In aviation, the acronym FLAPS isn’t just about the movable surfaces on an aircraft wing — it’s also a pre-landing checklist that pilots use to ensure a safe and smooth approach.
It’s a practical, memorable tool used in general aviation and pilot training around the world.
In this post, we’ll explore what FLAPS means in aviation, then dive into 30 alternative acronyms, checklists, and reminders that pilots, students, or aviation enthusiasts can use to keep safety front and center — each one suited for different flight stages or aircraft types.
✈️ What Does FLAPS Stand For?
FLAPS is a mnemonic device — a memory aid used before landing to verify all critical settings are configured.
✍️ Most common breakdown:
- F – Fuel (select proper tank, pump on if needed)
- L – Landing Gear (down and locked)
- A – Altimeter (set to local pressure)
- P – Power (adjust for descent/approach)
- S – Seatbelts/Switches (seatbelts fastened, lights on, etc.)
It’s easy to remember, quick to review, and applies to many small aircraft (like Cessna, Piper, etc.).
🔁 30 Alternatives to FLAPS and When to Use Them
Whether you’re a student pilot or an instructor, these acronyms and checklists help organize your cockpit tasks and reinforce safe habits.
🛬 Landing Check Acronyms
1. GUMPS – Fuel and engine check before landing
- Gas
- Undercarriage
- Mixture
- Propeller
- Switches
🗣 “Time for a GUMPS check before final.”
✅ Use: General aviation landing prep
2. GUMPY – GUMPS + Yaw (rudder trim)
✅ Use: Add focus to trim and rudder
3. BLAST – Pre-landing for light aircraft
- Brakes
- Lights
- Altimeter
- Seatbelts
- Transponder
✅ Use: Final approach checks
4. PARE – Spin recovery
- Power Idle
- Ailerons Neutral
- Rudder Opposite
- Elevator Forward
✅ Use: Emergency recovery
5. AIRS – Pre-landing mental check
- Altimeter
- Instruments
- Radio
- Safety
✅ Use: Solo student checklist
🛫 Pre-Takeoff or Run-Up Check Acronyms
6. CIGAR – Takeoff preparation
- Controls
- Instruments
- Gas
- Altimeter
- Runup
✅ Use: Before takeoff roll
7. CIGARS – + Safety brief
✅ Use: Add passenger briefing
8. CIGARETTE – Extended version
✅ Use: Complex aircraft, full run-up
9. GIFT – Quick takeoff scan
- Gas
- Instruments
- Flaps
- Trims
✅ Use: Light aircraft, short checklist
10. FLOW – Instrument sweep
🗣 “Do a flow left to right across the panel.”
✅ Use: Familiar aircraft, visual flow checks
🧭 Cross-Country or Cruise Check Acronyms
11. CRAFT – Clearance briefing
- Clearance
- Route
- Altitude
- Frequency
- Transponder
✅ Use: Before IFR departure
12. FREDA – In-flight systems check
- Fuel
- Radio
- Engine
- Direction
- Altitude
✅ Use: Cruise/heading checks
13. TARPS – Cruise checks
- Time
- Altitude
- Radio
- Position
- Systems
✅ Use: Long-distance flights
14. HASEL – Before practicing maneuvers
- Height
- Area
- Security
- Engine
- Lookout
✅ Use: Training flights
15. FATPL – Departure check
- Fuel
- Altimeter
- Transponder
- Pitot
- Lights
✅ Use: Pre-climb check
🚨 Emergency, Safety & General Memory Aids
16. ABCDE – Engine failure checklist
- Airspeed
- Best field
- Checklist
- Declare
- Evacuate
✅ Use: Engine out procedures
17. STALL – Checklist for recovery
- Set power
- Trim
- Attitude
- Level wings
- Lose altitude
✅ Use: Training maneuvers
18. ATIS, Brief, Plan
🗣 “Check ATIS, brief approach, plan descent.”
✅ Use: Arrival prep
19. PAVE – Risk management
- Pilot
- Aircraft
- Vironment
- External pressures
✅ Use: Decision-making framework
20. IMSAFE – Pilot fitness
- Illness
- Medication
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Fatigue
- Eating/Emotion
✅ Use: Pilot wellness check
🛠️ System-Specific or Expanded Checks
21. FLOWS – Alternate to FLAPS
✅ Use: Full panel/system scan
22. B-FLY – Before landing for CFI use
- Brakes
- Flaps
- Landing gear
- Yoke (control)
✅ Use: CFI mnemonic
23. SAFE – Landing pattern prep
- Seatbelts
- Altimeter
- Fuel
- Engine
✅ Use: Solo/student landing pattern
24. NEVER – No-go decision reminders
- Night
- Emergencies
- Visibility
- Equipment
- Responsibility
✅ Use: Risk reminders
25. FEAST – Post-landing review
- Flaps up
- Electrics off
- Altimeter reset
- Switches secure
- Tiedown
✅ Use: Shutdown tasks
🎓 Learning Tools for Students & CFIs
26. DEAD – Engine failure during flight
- Diagnose
- Emergency landing
- Alert ATC
- Discard weight (if needed)
✅ Use: Instructive, critical thinking
27. BATTLES – Landing light checks
- Beacon
- Anti-collision
- Taxi
- Turn
- Landing
- Electrical
- Strobes
✅ Use: Light configuration
28. BEFORE – Structured thinking tool
- Brief
- Entry
- Final
- Overshoot
- Review
- Exit
✅ Use: Approaches
29. FAT CAT – Departure planning
- Fuel
- Altitude
- Trims
- Clearance
- Airspeed
- Traffic
✅ Use: VFR clarity
30. LEAP – Post-flight reflection
- Logbook
- Evaluate
- Acknowledge
- Prepare
✅ Use: Self-assessment tool
📋 Choosing the Right Aviation Acronym
| Flight Phase | Recommended Acronyms |
| Pre-Takeoff | CIGAR, GIFT, CIGARETTE |
| Landing Preparation | FLAPS, GUMPS, BLAST, B-FLY |
| Emergency or Abnormal | ABCDE, PARE, DEAD |
| In-Flight Checks | FREDA, TARPS, AIRS |
| Training & Decision-Making | HASEL, PAVE, IMSAFE, LEAP |
✈️ Conclusion
The FLAPS acronym is just one of many trusted tools that help keep pilots organized, focused, and safe in the sky. Whether you’re flying a solo pattern or managing a multi-leg cross-country flight, using the right checklist keeps you mentally ahead of the airplane.
Learning and switching between different acronyms depending on context — takeoff, landing, emergencies, or training — builds confidence and sharpens your decision-making in the cockpit.
Stay sharp, fly safe — and always double-check your FLAPS!
