COLOUR OF THE LEVERS IN THE COCKPIT

The location of the control levers in the cockpit may differ from glider to glider. When you fly different gliders, you will need to accustom yourself to where the control levers are, but they should always have the same colour:

Lever	Colour	Operating direction
1. Release knob	yellow	Pull to release the cable or tow rope
2. Air brake lever	blue	Pull to extend the airbrakes
3. Trim lever	green	Pull -> nose up, push -> nose down
4. Canopy locking lever	white*	As indicated by the associated placard
5. Canopy emergency jettison lever	red	As indicated by the associated placard
6. Rudder pedal adjustment lever	black	Pull to unlock the rudder pedals

Landing gear -and flap levers are also colored black (they are not shown in the illustration).

 

* ) Sometimes this lever is also used to jettison the canopy, it will then be colored white/red or completely red.

United States of America

Pre-flight checklist USA

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Controls	Move the stick side-to-side, forward and backward. Rudder pedals side-to-side and check they are correctly adjusted for full free movement.	Free and checked
Ballast	Confirm that the ballast is within limits (should be done before the flight) and securely fastened.	Within limits
Straps	Check whether the seatbelts have been fastened and tightened. Also verify that your instructor is strapped in correctly.	Fastened
Wind	Have a look at the wind sock for the direction and strength of the wind (a 15kt wind will fully extend the windsock).	From the ... strength ...
Instruments	Make sure all instruments are set correctly. Also check the instruments for cracks or broken glass. Adjust the radio frequency/volume and switch the transponder on (if applicable).	Set and checked
Flaps	Most training gliders do not have flaps (adjustable control surfaces at the trailing edge of a wing), if you do have them: check that they can move freely and that they are set for take-off.	Set / Not Applicable
Trim	Check for free movement and take-off setting (usually neutral or slightly forward).	Set
Canopy	Close the canopy and make sure it is locked securely by applying some pressure on a fixed part (not the glass or sliding window).	Closed and locked
Brakes	Fully open the airbrakes; verify whether both airbrakes are completely extended; then half-close them and check again. Now close the airbrakes and push the lever forward until they are locked. (This way we make sure they do not open during the launch).	Checked, closed and locked
Emergency plan	Mentally prepare your actions in the event of a cable break or aborted launch.	Discussed

Before every launch make sure that the area is clear and that there are no other aircraft about to cross the airspace you need for your launch.

Landing checklist USA
Before -or when entering the circuit for landing a pilot shall perform the landing checklist.

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Flaps	Set for approach and be aware of the flap setting for landing.	Set / Not Applicable
Undercarriage	Extend the landing gear and make sure it is locked.	Down and locked
Speed	Fly at a normal approach speed, consider extra airspeed on final approach as a wind correction.	......kts
Trim	Trim the aircraft for landing.	Set
Air brakes	Check for correct operation.	Checked
Landing area	Look for the windsock, other gliders, aircraft, vehicles and persons.	Clear
Land the glider	Make a radio call if required.

 

Pre-manoeuvre/aerobatic checklist USA
Before doing an exercise that comprises large speed and altitude changes, or when you are about to fly aerobatic manoeuvres, perform the checklist below. It's a good practice to run the pre-maneuvering checklist on the ground before you take off, with the checklist in the air summarizing what you've already done and an opportunity to ask: "what has changed?"

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Height	Check that you are sufficiently high above the ground to perform your exercise and get back to your airfield.	Checked
Airframe	Review the glider’s limitations: speed and loads. Re-check whether the canopy and the air brakes are still in the locked position.	Limits ...
Straps	Tighten seatbelts for the exercise.	Fastened
Security	Make sure there are no loose objects in the cockpit.	Checked
Location (ABCD)	Verify your position and make sure you have some notable landmarks. Stay clear of Airfields, Build up areas, Controlled airspace and Danger areas.	Checked
Lookout	Make some thorough lookout turns (for example two 180-degree S-turns) to make sure there is no traffic approaching you.	Sky-clear

 

Canada 

 

