The past couple of EAA Chapter 1361 meetings we have discussed the use of standard operating procedures by general aviation pilots, specifically while in the traffic pattern.

Today’s AOPA eBrief Newsletter displayed the results of an informal poll of theirs on just that subject. The results, shown below, are far from conclusive.

Yes, the results show indicate that 82.4% of the respondents agree that it is best practice to use checklists and SOPs, however, that does not indicate that they same percentage actually do use them. Since there is roughly one accident a week due to aircraft running out of fuel, I doubt that checklists are being used as much as we would like them to be – or maybe the fuel thing is just an indication of poor decision-making. On the other hand, aren’t not using a checklist nor adhering to Standard Operating Procedures among those decisions?

Stay safe out there. Remember it’s not necessary to be paid to fly professionally. Flying safely and professionally is a state of mind.