A designated pilot examiner watches more than stick-and-rudder skill on a private pilot checkride. Checklist use is part of what’s evaluated, and examiners notice whether an applicant uses the checklist as a real tool or just waves it around at the start of the flight.
Many applicants take the test in a 172 P, the last model of the original 172 production run before Cessna paused single-engine production in the mid-1980s.
Practicing with your own copy, at home and on every lesson, makes the checklist feel natural by the time the examiner is in the right seat. CheckMate offers its 172 P checklist in several formats, including The Aviation CheckBook flipbook.
Quick answer: CheckMate Cessna 172 P Checklist is a model-specific cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Cessna 172 P. It suits student pilots heading toward a checkride, and renters and owners of the 172 P. It’s offered as the original CheckMate, CheckMate+, the personalized CheckMate Pro, QuickMate and The Aviation CheckBook, with the CheckMate versions in Standard and Compact sizes. It supplements, not replaces, the airplane’s POH/AFM, so confirm it matches your aircraft’s exact model, year, engine and handbook before relying on it. It’s available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
Which version to choose
- CheckMate. The design that started it all, with the familiar legacy look, in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate+. Updated design language for better readability and safety, with passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download, and comes in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate Pro. A personalized version of CheckMate+. Add your tail number, name or phone number, your empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours; Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- QuickMate. A 5″ x 7″ plastic card with an abbreviated checklist for pilots who prefer minimalism. It keeps only the most critical information but retains all the V-speeds and emergency procedures from CheckMate.
- The Aviation CheckBook. A shirt-pocket flipbook with factory-type information, made for Part 141 and Part 61 schools and pilots who want a multi-page checklist without the usual bulk.
Before you fly with it
- Check it against the handbook first. Before your first flight with it, go item by item against the POH/AFM. The checklist supplements the handbook; it doesn’t replace it.
- Account for later changes. Model, year and engine are the starting point; equipment added later comes with its own supplements, so check those too.
- Use it on every lesson. Run the checklist the same way on every training flight, run-ups and before-landing checks included, so checkride day isn’t the first time you’re consistent.
- Keep it within reach. Clip it to a kneeboard or keep it in a side pocket you can reach with your belts fastened.
Pilot tip: On the checkride, say what you’re doing as you run the checklist. Examiners can’t read your mind, and a verbalized checklist shows each item was actually verified.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Cessna 172 P Checklist is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own checklist on a checkride?
Examiners want to see an appropriate checklist used properly. Make sure yours matches the airplane’s POH, and ask your instructor how your examiner prefers to see it used.
Can I fly with this instead of the POH?
No. Keep the POH/AFM and required documents in the airplane as usual. The checklist is a cockpit companion that supplements the handbook; check it against your aircraft’s model, year, engine and POH before use.
What does CheckMate+ add over the original?
Updated design language for readability and safety, plus passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It also includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download.
