IFR Preflight

When frost or dew is frozen on aircraft you should turn on pitot heat to confirm that it is both working and capable of melting any internal ice as water through the drain hole.

Pitot heat check (Pitot heat should be on in clouds and when outside air is within 10 degrees of freezing.)

IFR Cockpit Check

vacuum check
Pitot heat
Magnetic compass card check and set
Altimeter set and error check
VSI zeroed
Clock set with ATC time check

IFR Checks

Pitot heat
Time check
Gyro check for noise
Turn coordinator and heading indicator checked for turn
Attitude indicator checked for no turn

Taxi Checks

Light checks
Brake check
Turn coordinator check
Heading indicator check

Approach Checks

Timer
Markers
Beacons
Identifiers

Departure/Arrival/Briefings

Have an approach segment preflight checklist for each segments of the approach. Have a step by step routine so that you neither leave something out, nor will you allow something there that shouldn't be. Everything you do should be designed to leave you an escape route.

Departure Briefing

P R O C E E D
Plan Radios Organize Clearance Extra care Expedite Depart
Weather Set all Charts ATIS Taxi Readback Clear
Route Lists Copy Comply Hold
File Notes Readback

Arrival Briefing

A R R I V A L

ATIS Diagram Preset Lights Traffic Checklist Clear
Checkpoint Entry Preset Position Position Acknowledge Ground
Callup Checklist

Be honest in your appraisal of the aircraft condition, documentation, pilot proficiency, weather, and safety limits. Plan the route with proper charts, figure the alternatives, know the MEAs, oxygen demands, applicable regulations, effect of inoperative chart elements, and airport diagrams

You must tailor the generic POH list, the complex aircraft requirements, the IFR requirements and your requirements to ensure that everything necessary or desirable has been considered. This allows you to include both the necessary and nice-to-have as you consider logical. The following items are only suggested for incorporation into you checklist. Plan for at least five revisions.

In the preflight operation how often are steps retraced? What checklist? It's my plane. How many wasted motions in the start operation? What checklist? I've done this thousands of times. How often are the radio knobs turned the long way around to a frequency? You can change frequencies by counting clicks. How many times to get the ATIS?

The WARTS approach list

1. Weather
On departure, good enough to get back
2. Abnormal
Prepared to abort on takeoff
3. Runway
Which one, how long, surface condition
4. Terrain
Hills, water, best direction
5. Special Notes
Fine print, missed procedures

NATS approach briefing

1. NOTAMs
ATIS notes
2. Approach
Chart briefing point by point
date, frequencies, courses, minimums and missed
3. Terrain
MSA, which way
4. Special Notes
arrival, taxiing,

When in Need, Pop-up
A pop-up clearance is one of the most efficient ways to use the system. Properly used it is a quick solution to a flying problem. It is possible to file a pop-up through an FSS with a void time clearance but it is much easier to get it directly through the controlling radar facility. I am constantly amazed by the many instances I am flying with relatively experienced IFR pilots who have never made a Pop-up, or for that matter a tower en route. A pop-up clearance is not a 'given', ATC takes it on only as workload allows. The pilot is responsible for obstacle and terrain clearance until reaching MIA or MEA. I found it much easier to be in VFR before making my request.

POP-UP CCR
ATIS
Pitot heat / Alt Air
Nav #1 108.5
Nav #2 117.0
ADF 335
Which way_ 181
How low 440/740
How long_2:16
VDP 1:30
Missed - left to VOR
Alternate plates

Avoiding Overload
Try MARTHA as a pre-approach data base

Missed
Approach
radial-radio-route
Time
Heading
Altitude

Jeppeson Briefing Strip

Frequencies
Courses
Minimums
Missed

Checklist Waiting for Assembly
Heading
Time to Miss
FREQ-IDENT MDA
INBOUND/ALT
MISSED PROCEDURE
FAF/OM/ALT
DME APP FREQ/FIX
TIME, DH-MDA
MISSED DIRECTION
CHECK BASICS

IFR Checklist3
The very best single pilot IFR checklist is the flow checklist. Follow a logical series of checklist stops across the panel as required to set up a given flight task. The flow can be accomplished quickly from memory and even more quickly confirmed by reference to the checklist.

