Checklists Preflight Inspection Checklist Emergency Checklist Carefully study and memorize emergency checklists. Do  not try to read a checklist during an emergency; that is  for an aircraft with two- or three-person crews and at high  altitude. During an emergency, take prompt action to resolve  the problem, and when the situation permits, refer to the  balloon’s flight manual to ensure all necessary items have  been accomplished. The single most important action in an  emergency is to continue to fly the balloon and regain control  of the situation. Appendix C contains sample checklists that  may be used or modified to meet specific requirements for  a particular balloon system or flight operation.  There are two theories regarding checklists. One popular  procedure is the “call-and-response” method. One person  reads the checklist, and the pilot responds that the item is  in the proper configuration. This is rather time consuming,  and probably not appropriate for ballooning activities. At the  other extreme are large groupings of components and items  A checklist can also save time. By arranging the layout,  assembly, and inspection in a logical order, and accomplishing  more than one task at a time, duplication and wasted time  is minimized. For instance, a properly arranged preflight  checklist includes many tasks that are performed while the  fan is running, so people are not just standing around waiting  for the envelope to inflate. Also, a checklist eliminates  needless walking. Students and new pilots need checklists  because they are forming habit patterns, and need prompting  to reinforce training and confirm good habits.  6-2 The best checklist is one each pilot develops for his or her  individual balloon. A good source for checklist items is the  manufacturer of the balloon. Also, checklists from other  pilots and manufacturers may be incorporated into a personal  checklist. Remember, a checklist is a living document that  changes when modifications or additions are appropriate. Using a written checklist, the pilot should make certain that  the balloon is correctly laid out for inflation, all control  lines are attached, the fuel system is operating correctly,  maximum allowable damage limits are not exceeded, and all  components are ready for flight. The pilot is responsible for  all aspects of flight, including preflight operations.  Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and the  practical test standards (PTS) for balloon pilot certification  require the pilot to inspect the balloon by systematically  utilizing an appropriate checklist prior to each flight. Most  balloon manufacturers include a preflight inspection checklist  in the flight manual. This may be used as the basis for a  personalized preflight checklist. Each balloon manufacturer  lists maximum allowable damage with which a balloon may  fly and still be considered airworthy. Balloon pilots should  be familiar with the manufacturer’s maximum allowable  damage rules for their balloon and abide by them. to check with a casual glance to confirm that those items look  correct. Perhaps the best methodology suited for ballooning  is smaller groupings (i.e., basket, burner and fuel system,  instruments, envelope security) and using the checklist as  an outline to ensure that each item is checked. It may be  appropriate to create a habit pattern of physically touching  particular items to ensure security and proper operation.  Pilots are cautioned that a checklist is not necessarily a “to- do” list. Flight training should emphasize proper procedures  and habits, with a checklist used to confirm that tasks have  been completed.  The value of using a checklist is well known to the airlines and  the military. Regulations require air carrier pilots and military  pilots to use checklists. Also, Federal Aviation Administration  (FAA) practical tests require pilot certificate applicants to  use checklists. Checklists are effective and contribute to safe  flying because routine and familiarity breed complacency.  Like military and airline pilots, balloonists who fly every day  need a checklist to ensure nothing is omitted. For example,  professional balloon ride operators are subject to distractions  and interruptions during their preflight, layout, assembly, and  inspection. Infrequent balloon flyers, which include most  balloonists, need checklists because long periods of inactivity  create memory lapses. A typical balloonist may make only  25 to 30 flights per year or less. A checklist does not replace  proficiency, but it helps.  [Figure 6-1] $_{Figure 6-1.}$  Using a checklist.