As Captain of the aircraft, you should be the last person to board, just before boarding you should spend a few seconds to have a last check of the aircraft and area and make sure that you are not going to look like an IDIOT!!

Caveat: this is for single pilot ops, PPL’s and flying with untrained passengers, not for twin crew, or flights with trained ground crew present (although is certainly something they should consider!).

As Captain of the aircraft, you should be the last person to board, just before boarding you should spend a few seconds to have a last check of the aircraft and area and make sure that you are not going to look like an IDIOT!! Hence the Idiot Check…

There are 2 types of pilot, those who have taken off with an unsecured helicopter and those who are going to take off with an unsecured helicopter.
WIND – strength and direction, good to know before you start up!

FOD / LOCAL DANGERS – anything to watch out for in the vicinity regarding FOD and obstructions or people?

TIE DOWNS / COVERS / “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” – all removed before flight…..

COWLS & PANELS – all closed and secure (many models of helicopter have latches that are coloured to easily show if left unlocked)

FUEL CAPS – on, secured and locked

PASSENGER DOORS – closed, secured and no seat belts hanging out!

Nobody wants to become know as John “Cowls” Smith or Jane “Fuel Caps” Doe. A quick last walk around to ensure everything is as it should be, and to stop you looking like an idiot.

As always, feel free to add items in the name of idiot prevention…