A - ATIS
A - Altimeter set to ATIS
H - Heading indicator set to compass
C - Com #1 on approach
C - Com #2 on tower
N - Nav #1 on approach facility
N - Nav #2 on intersection or missed
D - DME on appropriate NAVAID
A - ADF on approach frequency
T - Timer set
M - Markers on/tested
M - Missed memorized
L - Landing Checklist
G - Gas
U - Under carriage
M - Mixture as required (altitude)
P - Prop fine pitch
H - Heat (carburettor)
I - Instrument check

Fill out the check cards well before approach time. Divide the information into BASIC and SECONDARY Put the basics on the cards. Read the secondary before the approach to pick up any lose ends. Configure the aircraft. Configure the instruments especially the altimeter, heading indicator to compass and heading bug. Limit the number of memory items by selections from the post-it cards.

Teaching IFR Flight Planning

Suggestions on your IFR work. Make sure you keep a light touch on the yoke. Don't let flying the airplane be a part of the problem. Before you get in the plane walk or draw through the full flight in three or four stages.

First all the headings you will need for departure, expected and charted routes.

Second, All altitudes including step down on the approach.

Third, all the frequencies and where they will be anticipated. Practice changing frequencies on the radios so you always turn knobs the shortest way. Walk yourself through the radio selection as well. Good practice is always communicate on your #1 and preset on #2 for initial contact before rolling to #1. Flip-flops make it easier. 

Mark your charts at points where you plan to get ATIS. Practice on the phone getting the ATIS so you can copy it on the first run, no matter where you start copying. Use the phone to get more distant ATIS so you have a jump start on what to expect.

--Mark where you must report to ATC, 
--Mark where you plan to make configuration changes.

IFR Flight Planning

The preflight

Before IFR flight FAR 91.103 in addition to all available information requires ...

Pilot
Confirm personal papers of license, medical, BFR or AFR , currency passengers, night, 6, holding, tracking, instrument.
No Alcohol within past 8 hours. (I can usually tell if used within hours by student performance)

The Plane:
To be legal the aircraft must have its AROW papers. Its A & P Inspections , Airworthiness Directives (ADs) ELT check, Transponder Check, must be recorded in aircraft and engine logbooks. Static system and altimeter tested. (If inspected and approved early January 1993. Re-inspection to remain current for IFR flight required before January 31 1995.) FAR 91.411 For legal IFR flight VORs must have been checked and correctly logged within the last 30 days. FAR 91.171.

Instruments required
Airspeed Turn Altimeter Clock Attitude Directional Radio/Nav
IFR flight requires gyroscopic heading indicator.

Mnemonic

A TACADRN (elephant) An IFR ELEPHANT never forgets!

Instruments required for IFR flight.
G enerator
R adios (nav and com)
A ttitude indicator
B all - slip indicator
C lock (dash mounted)
Altimeter (Sensitive and adjustable)
R ate of turn indicator
D irectional gyro
(D) ME for above 24000 feet.

Paperwork needed onboard
Airworthiness certificate
Registration
Operating limitations (placards)
Weight and balance.

equipment check
Tach, Oil pres, manifold pres, airspeed, temp gauge, oil temp,ELT, fuel gauge, landing gear position lights, altimeter, magnetic compass, emergency equipment, safety belt/shoulder harness

VFR night - FLAPS
fuses, landing lights, anticollision lights, position lights, source of power

IFR - GRABCARD
generator/alternator, radios, attitude, ball (inclinometer), clock, altimeter, rate of turn, directional gyro

Not required equipment
The VSI is not a required IFR instrument. Do not rely on VSI for pitch information unless it is an IVSI. Dual VORs, ADF. ILS are not required nor is pitot heat

Oxygen required
Oxygen for unpressurized aircraft 1/2 hour up to 14,000; Crew above 14000' and everybody above 15000'. FAR 91.211

Instrument Competency Check
Within past six months, six approaches with holding and VOR tracking.  This rule can be circumvented by an Instrument Competency Check ride and an endorsement.

I certify that __#________ successfully completed the instrument competency check required by FAR Section 61.57 (e),(2) on (date)

Weather reports and forecasts
Forecaster tries to decide what is going to happen over a given period. You must understand what is there and how it could change. It is nice to get the expected; it is wise to expect the unexpected.

Known delays
DUAT has Flow Control Messages Menu under the Flight Planning section that shows where aircraft are being held on the ground (Gate Hold) because of traffic congestion. This most often is caused by weather requiring alternate routing. Keeping up with the weather can warn you if such may be happening en route. This is usually initiated by Centre.

