SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- We often hear the safety officer discuss at staff meetings a mishap where checklists weren't used. Checklists are not only required in the flying and maintenance environment, but actually apply to most of our professional and personal activities.

We're told during all phases of life what to do and how to do it. A parent, for example, might help their young child learn how to clean their room by making a list with tasks such as, "Place your toys in the basket." While simple, the basics start to become engrained in the youngster. Upon successful completion of the tasks, the parent might reward the child with ice cream or a monetary award, such as allowance. The simple feedback system may help the child to learn. The child may then remember to follow the checklist the next time the parent asks them to complete that task. In this case, the child has a written plan and direction.

As the child grows older and wiser, the parent broadens the guidelines. The child becomes a teenager and may begin to see the world from a different point of view - a world where there is no need for checklists. In reality, the teen continues to depend on checklists. School checklists detail homework assignments, sports practice times and band competitions ... all complete with schedules. Internal checklists reside within those ...What do I need to take to the band competition"? "How will I make sure I'm adequately trained for my half- marathon?" "What training plan do I need to follow?" Some teenagers might seek additional guidance from a parent, coach or teacher. With the guidance, usually provided in a step-by-step format, such as a checklist, the teenager is set on the right path. The teenager then has the tools necessary to accomplish the task at hand. The teenager is re-learning through patience, with detailed and complete direction.

Next comes graduation from high school and college and then entry into the real world. Perhaps for some, all that's been learned is quickly discarded. For others -- the successful and the eager -- nothing is thrown away. They use the path that has been learned.

The use of tools gained from lessons learned is key to a successful future on personal and professional levels. Consider entering pilot training or technical school, buying a car or boat, assembling a barbecue grill. Each requires attention to specific detail. Checklists, simple or complex, are involved in each operation to ensure success.

Checklists incorporate lessons learned. For example, running a car without engine oil will result in catastrophic damage and a very high repair bill, while simply "checking the engine oil" can prevent the damage and expense.

Flying and maintenance training involve considerable complex issues. Have you ever thought how many checklists are involved in getting an airplane off the ground, or to complete the engine change operation? How much have you learned? What's become engrained over the years? Did your predecessor adequately mentor you so that his/her lessons learned could be passed down?

Most checklists don't require an extensive period of time to complete. Checklists detail hazards that, if not precisely followed, could result in an injury or death. The majority of the notes, warnings, and cautions have been written in blood. Still, there are times when checklists are simply not used. The end result could be a Class A mishap.

Causal? The operator could be found causal for not running the "before landing gear checklist." How many times have you put the gear up, and put the gear down? Once without a checklist is a lapse in reason.

I enjoy time on the lake with the family. All want to get going quickly. There's no time to check the oil to ensure the engine's fluids are at appropriate levels. Wrong! I make it a point to do a five-minute inspection of my engine compartment every time I take the boat out. One day during my "pre-flight inspection," I noticed the outdrive gear lube reservoir was low, and fluid was collecting in the bilge compartment. Before leaving the dock, I topped off the reservoir and continuously checked the levels during the day. Had I not taken the time, had I not been patient, my beautiful day on the lake would have been ruined and resulted in a very expensive repair bill. The next day, the boat was serviced and the hair-line crack in a connector was fixed.

So, take the time, usually just a few minutes, to safely complete whatever the task at hand. Be patient; the world can wait a short time. Your family, friends and co-workers look to you to ensure success in your daily accomplishments. Complete the checklists, at work AND at home.