The after landing checklist ensures all aircraft systems are configured after landing, guiding a safe taxi and post-landing workflow.

After landing, the real work begins. The wheels may be on the runway behind you, but the cockpit rhythm shifts gears quickly. The after landing checklist is the bridge between touchdown and safe taxi, guiding you through a precise sequence that makes the airplane ready for ground operations. It’s not about guessing; it’s about making sure every system is configured for the next phase of flight — and for SkyWest ERJ operations, that transition matters a lot.

Why this checklist matters, in plain terms

Let me explain it plainly: the aircraft has just handed you a lot of information in a very short span. You saw how the spoilers popped up, how the engines spooled down, how the speed brakes settled once you slowed to taxi speed. The after landing checklist takes those signals and turns them into a concrete set of actions. It’s your safety net that ensures all systems are in the correct state for taxi, for pushback if needed, and for a clean handoff to ground ops.

What’s actually on the page (or the screen, these days)

If you’ve flown an ERJ, you’ve probably noticed a familiar cadence after touchdown. Here’s the flavor of what typically gets configured:

• Landing gear and flaps: confirm the gear is down and locked until you’re clear of the runway, then transition to the appropriate setting for taxi. Flaps usually come to a retracted or up position once airspeed and runway hold are behind you, preparing the wing for clean airflow and reducing drag.

• Power settings: engine power is adjusted for a safe, stable taxi. Idle or near-idle on the engines is common during taxi, with careful attention to any crosswind or braking requirements.

• Braking and steering: parking brake set and steering mode confirmed for ground operations. You want predictable, controllable taxiing, not a surprise grab of the wheel or a cross-check between the captain and first officer.

• Systems configuration: lighting (logo lights, beacon, nav lights as appropriate for ground ops), electrical and hydraulic status checks, and ensuring that essential systems remain powered or properly isolated for the next phase.

• Cabin and crew coordination: although aircraft systems take the lead, the crew communicates about cabin readiness and ground crew signals. It’s a quick check that everyone knows what happens next, especially if you’re docking at a busy gate.

What this isn’t about (a quick reality check)

While a lot of people associate “after landing” with what happens inside the cabin or with the next load of passengers, the core of the after landing checklist is not about cabin service or fuel math. Those tasks live in other phases and checklists. The main goal here is: are the aircraft systems configured for safe, efficient taxi and a smooth handoff to ground operations? If you keep that focus, the rest falls into place naturally.

A quick mental model you can actually use

Think of the airplane as a ship docking in a busy port. The after landing checklist is your navigation chart for the last leg of the voyage on that runway. You’re confirming that the deck is secure (gear and flaps managed), the engines are quiet and steady (power settings correct for taxi), and the crew on deck knows the next move (clear communication with ground and ATC as needed). It’s not flashy, but it’s essential.

How this fits into the ERJ cockpit flow

In the SkyWest ERJ environment, there’s a rhythm that pilots learn early on. Touchdown is a crisp moment of control that transitions into precise, methodical actions. The after landing checklist reinforces that discipline. You’re not guessing the state of the airplane; you’re confirming it, step by step. This consistency is what keeps taxi movements predictable, which matters when you’re threading through gates, ground vehicles, and other aircraft in a busy ramp.

Common misconceptions worth clearing up

• It’s not a one-and-done snap. The after landing checklist is often followed by post-landing tasks that set up for taxi, maintenance coordination, and the next flight phase. Treat it as part of a broader post-landing rhythm rather than a single moment in time.

• It’s not about disembarking passengers. Although passengers may be ready to go, the primary focus is the aircraft configuration and clear transitioning to ground ops.

• It’s not optional in practice. Skipping or rushing this checklist can lead to misconfigurations or missed steps that ripple into taxi, pushback, or even the next flight segment.

Practical tips to make it second nature

• Use a clear callout sequence. A simple “Gear down, flaps …; power set—idle; lights as required” can keep the crew aligned without clutter.

• Reserve a moment for a quick cross-check. A brief, calm confirmation between pilot and co-pilot reduces chances of missteps, especially during busy ops.

• Tie it to your mental picture of the runway exit. If you’re exiting a long runway, you might be more deliberate about gear and flap retractions; a short taxi from a short runway might call for a different timing.

• Practice with purpose. Repetition builds memory for which items come first and how they look on your instruments when you’re moving from high-speed approach to slow, controlled taxi.

A note on training culture and teamwork

The after landing checklist isn’t a solo performance; it’s a teamwork ritual. The captain, first officer, and even the flight attendants all share a mental map of what should happen after you roll to a stop. Clear, concise communication matters more than clever terminology. You’ll hear succinct calls, quick confirmations, and a shared sense that you’ve closed one chapter cleanly before turning the page.

Real-world scenes you might recognize

Imagine taxiing to the gate after a perfectly smooth landing on a crisp evening. The runway lights wink at you, a gentle hum from the engines reminds you the work isn’t done yet, and the checklist sits in the background like a steady drumbeat. Gear retracts when you’re clear of the active runway, flaps move to the taxi setting, power settles to idle, and the cabin crew begins to prepare for the next step. It’s a flow you recognize instantly because it’s designed to keep you safe, efficient, and ready for whatever the ramp throws at you.

Why this simple sequence pays off

In the end, the after landing checklist isn’t about adding complexity; it’s about ensuring consistency in a high-stakes environment. It minimizes surprises, supports smooth transitions to ground operations, and keeps the airplane in a safe configuration as you gear up for the next leg of the journey. For pilots who fly ERJs for SkyWest, that consistency translates into smoother handoffs with maintenance crews, faster gate turnaround, and more predictable operations across a busy network.

Bringing it all together

So, what’s the purpose of the after landing checklist? Simply put, it’s to ensure all systems are configured after landing. It’s the quiet guardrail that guides you from the excitement of touchdown to the calm readiness of taxiing, parking, and the next phase of flight. It’s a small ritual, but it packs a serious punch in terms of safety, efficiency, and teamwork — essentials in any ERJ operation.

If you’re curious about the flow, you’ll find that the steps feel logical because they are. Gear down or up as required, set the power for taxi, secure the frame for ground movement, and keep the rest of the crew on the same wavelength. It’s a rhythm that makes sense, one you’ll recognize morning after morning, season after season.

So next time you touch down, listen for that quiet cadence. It’s telling you, with quiet confidence, that you’re ready to move safely from runway to ramp. And that readiness? It’s what keeps every flight step in its rightful place.