Page 26 - April 23

I am sure this normal checklist of mine will raise some questions. You will notice that some rather critical information is stated. For example, the minimum idle speed for a four-blade propeller is a very critical limit to observe. Also, you may be surprised to see that the pressurization is set for landing as the last step of the “Cruise” list, not early in the “Descent” procedure.
I have a suggestion: Any step that seems strange/ unusual to you will be explained/justified by me in a future article. All you must do is email me at twcaz@ msn.com with your question(s).
Let me direct you to this article’s title: A Suggested Checklist “Cycle.” What I am trying to emphasize is that when new to the airplane and when going into or coming out of the maintenance shop, the complete, laborious, time-consuming checklist must be utilized and usually in a DOlist manner. Also, it makes sense to run complete run-up checks on deadhead legs, at least once every 25 hours or so. However, if a short, well-constructed checklist is not used for routine flights, then I fear that the chance of missing an important step is likely to be overlooked.
I will close with something I have observed hundreds of times during my King Air recurrent training flights. I will often do something “sneaky” before takeoff such as moving the pressurization switch to “Dump” or failing one engine’s oil pressure and/or temperature gauge. As
we climbed after takeoff, with the failed item very often not observed, I would suggest the pilot redo his/her After Takeoff checklist, slowly and carefully. Sadly, the item was very commonly missed again even after this methodical procedure had been completed by the trainee. I have seen pilots run their fingers right down the vertical stack of engine instruments and still not notice that one side’s oil temperature and pressure gauge had two needles sitting at zero. Folks, as I have written before, Looking is not Seeing! Use Judicious Suspicion, slow down, and really See what you Look at. Amen? Amen! KA
King Air expert Tom Clements has been flying and instructing in King Airs for over 50 years and is the author of “The King Air Book” and “The King Air Book II.” He is a Gold Seal CFI and has over 23,000 total hours with more than 15,000 in King Airs. For information on ordering his books, contact Tom direct at twcaz@msn.com. Tom is actively mentoring the instructors at King Air Academy in Phoenix.
If you have a question you’d like Tom to answer, please send it to Editor Kim Blonigen at editor@blonigen.net.
24 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
APRIL 2023