Why Do Pilots Use Checklists?

Answer: They both are. The purpose of the checklist is to make sure specific items are inspected in a logical manner. For example, on the preflight you start in the cockpit of the aircraft to check for documents then continue to the exterior of the aircraft, following a path that takes you around the airplane until you end up back in the cockpit. Pro tip: If you are interrupted during the preflight inspection, back up three items on the checklist.

When there is a loss of engine power at altitude, the first thing you do is achieve best glide airspeed. The second thing is to identify the best place to land, and then you go to the emergency checklist. It is critical to establish the best glide because that airspeed gives you the most distance for the altitude you have. Best place to land could mean the difference between going down in the trees or making a deadstick landing in an empty field.  Once you have achieved the best glide and the airplane is heading toward the best place to land, that’s when you pull out the emergency checklist, verify you have done the first two things, and commence troubleshooting.