NOTAMs
AFD Notams, L & D Notams
Temporary NOTAMS have 120 day life.
Notices to Airmen publication every two weeks. Once a NOTAM is printed it will be dropped from the FSS briefing unless a search is specially requested. If you don't have a current A/FD make the request.

Airport information

Any known traffic delays advised by ATC
Runway lengths at airports of intended use

Fuel requirements
You need enough fuel to fly to this airport, fly to an alternate and fly thereafter for 45 minutes at normal cruise. FAR 91.167

Alternatives if flight cannot be completed
IFR airport of intended landing is 1500 OVC and 3 (see minimums) at planned ETA. (See uncontrolled airports)

A Preflight Checklist
Pitot heat/anti-ice
Positive check is only by feel
Taxiing
AI, TC, HI

Pre-takeoff
Pitot heat/anti-ice (A preventative not removal)
X-ponder
Radios(7)
AI, HI
Actual conditions
Pitot Heat
Vacuum Switch

Instrument Takeoffs (Not recommended)

Pre-takeoff

Confirm pitot heat (ventrui effect can freeze at above z-level)
Set attitude indicator for level
Confirm alternator output
On the runway
Align with runway centreline
Set HI
X-ponder and lights
Brakes on and power to 1500 (Spools up gyros)

Altitude Checklist
(PRICE)

P ressure and quantity
R egulator
I ndicator
C onnections (secure)
E mergency (what to do)

Aircraft at Cruise

on fullest
Belts
Gear
Clock set
Nav radios set
Speed

Pre-approach Checklists

ATIS
Adjust altimeter, heading gyro
Airspeed (pitch and power)
Avionics
Approach plate review
Notes review
fixes,
altitudes,
headings,
time
MDA/DH,
MAP/procedures

Pre-approach Pre-departure

Frequency/idents --Procedure or SID
Course and altitude --Heading and altitude
FAF and altitude --Transponder code/on
Time and DA/MDA --Frequencies set/ident
Missed procedure

A Pre-approach Checklist

Aircraft:
Preparation Every time

Fullest tank IFR conditions
Pump --Pitot heat
Seat belts and harness --Instrument failure check
Set heading indicator --Engine check
Timer set --Systems check
Altimeter set
Gear down
Radios:
Frequencies and identified
OBS settings
ATIS
Clearance
Wind:
Direction and velocity
Time/speed estimates set
Plates:
Obstructions
Minimums
Straight-in
Circling
Restrictions
Missed approach procedure

#2
Some use AFFIRM
A - Audio Panel set up
F - Frequency - COMM
F - Frequency - NAV
I - Identify NAV settings
R - Rotate OBS
M - Magnetic Compass set DG

Lapboard Spaces
Time sheet (minutes after hour)

/ATA
Takeoff___/___
VOR ___/___
1st ___/___
2nd ___/___
etc.

5 Column Frequency Chart

Com 1|Com 2|Nav 1 OBS|Nav 2 OBS|ADF|Mkrs|

Cockpit Resource Management

Similar to good office management.
Go/no go weather,
aircraft performance,
physical condition,
pilot ability,
passenger limitations,
flight materials

Developing an IFR Checklist:
Preparation:
Emergency equipment
tools
lights
Charts and plates
VFR/IFR
Notams
Weather
Go/NoGo
Minimums
Departure/enroute/Arrival conditions
Aircraft
Papers
Maintenance
ELT according to FARs
Transponder according to FARs
Pitot/Static according to FARs
Pitot heat
VSI/alternate air
Preflight
Aircraft Performance (from manual)
Weight/balance
Range/altitudes
T/O and landing requirements
Fuel/oil
Pitot heat
Planned flight time & conditions
Training procedures:
Walk/talk through headings
Walk/talk through altitudes
Work/talk through communications frequencies
Work/talk through navigational frequencies
Times between check point estimates/actual
Set the standards of performance

Charted Items
Headings #1 #2 Missed
Altitudes #1 #2 Minimum
Time :

Required Reporting Points
Final Approach Fix
Leaving an Altitude
Failure of equipment
Unable 500fpm climb
3 minutes ETA
Missed Approach
Have traffic to follow
Required IFR Report
AIM 5-3-3 says that the "time and altitude of flight level upon reaching a holding fix or point to which cleared" should be made without ATC request. In some cases, ATC may be waiting for your report of crossing the holding fix to enter the hold before issuing a clearance to another aircraft...if you wait until you have completed an entry, or a turn in the hold, you are just screwing up the timing for someone else.

