The History of Checklists

In the summer of 1934, the U.S. Air Corps issued a challenge: design a new multi-engined bomber capable of flying at least 1,020 miles, carrying a 2,000-pound bomb load, and reaching speeds of 200 mph. Boeing responded with the Model 299, a groundbreaking four-engine design featuring innovations such as wing flaps, electric trim tabs, and hydraulically operated constant-speed propellers. The aircraft, later known as the "Flying Fortress," exceeded all expectations, easily outperforming its competition.

However, during a crucial test flight on October 30, 1935, tragedy struck. Despite the presence of Boeing's senior test pilot, Leslie R. Tower, and the Air Corps' chief test pilot, Major Ployer P. Hill, the plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing both pilots. The investigation revealed that a recently added safety feature—a lock on the elevator to prevent damage from high winds while on the ground—had not been disengaged before takeoff. This simple oversight led to the stalling and subsequent crash of the aircraft.

The U.S. Air Corps initially concluded that the Model 299 was too complex to be handled safely, leading them to order 133 of the competing Douglas B-18 Bolo aircraft instead. Boeing, nearly driven out of business by this decision, sought a solution. Rather than focusing on additional training, Boeing’s test pilots devised a novel approach: the checklist. This simple tool, which outlined essential steps to be taken before and during takeoff, proved to be a game-changer. With the checklist in place, Boeing pilots flew the Model 299 for 1.8 million miles without a single incident.

This remarkable success gradually convinced the U.S. Air Corps of the Model 299’s merits, eventually leading to the purchase of nearly 13,000 units. Beyond aviation, the concept of the checklist emerged as a powerful tool to manage complexity and ensure consistency in processes.

Today, as measurement and reporting become increasingly complex, checklists are more relevant than ever. They provide a reliable framework for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and safety in every operation. At **BuilderChain**, we embrace the legacy of the checklist, leveraging this simple yet effective tool to enhance operational excellence, minimize errors, and deliver projects with precision. By integrating checklists into our workflows, we ensure that even the most complex tasks are handled with confidence and ease, just as Boeing did with the "Flying Fortress."