Pre-flight checklist Canada

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Controls	Move the stick side-to-side, forward and backward. Rudder pedals side-to-side and check they are correctly adjusted for full free movement.	Free and checked
Instruments	Make sure all instruments are set correctly. Also check the instruments for cracks or broken glass. Adjust the radio frequency/volume and switch the transponder on (if applicable).	Set and checked
Straps	Check whether the seatbelts have been fastened and tightened. Also verify that your instructor is strapped in correctly.	Fastened
Trim	Check for free movement and take-off setting (usually neutral or slightly forward).	Set
Release	Pull the cable release lever twice to verify the mechanism is working; have the glider hooked-on only after you have completed the full checklist.	Checked
Spoilers & Flaps	Fully open the airbrakes; verify whether both airbrakes are completely extended; then half-close them and check again. Now close the airbrakes and push the lever forward until they are locked. (This way we make sure they do not open during the launch). Most training gliders do not have flaps (adjustable control surfaces at the trailing edge of a wing), if you do have them: check that they can move freely and that they are set for take-off.	Checked, closed and locked
Canopy	Close the canopy and make sure it is locked securely by applying some pressure on a fixed part (not the glass or sliding window).	Closed and locked
Options	Mentally prepare your actions in the event of a cable break or aborted launch. Check windspeed and direction.	Discussed

Before every launch make sure that the area is clear and that there are no other aircraft about to cross the airspace you need for your launch.

Landing checklist Canada

Before -or when entering the circuit for landing a pilot shall perform the landing checklist.

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Straps	Tighten seatbelts for landing.	Fastened
Wheel & Water	Extend the landing gear and make sure it is locked. Jettison any water ballast (if you have it).	Down and locked, Water is out
Airspeed	Fly at a normal approach speed, consider extra airspeed on final approach as a wind correction.	......kts
Flaps	Set for approach and be aware of the flap setting for landing.	Set / Not Applicable
Traffic	Look for other gliders, aircraft, vehicles and persons.	Checked
Spoilers	Check for correct operation.	Checked

 

Pre-manoeuvre/aerobatic checklist Canada
Before doing an exercise that comprises large speed and altitude changes, or when you are about to fly aerobatic manoeuvres, perform the checklist below. It's a good practice to run the pre-maneuvering checklist on the ground before you take off, with the checklist in the air summarizing what you've already done and an opportunity to ask: "what has changed?"

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Cockpit	Make sure there are no loose objects in the cockpit and the seatbelts are fastened. Re-check whether the canopy and the air brakes are still in the locked position.	Checked
Altitude	Check that you are sufficiently high above the ground to perform your exercise and get back to your airfield.	Checked
Location (ABCD)	Verify your position and make sure you have some notable landmarks. Stay clear of Airfields, Build up areas, Controlled airspace and Danger areas.	Checked
Lookout	Make some thorough lookout turns (for example two 180-degree S-turns) to make sure there is no traffic approaching you.	Sky-clear

 

Australia 

Pre-Flight Checklist Australia

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Control Access	Seat adjustments are secure and positioned to allow for comfortable access to all flight controls, switches & knobs and the release knob.	Seat adjusted
Harness	Check whether the seatbelts have been fastened and tightened. Also verify that your instructor is strapped in correctly.	Fastened
Airbrakes & Flaps	Fully open the airbrakes; verify whether both airbrakes are completely extended; then half-close them and check again. Now close the airbrakes and push the lever forward until they are locked. (This way we make sure they do not open during the launch). Most training glider do not have flaps, if you have them, set them for take-off.	Checked, airbrakes closed and locked
Outside	Airspace and take-off path are clear. Wind strength and direction checked. Ground crew is ready.	Free and checke
Options	Note the glider’s critical speeds for the launch method and safe speed near the ground. Mentally prepare your actions in the event of a cable break or aborted launch.	Checked
Trim	Correct ballast is confirmed. Check for free movement and take-off setting (usually neutral or slightly forward).	Trim set
Instruments	Make sure all instruments are set correctly. Also check the instruments for cracks or broken glass. Adjust the radio frequency/volume and switch the transponder on (if applicable).	Instruments correct
Canopy	Close the canopy and make sure it is locked securely by applying some pressure on a fixed part (not the glass or sliding window).	Closed and locked
Carriage	Undercarriage is locked down.	Checked
Controls	Move the stick side-to-side, forward and backward. Rudder pedals side-to-side and check they are correctly adjusted for full free movement.	Checked
Cable	Now and not before, the tow rope may be hooked on using the small ring.	Hook on

Before every launch make sure that the area is clear and that there are no other aircraft about to cross the airspace you need for your launch.