One Pilot's IFR Checklist
In range checklist
3 M's Markers/ATIS/Altimeter/D.G./VOR's
Identified & set/ADF (I would break up this list-Gene)

Minimums memorized

MAP memorized

IFR Landing Checklist
FIX
Pump
Time
Gas
Turn
Undercarriage
Throttle
Mixture
Tune
Prop
Talk
Seat Belts

Develop Your Own IFR Checklist:

Prestart:Wt & balance, fuel-range-times- Preset radios on/test, VSI, charts in order
Start: Clearance, runway, how-to,
Taxi: Attitude, heading, turn, brakes
Pretakeoff: altimeter, frequencies, OBSs, Transponder ON, time check, DG check, pitot heat, emergency list
Confirm ARROW papers for aircraft are aboard.
Confirm that ELT, static (altimeter per 91.171), transponder, annual and 100 hr inspections and tests are current. Make a
list of all airspeeds and power, flap and trim settings to get them.

Aircraft Operational Quick Reference Chart
Power settings and airspeeds for climb, cruise, cruise descent, approach & descent for ILS and non-precision. Give account of trim settings needed to get from one to the other. To fly by the numbers you must know the numbers. Control: AI and power Performance: airspeed, altimeter, TC, HI, VSI

VOR Test Record
Since VOR test records seem to get lost. Keep your own in the back of your logbook. Be sure to include type of check, frequency used, error noted both to & from for both OBS's, sign and date.

IFR Checklist2
Pre-approach check list:

1. a. Pre-landing list
---b. Heading set
-- c. Timer
2. a. ATIS
-- b. Frequencies (4)
-- c. Wind
3. a. Approach plates
-- b. Plate sequences
-- c. Memorize rounded numbers to high side.
1. MDA
2. Time to MAP
3. Missed approach
4. Approach speed point

Prepare the 6 T/s at Every Fix
1. Time
2. Turn
3. Throttle
4. Tune
5. Talk
6. Trim

Outbound:
1. Figure wind to get 2-3 minutes away from FAF inbound. Winds at CCR change direction and velocity at shoreline
2. Intercept outbound before making procedure turn.
3. Begin descent when needles start to move.

Procedure turn:
1. If equipment permits put in 10 nm procedure turn limit on #2 VOR
2. Determine pitch and power required for level and descent at constant airspeed.
3. Gear/flap extension point selection

At the FAF:
1. 6 T,s
2. Descent to MDA. Begin to include the windshield in your scan at reaching the MDA.
3. Fly the time
a. No further descent without runway in sight
b. VDP make one if not published.

Making a Visual Descent Point
1. 10% of MDA altitude as seconds.
2. Subtract from approach time
3. If runway is not in sight plan for missed approach.

Missed Approach:
1. Start the missed approach climb at any time but continue direct to missed approach point. A turn on final approach will
not have assured obstacle clearance regardless of altitude until the missed approach point.
2. Start the missed approach turn at the missed approach point regardless of altitude

Cockpit Preparation
VOR check

Every pilot should keep his own log in back of log book.
Date of check
Aircraft
Dual VOR check
What frequency
Location
Error to
Error from
Signature

The Operational Master List
Prestart VFR list +

Set clocks
Set Nav radios and OBS
Set Com frequencies for ATIS and taxi

IFR Preflight

Covers off
Static Ports clear
Alternate air check
Compass fluid
Charts, plates and frequency sequences
Vacuum check
Taxiing turns checks
Compass and HI check set
Frequencies, volumes for com and anv
Pitot heat
Airspeeds and emergency options each phase

Start VFR list +

All radios ON and set (7) in all
ADF test
Markers test
(DME)
VSI check

Taxi VFR list +
--Turn check of turn coordinator, heading indicator, and attitude indicator

Pre-takeoff list +
--Time check and verified into tape recorder
--Hood fitted

Takeoff VFR list +
--Heading check
--Time off

Climb VFR list +
--Time to climb

Cruise VFR list +
--Time to ^point

VFR^ Checklist +
6 TEEs

PRESTART CLEARANCE TAXI

Charts Limit Heading
Sequence of: Departure Turn/Bank
Headings Transition Attitude
Frequencies Altitude #1 Ident
Altitudes EFC Point/time #2 Ident
Intersections Frequency Confirm route
ATIS squawk
MDA &TIME Confirm clearance
Radios
X-ponder

