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Checklist Day is celebrated annually on October 30. A checklist serves as a self-made reminder, especially valuable for people in today’s fast-paced world. Keeping a checklist can be extremely helpful in emergencies. This day recognizes the importance of using checklists and appreciates those who rely on them.
“People now feel time accelerating. Lists allow them to feel some sense of accomplishment.” – David Viscott
Checklist Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 30 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | October 30 | Thursday |
| 2026 | October 30 | Friday |
| 2027 | October 30 | Saturday |
| 2028 | October 30 | Monday |
History of Checklist Day
The exact date of the first observance of this day remains uncertain. However, a tragic accident led to the creation of the first known checklist. On October 30, 1935, a Model 299 prototype for the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crashed during takeoff at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. The cause of the crash was later identified as a gust lock that had not been disengaged. Following this incident, a group of pilots sought a way to prevent future accidents caused by pilot error. This effort resulted in the development of checklists.
The pilots decided to create checklists for various flight stages, including takeoff, pre-landing, and post-landing procedures. This accident marked the beginning of using checklists in aviation, and since then, checklists have become standard for numerous activities. Today, checklists are available for almost anything one might need, including home organization, health, travel, online safety, and flu prevention.
Other Celebrations on October 30
October 30 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate the Day
Start at your door! Grab a paper and pen to create a checklist before planning any shopping, travel, project, or other tasks. Check off each item on your list as you go. Share your completed checklist and celebrations on social media with the hashtag #ChecklistDay!