Post-release & pre-landing checklist Australia

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Flaps	Set as placarded. Ensure they are not in negative setting.	Flaps set
Undercarriage	Post-launching: Undercarriage raised as placarded.. Pre-landing: Undercarriage down and locked as placarded.	Undercarriage raised Undercarriage down and locked
Speed	Set to a safe speed. Below 1000’ set to Safe speed near the ground.	…kts
Trim	Set for the selected speed in the circuit. Disposable ballast drained.	Trim set Ballast drained

 

New Zealand 

Pre-flight checklist New Zealand

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Responce (aloud)
Controls	Move the stick side-to-side, forward and backward. Rudder pedals side-to-side and check they are correctly adjusted for full free movement.	Free and checked
Ballast	Confirm that the ballast is within limits (should be done before the flight) and securely fastened.	Within limits
Straps	Check whether the seatbelts have been fastened and tightened. Also verify that your instructor is strapped in correctly.	Fastened
Instruments	Make sure all instruments are set correctly. Also check the instruments for cracks or broken glass. Adjust the radio frequency/volume and switch the transponder on (if applicable).	Set and checked
Flaps	Most training gliders do not have flaps (adjustable control surfaces at the trailing edge of a wing), if you do have them: check that they can move freely and that they are set for take-off.	Set / Not Applicable
Trim	Check for free movement and take-off setting (usually neutral or slightly forward).	Set
Brakes	Fully open the airbrakes; verify whether both airbrakes are completely extended; then half-close them and check again. Now close the airbrakes and push the lever forward until they are locked. (This way we make sure they do not open during the launch).	Checked, closed and locked
Eventualities	Mentally prepare your actions in the event of a cable break or aborted launch.	.... Discussed
Canopy	Close the canopy and make sure it is locked securely by applying some pressure on a fixed part (not the glass or sliding window).	Closed and locked

Before every launch make sure that the area is clear and that there are no other aircraft about to cross the airspace you need for your launch.

Pre-manoeuvre/aerobatic checklist New Zealand
Before doing an exercise that comprises large speed and altitude changes, or when you are about to fly aerobatic manoeuvres, perform the checklist below. It's a good practice to run the pre-maneuvering checklist on the ground before you take off, with the checklist in the air summarizing what you've already done and an opportunity to ask: "what has changed?"

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Responce (aloud)
Heigth	Check that you are sufficiently high above the ground to perform your exercise and get back to your airfield.	Checked
Airframe	Review the glider’s limitations: speed and loads. Re-check whether the canopy and the air brakes are still in the locked position.	Limits ...
Security	Tighten seatbelts for the exercise. Make sure there are no loose objects in the cockpit.	Checked
Engine	Set engine as required in a motor glider. Otherwise not applicable.	Set / Not applicable
Locality (ABCD)	Verify your position and make sure you have some notable landmarks. Stay clear of Airfields, Build up areas, Controlled airspace and Danger areas.	Checked
Lookout	Make some thorough lookout turns (for example two 180-degree S-turns) to make sure there is no traffic approaching you.	Sky-clear

 

Landing checklist New Zealand
Before or when entering the circuit for landing a pilot shall perform the landing checklist.

Item (aloud)	Action (action)	Response (aloud)
Straps	Tighten seatbelts for landing.	Fastened
Undercarriage	Extend the landing gear and make sure it is locked.	Extend the landing gear and make sure it is locked.
Flaps	Set for approach and be aware of the flap setting for landing.	Set
Brakes	Check the airbrakes for correct operation, by a brief full extension.	Checked

South Africa

Pre-flight checklist South Africa