IFR CHECKLISTS3:
IFR PREFLIGHT

Pitot heat
Alternate air
Lighting

CHECKPOINT FINAL APPROACH FIX

#1Com #1Nav-OBS set Time record Time
#2Com #2Nav-OBS set Heading bug Turn
ADF Altitude v Throttle
DME Airspeed v Tune
Markers Frequency v Talk
Clocks ATIS v Missed Appch v
Ident

PRE TAKEOFF

Time check
X-ponder
Heading
Ident Navs

ACTUAL CONDITIONS CHECKLIS

Pitot heat
Carburettor heat
Beacon off
Landing light off

IFR Flight Form

Course__________to ____________ Useable fuel _______gal
Altitude ft Airspeed _____Kts Fuel burn
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ = ___ Start/Taxi/Takeoff ___gal
TC + WCA TH + VAR MH + DEV CH Climb..............___gal
_______________________________________ (to______ft at___NM in___min
Depart:_______ Airport Diagram at ______rpm and _____ gph)
ATIS ______ FSS_____ Pattern alt ___
Cl D ______ (_______) Total............_____ gal
GRD ______ CTR_____
CT ______ (_______) __________________________
DEP ______
_________________________ Reserve = _______ gal
Departure time _______ Flight time
_________________________ (_______ min at _______ rpm
___Open Flight Plan __
Enroute time _______MP _____% Power
___ hr ___ min
___________________________________________________________________

Kts from CUM Total NM ETE ATE Cum NOTES Centre Fuel
GS NM Distance ETA ATA Time Notes
Leg NM
Distance
VOR _____ _____ ______ ______ ______ ______ _____
Freq
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrive ______ Airport diagram ATIS
FSS_____ ATIS _____ Pattern Alt ______
(______) CT _____
APP ____ GRD _____
(______)
---------------------
Arrival time ________
----
____CLOSE FLIGHT PLAN

IFR APPROACH LIST
IN RANGE

ATIS/obtain
Altimeter set
Last check of DH/MDA
Heading indicator set time, course
Com 1 & 2 Freq/vol
Nav 1 & 2 FReq/Vol/OBS
ADF/frq/vol
Markers/test/vol

IAF
6 T's
Clock/set
MDA/DH confirm

FAF
6T's
Clock start
Heading ind/set

Pre-landing
Gas
Undercarriage
Mixture
Prop
Safety

Other fixes
Heading to_____ From_______
altitude altitude
FAF (Final approach fix)
Heading to_____ From ______
altitude Altitude
Time

COPY CLEARANCE
_________CLD
TO THE ______________________-
M. ___________
DEP.__________
SQK __________
TIME NOW ______
EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE _______
AMENDED CLEARANCE
ATIS_____
HDG_____
M.______

Planning "Do-Lists"

For just about every phase of flight - including preflight.

Airports - Review in AFD, AOPA Diagrams, Approach plates, Departure Procedures, SIDS, STARS
Weather -
Options - (Go, NoGo, Go Elsewhere, Go another route)
Notams -
Route and altitude -

Airplane - Certified IFR for approaches, runway length, etc
Weight and Balance - .
Alternates - IFR alternate required (123 rule)? If so, which one...Plan - Plan and file...
Airways, Highways or Direct -

Especially flying IFR the NOTAMS are critical. There may be navaids that are INOP, approach minimums that have changed (FDC NOTAMs) and frequency changes. 

Briefing Checklists
Problems can be managed by anticipation of a situation's options.

Runup

Flap position
Mixture for density
Fullest tank
Trim set for climb out
Instrument/annunciator check

Pretakeoff

Abort plan
Runway options
Lift-off options
Airspeed alive
Acceleration to Vr
Instruments green

Airborne Options

Return?
Stop tires
Gear up
Climb positive
gear load ammeter

Pre-Approach (5-A's)

ATIS
Altimeter
Airspeed
Approach speed
Avionics

Crew Callouts

localizer intercept or established
Glideslope intercept or established
Six T's

Turn
Time
Twist
Throttle
Track
Talk

Altitudes to minimums
Minimums
Clock position of runway
Brake check

Approach (14 Items)

Ident approach/set volume
Set missed navaid
Course and heading bug
FAF altitude
GS altitude at FAF
Missed point/when to turn/where
DA and minimum visibility
Time
VDP math
No flags/gauges
Cockpit secure
Flaps and gear
Prop, Power and airspeed

Missed

Pitch and power
Climb rate
Flaps and gear
When to turn
Call missed

Checklist Complete, Ready!

