{"id":3130,"date":"2023-10-19T12:20:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vayuacademy.com\/blog\/?p=3130"},"modified":"2023-10-19T12:20:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:20:05","slug":"flows-and-procedures-aviation-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vayuacademy.com\/blog\/flows-and-procedures-aviation-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Flows and Procedures: My perspective"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The unfailing and correct use of normal checklists is an important SOP and an essential part of good flight crew discipline.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

When I began my\u00a0ab initio<\/em>\u00a0flight training in military, the ultimate aim was to – pass solo check which used to be after 14 training flights. Going Solo means single pilot operation, where you have no one else to assist and help with check lists or flight path management or avoiding distractions. We memorised checks and procedures and then execute them while managing the flight path without Flight Director or Autopilot. It was a herculean task to be achieved in just 14 flights. The method employed to achieve this was simple and time tested. We had to score 100% in ‘Gen Test’ which used to comprise of checks, procedures and emergency items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The major emphasis of training was to be able to operate as single pilot. In single pilot operations, pilots have only themselves in the cockpit to catch mistakes. We learnt to use letter sequence called as mnemonics to run through checks and procedures. In military operations it was emphasised to run through checklist with the help of memory and refer to QRH only in case of doubt. Referring to QRH was almost impossible as we did not have luxury of autopilot back then. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward to days of Air Force Test Pilots School. We were expected to fly more than 8 types in short span of 10 months. It was next to impossible to remember the check list of all these different aircraft ranging from supersonic fighter to transport aircraft to training aircraft. We were not only expected to fly but also conduct test points on these totally unfamiliar aircraft. I learnt to use the checklist in a step by step manner as a do list. It was time taking (not efficient) and very very frustrating because it required moving focus and eyes from checklist to switches and dials in the cockpit and then back to checklist for each of possible dozen steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jump to 21st century, as technology improved, the military fighters were better equipped. I learned to operate using the flow\/checklist. This was much safer and efficient method in which the pilot conduct a specific sequence of memorized actions without reference to a checklist. Then, once this \u201cflow pattern\u201d is completed, the pilot reads the corresponding checklist aloud, visually confirming the actions were taken as the checklist is read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In commercial aviation, a checklist could be done by two ways: challenge-response and do-verify. In both the methods, the first step is the flow. Challenge-response involves response from the Pilot flying, thus it is introduces additional safety. While, Do-verify involves completing the flows and the checklist is both challenged and responded by Pilot monitoring alone. This is employed for less critical checklist only. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omission of a required action or performance of an inappropriate action are primary causal factors in approach and landing accidents, and are cited (Flight Safety Foundation, 1998-1999) as causal factors in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n