  1. Instruments CHECK

    2. D.G., compass, turn coordinator

Before Takeoff

  1. Brakes HELD
  2. Harnesses & doors SECURE
  3. Flight controls FREE & correct
  4. Flight instruments CHECK

    5. Compass, D.G., altimeter, & attitude 
  5. Primer LOCKED
  1. Trim (elevator & rudder) SET
  2. Mixture RICH
  3. Throttle 1700 rpm

    4. Carb heat CHECK for rpm drop  
    Mags CHECK 125 rpm max  
    Engine instruments CHECK  
    Alternator/ammeter CHECK  
    Suction gauge CHECK  
  4. Throttle friction ADJUST
  5. Flaps SET, call tower

On Runway (M.A.L.T.T.)

  1. Mixture
  2. Alignment
  3. Lights as req (landing light ON)
  4. Transponder on ALT 1200
  5. Time

After Takeoff

  1. Engine instruments CHECK

Engine Failure

  1. Speed 65 KIAS, pick a field
  2. Check fuel selector set to BOTH

    3. Mixture RICHEN or LEAN   
    PUMP throttle, carb heat ON   
    Magnetos CYCLE (keep on best)   
    Primer IN & locked   
  3. Radio 121.5 MAYDAY call

    4. ID, type, problem, intention, location, altitude, # pass   
  4. Transponder SQUAWK 7700
  5. Brief passengers, TIGHTEN seatbelts

If Unable Restart

  1. Fuel selector OFF
  2. Mixture IDLE CUTOFF
  3. Magnetos OFF
  4. Master OFF after full flaps
  5. Doors OPEN prior to touchdown

Descent

  1. Mixture RICH
  2. Monitor ATIS
  3. Landing light ON within 5 miles

Downwind (C.G.U.M.P.S.)

  1. Carb heat ON
  2. Gas set to BOTH
  3. Undercarriage (brakes) CHECK
  4. Mixture RICH
  5. Power SET
  6. Seat belts SECURE

After Landing

  1. CALL ground
  2. Trim (elevator & rudder) SET
  3. Flaps UP
  4. Mixture LEANER if hot
  5. Carb heat OFF
  6. Lights as req (landing light OFF)
  7. Transponder STANDBY 1200
  8. Pitot heat OFF (if applicable)

Shutdown

  1. Avionics power OFF
  2. Magneto grounding CHECK
  3. Mixture IDLE CUTOFF
  4. Magnetos OFF (take key out)
  5. Beacon and master OFF
  6. Headset OFF (if applicable)

After Parking

  1. TIE down
  2. Gust & control lock REPLACE
Close flight plan
The pilot in command is responsible for the safety of the flight.  The author and publisher of this checklist assume no responsibility.