Preflight
Aircraft
Weather
The flight plan
Filing the flight
The route, altitude, navaids
Minimums
I'm safe
Walk, talk manoeuvres
Clear area (SWAT)
Surface
Weather
Airspace
Traffic
Checklist
Power
Airspeed
Altitude
Pitch
Configure
Trim
Flaps
Gear
Non-tower operations
ASOS/AWOS
Callup
Arrival
Pattern
Sequence
X-country planning
Set options
Use information sources

MORE

Difficult flights
POH for capability
Mountain checkout for procedures
No night IFR
20 knot wind limit
Survival kit
IFR preparation
Walk the route
Walk the altitudes
Work the navaids in cockpit
Anticipate the radio calls
Thing ahead for what comes next
ATIS
Prelanding
Slow-up
Pre-briefing the approach
Course
Altitudes
Navaids
Reports
Missed

IFR Briefing Checklists
--Problems can be managed by anticipation of a situation's options.

Runup

Flap position
Mixture for density
Fullest tank
Trim set for climbout
Instrument/annunciator check

Pretakeoff

Abort plan
Runway options
Lift-off options
Airspeed alive
Acceleration to Vr
Instruments green

Airborne Options

Return?
Stop tires
Gear up
Climb positive
gear load ammeter

Pre-Approach (5-A's)

ATIS
Altimeter
Airspeed
Approach speed
Avionics

Crew Callouts

localizer intercept or established
Glideslope intercept or established
Six T's

Turn
Time
Twist
Throttle
Track
Talk

Altitudes to minimums
Minimums
Clock position of runway
Brake check

Approach (14 Items)

Ident approach/set volume
Set missed navaid
Course and heading bug
FAF altitude
GS altitude at FAF
Missed point/when to turn/where
DA and minimum visibility
Time
VDP math
No flags/gauges
Cockpit secure
Flaps and gear
Prop, Power and airspeed

Missed

Pitch and power
Climb rate
Flaps and gear
When to turn
Call missed

IFR Post-start Basics
Before taxiing:

Compass to heading indicator
Attitude indicator set
Clock set
Trim set

Taxiing

AI/HI/Ball in turns

Pre-Takeoff

Transponder
Time
Heading to runway

IFR Flight Basics

Attitude Indicator Basics
120 kts = 17-degrees bank
100 kts = 12 -degrees bank
90 kts = 10 -degrees bank

Standard Rate Turn
3-degrees a second
Use count or tongue clicks to measure.
A light-touch on yoke

Keep track of trim movements use buttons on wheel as count. Do not pinch, use finger tips

How to level off
How to descend at 120, 100, 90 knots
How to slow-up 100 kts, 90 knots
Finger gauge as power control
Go-around procedure

How to climb
Use of sound
Effect of power on rudder, yoke, and aircraft

Some Departure Procedure

Know the preferred routes and DP to be flown
Know route, fixes and VOR radials/frequencies required to fly clearance.
After clearance review charts to fix picture of what is to be flown.
Plan use of radios for most efficient use of com and nav for first path and fix, plan ahead two steps.
Set transponder code and turn on as part of pre-takeoff checklist.
Have all the approach charts for the departure airport immediately available.
Set ADF to departure airport compass locator frequency if one exists.
Set altitude reminder to first assigned altitude and make note of expected higher altitude and time.
Monitor vectors to maintain situational awareness about terrain clearances.
You are expected to know where you are at all times should examiner cancel vectors on a checkride.

CRAFT Items of the Clearance:

Cleared to…
Route
Altitude
Departure frequencies
Transponder code
Now contact tower for takeoff.
ATC expects and regulations require that you follow the accepted clearance.

First Leg Expectations

Keep track of route
Know how/where to divert to pre-selected VFR conditions
Plan to stay two-steps ahead of what you expect ATC to do.
Use every pause in activity to prepare your approach brief and setup.

 Departure Checklist

P--Planned direction
R--Radios pre-set
O--Organize cockpit
C--Clearances are readback
E--Extreme caution at airports
E--Expedite across runways
D--Delay until approach is cleared.

Arrival Checklist

A--ATIS comes first
R--Review arrival and taxi routes
R--Preset radios
I--Initial prelanding preparation
V--Visual reporting points
A--Anticipate and follow instructions
L--Leave the runway ASAP