Why do the airlines enjoy such an impressive accident rate? Because, in addition to rigorous pilot recurrency training, they rely on a standardized set of cockpit procedures.

So, the first -- and easiest -- thing that we G.A. pilots can do to maximize our safety margin is to have an appropriate set of procedures available in the cockpit. Then, we have to train ourselves to use them all the time, without exception.

I've been a licensed pilot for over 10 years, and on the whole, I've been pretty appalled at what I've seen out there in terms of light-aircraft checklist quality. Single-page checklists are too distracting and difficult to read, with everything crammed onto a tiny little card, resulting in the omission of important details. POHs are too big and unwieldy to use in the cockpit, and they often ignore important items, such as verifying that the autopilot is disengaged before takeoff. And when was the last time you saw a checklist that included procedures on IFR pre-takeoff instrument checks, or an instrument approach briefing section?

That's why I created ProPilot Checklist. It's the culmination of years of experience in both flying and in creating my own personal aircraft checklists. And now, you can enjoy the same quality and standardization that I've enjoyed for a long time.

Each checklist contains all Normal Procedures, from Preflight Inspection to Shutdown. Emergency Procedures are shown on pages with color-coded borders, to help you easily locate them. Color graphics next to each Emergency item allow you to quickly find the appropriate procedure, without having to waste valuable time reading through each procedure title.

Tired of having to fumble around your POH to find performance data while planning your flight -- or worse yet, in the cockpit? I sure am. So I decided to include Short-Field Takeoff & Landing data; Time, Fuel, and Distance to Climb; Cruise Performance (% Power, True Airspeed, Fuel Burn); Range Profile; and Endurance Profile. Both VFR and IFR cross-country planning have just become a whole lot easier.

There are plenty of other useful features, too. Like Weight and Balance graphs, complete with a sample loading scenario. Illustrated Airport Signs and Markings, to help prevent runway incursions. VFR Airspace and Weather requirements. And IFR Holding and Lost Communications sections, just to name a few. What hasn't come from experience comes from a variety of other reputable sources, such as POHs, FARs, AIM, and the Instrument Procedures Handbook.

I'm certain that you'll be extremely satisfied with this product. It's a small financial investment that can pay big dividends in safety, and safety begins with a commitment on the part of each and every one of us.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our checklists. I hope you enjoy using them as much as I've enjoyed creating them, and I wish you many years of enjoyable and safe flying.

Jim Dramis, CFI, CFII
ProPilot Aviation LLC
www.ProPilotChecklist.com