The Van’s RV-12is is a two-seat, low-wing light sport airplane, a natural fit for pilots flying under sport pilot privileges or working toward a sport pilot certificate. Its side-by-side cockpit is compact, which is part of its appeal for training and for local flying.
A checklist written for the RV-12is gives a sport pilot student a consistent flow from the first lesson. Because RV-12is airplanes can be factory-built or built from a kit, and equipment can vary, confirm the checklist matches your airplane’s POH and operating documents, which govern.
Quick answer: The CheckMate Van’s RV-12is Checklist is a cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Van’s RV-12is, the two-seat, low-wing light sport airplane. It comes as CheckMate, CheckMate+ or CheckMate Pro in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) sizes. It’s meant to supplement the airplane’s POH/AFM, not replace it, so confirm it matches your exact model, year, engine and handbook before relying on it. It’s listed on Skyfarer and available at Skyfarer Shop.
The RV-12is checklist, format by format
- CheckMate. The design that started it all, with the familiar legacy look, in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″).
- CheckMate+. An updated design aimed at better readability and safety, with passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It includes an instant low-resolution, black-and-white temporary digital download, so you have a copy to use right away. Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″).
- CheckMate Pro. A personalized 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″).
Getting the most from it
- Compare it with the POH/AFM before the first flight. Supplements for avionics, autopilots and other modifications can change procedures, so read those too. The handbook always governs.
- Match it to your airplane’s documents. Kit-built and factory-built RV-12is airplanes can differ in equipment. Read the checklist against your airplane’s POH and operating limitations before you fly with it.
- Keep it where your hand finds it. Decide where the checklist lives in flight and keep it there every time. Standard (6.5″ x 9″) and Compact (5″ x 7″) sizes give you a choice.
Checklist and handbook
Any checklist, including this one, works alongside the airplane’s POH/AFM rather than in place of it. The handbook and its supplements have the final word on procedures, speeds and limitations.
Before you rely on it, confirm it matches your airplane’s exact model, year and engine, and check it against the handbook that belongs to that airplane, including any supplements for modifications or avionics.
Pilot tip: In a compact cockpit, plan where the checklist lives before engine start so you’re not searching for it during the run-up.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Van’s RV-12is 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
Does the RV-12is checklist apply to a kit-built airplane?
It may, but equipment can differ between kit-built and factory-built airplanes. Confirm it against your airplane’s POH and operating documents, which govern.
Does this checklist replace the POH/AFM?
No. It supplements the airplane’s POH/AFM. The handbook and its supplements govern every procedure, speed and limitation, so confirm the checklist against them before you rely on it.
How is CheckMate+ different from the original CheckMate?
CheckMate+ uses an updated design aimed at better readability and safety and adds passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. The original CheckMate keeps the familiar legacy look.
What’s the difference between Standard and Compact?
Standard is 6.5″ x 9″ and Compact is 5″ x 7″. CheckMate, CheckMate+ and CheckMate Pro all come in both sizes.
