Confirm Visually: C152 Primer vs Park Brake
Use the checklist on every flight, don't rush, and visually confirm controls – in the C152 the park brake knob can be pulled by mistake when checking the primer is locked.
1 min readKapiti Aero Club safety team
Checklists standardise procedures, minimise human error and make sure nothing is overlooked. From pre-flight to shutdown, using the checklist is not optional – it's a must.
As keen aviators, we're eager to get the aircraft started and into the sky. Rushing can lead to poor checklist use, with items skipped or not checked properly.
A known trap in the C152
A risk has been identified in the pre-landing checklist (BUMPFH) in the C152. When checking the primer is locked, if we don't also confirm visually, the park brake knob can be pulled instead. The park brake sits just above the primer and has a similar handle. The result is a landing with the park brake on.
Remember when using checklists
- Consistency – use the checklist on every flight.
- Don't rush – rushing can lead to missed items.
- Confirm visually – if an item requires you to move a control or switch, look to confirm you're selecting the right one.
Checklists are not a formality – they are a vital tool for safe operation in aviation.