Use the checklist !!

USE THE CHECKLIST!

What checklists? Granted there are checklists all over the place in aviation - flight preparation, pre-flight, flight planning, inflight planning, etc.
Right now we are talking to the pilot about flying the airplane.
The manufacturer of the airplane provides the Operating Manual - perhaps called the Flight or Pilot manual- which must be carried in the airplane, along with the Airworthiness Certificate, and other documents, aircraft and Engine logbooks, Squack Sheets, et. There are reasons for these documents to be carried in the airplane: 1. The Operating manual gives us each step of the procedues for operating the airplane, including coping with emergencies, 2. The other documents relate to the airworthiness and the flyable condition of the airplane and its engine. In effect the Operating manual is the checklist, beginning with the Walkaround inspection, engine start, pre-takeoff duties, and operation of each phase of flight (takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, pre-landing and landing -followed by engine shutdown).
Why the checklist? Since we are human beings and subject to human error - mistakes - and at times are forgetful, particularly during excitement and stress. We like excitement; stress we do not want. Stress is an assidious condition that appears automatically when we exhibit uncertain action, untimely acts, and sometimes stupid mistakes. I hate to mention the number of aircraft accidents over the years caused by the pilot's failure to extend the gear prior to landing - gear extention, the most important item on the prelanding checklist.
But let's not think of accidents - rather safe flying.
FAA Part 91 General Operating Flight Rules cover the Private Pilot certificate and VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
Flying, including airplane airworthiness standards, airplane flight manual rquirements, VFR fuel requirements, VFR flight plans, and basic weather minimums - all relating to checklists of one type or another. Let's conclude that the airplane manufacturer has complied with Part 91 in providing the Operating manual for the airplane we are going to fly. It's our best checklist - in the left seat of the airplane. Let's get started. RS.