There are several checklists pilots can use to mitigate risk when flying. One them is the NWKRAFT checklist. The NWKRAFT checklist is used by a pilot to preflight and ensure an adequate flight plan is in place.

NOTAMS

Notice to air missions (NOTAMS) are notices filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a route of flight or at airports or other locations within the flight path.

Weather

There are several weather factors to consider when planning a flight. A pilot should consider what the density altitude is and its effects on aircraft performance. Temperature is also important given the effects it has on altimeter readings and avoiding controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). What is the weather like at all planned airports, and how might it be forecasted to change throughout the duration of the flight? What is the wind like at all planned airports, and will it be within the aircraft’s demonstrated limits? What is the best runway to use given the wind direction? Do any of the current or forecasted weather conditions exceed your personal weather minimums?

Known ATC Delays

What airspace does the flight plan traverse? Is there any special use airspace like restricted airspace, warning areas, or prohibited areas that the flight goes near or through? Are there any MOAs or TFRs in affect? What are the times and the ceilings for all types of airspace? What are the procedures to enter the airspace? If it is class C or D airspace two-way radio communication must be established prior to entry. If it is class B airspace, you must be cleared through it and your call sign must be used. Does the aircraft have the equipment required by the airspace? Has the appropriate agency been contacted in advance to fly through the designated airspace?

Runway Lengths

What is the lengths and widths of the usable portion of the runway you plan to use? What other runways are available at the airport and are they adequate in the event of a wind change or unexpected runway closure?

Alternatives

It’s important to consider emergencies when planning a route and to plan in advance as to which airports you will alternate to in a given emergency at a given location.

Fuel Requirements

Fuel calculations should be considered and calculated for all planned airports and alternatives. How much fuel can the aircraft carry? How much of the fuel capacity is usable? Is the usable fuel enough to meet minimum fuel requirements? The FAA minimum requirement for day VFR flight is enough fuel to reach your destination and enough to fly for 30 minutes thereafter. It may be a good idea to increase your personal minimums depending on the alternatives available.

Take-off data

Pilots must make sure that they have calculated all takeoff information for all planned airports and ensure it is safe to land and take off. Keep in mind that performance information in a POH may have degraded since the aircraft was new. Other takeoff data to keep in mind are weight and balance factors. Is the aircraft close to the weight or balance limitations set forth in the POH? Is the aircraft still within the center of gravity envelope when baggage or passengers are added to the mix?

Ensuring an aircraft is airworthy is very important as a pilot. The NWKRAFT checklist serves as a useful memory aid in ensuring all environmental factors have been taken into consideration for the safe execution of a flight plan.

Commit the NWKRAFT checklist to memory. It will prove useful to you whether you simply fly recreationally on occasion, or have a career in aviation.

By Engine Sales Representative, Joshua Denton