What is the first item in the abbreviated Level Off checklist?

• A. RADALTS as Required
• B. Center Instrument Panel Checked
• C. NR Switch as Required
• D. WHEELS Up/Confirmed Down

Answer: (A)

The first thing you need when you’re about to level off is a reliable height reference that you can trust at low altitude. The radar altimeter provides precise height above the ground, which is essential for holding a specific altitude during the Level Off maneuver. Checking RADALTS as required ensures that the radar altimeter is available and configured to give you accurate height data when you’re in the down-low phase of flight. Without a functioning radar altimeter, you can’t safely or accurately maintain the target altitude.

The other items are important, but not the immediate priority for establishing the level-off. Center Instrument Panel checks ensure visibility and instrument readiness, NR switch status is a different system concern, and confirming wheels status is relevant to landing/touchdown phases. They don’t establish the critical altitude reference you need right at the start of the Level Off.