Procedures v Checklists

[Guest]

Hi,In a recent thread on 767 normal checklists, someone made a distinction between procedures and checklists:"The real ones[ie company checklists] are one A4 page and are relatively short. The ones you have downloaded look more like procedures, not checklists".I've noticed myself(from watching the flight video that comes with the DF737) that normal checklists are indeed quite succinct. In fact, all checklists combined seemed to fit on a single, double-sided, laminated A4 sheet!Can someone enlighten me on this distinction, please? My working definition is that procedures are used to, for example, set up the aircraft prior to engine start, and that checklists are used to confirm all vital actions complete, but I am not clear on the meaning of 'vital' in this context?Thanks,Frank

[Guest HPSOV]

From what I've seen there is a HUGE variation between airline procedure, in relation to normal and non-normal checklists and procedures.So I'll explain how everything works where I fly...A procedure is something that is known off by heart, it is a normal action.Examples of procedures include pre-flight preparation, where the F/O is expected to know exactly what position to put every switch on the overhead panel in, how to program the FMC etc.Engine start is another normal procedure, it is done without reference to anything.All these procedures are contained in the "normal procedures" section of the ops manual. It is expected that all sections of the "normal procedures" will be carried out for each flight.There is also a "supplementary normal procedures" section which contains normal procedures that may be carried out only sometimes (such as a cross bleed start etc).Having said all procedures are "normal" there are a few non-normal procedures that are required knowledge, there are known as "non-normal manoeuvres", and contain such things as response to GPWS "pull-up", stall recovery, TCAS RA and Windshear. This section is at the rear of the QRH.Then there are checklists, which are divided into normal and non-normal. And all of which are contained in the QRH.Normal checklists are completed for every flight, and include the Preflight, Before Start, After Start, Before Takeoff, After Takeoff, Approach, Laning, Shutdown and Secure checklists. When to carry out these checklists is fairly self-explanatory.Then there are non-normal checklists, these are to be carried out in the event of a non-normal situation developing (as directed by the EICAS or other cause). When a non-normal situation arose, such as a pack over-temp, an arcing window etc, you would open up the QRH find, and carry out the non-normal checklist for that item.There are however a number of "non-normal recalls" which are non-normal checklists which must be known off by heart. These include Engine Fire/Severe Damage/Separation, Engine Limit/Surge/Stall, APU Fire, Aborted Engine Start, Tailpipe Fire, Airspeed Unreliable, Passenger Evacuation and Cabin Altitude/Rapid Depressurisation.The reason I say there is a huge variation in airlines is I have seen some airlines use an A4 piece of paper with all the "emergency" checklists, and some with all the "normal" checklists. Some airlines use long normal checklists that cover all aspects of cockpit preparation etc, whereas our pre-flight checklist has 5 things on it.Anyway, it doesn't matter how it all gets done... so long as it DOES get done!

[Guest]

Thanks for your detailed reply on procedures and checklists, HPSOV!However, I am still unclear as to why both procedures AND checklists are needed, especially given your closing statement that "it doesn't matter how it all gets done... so long as it DOES get done!"?If, as you say, "a procedure is something that is known off by heart" and "is done without reference to anything", how does one ascertain that the procedures have been carried out correctly? Is that the purpose of the checklist?Thanks, once again, for your comments.Best wishes,Frank

[Guest HPSOV]

If, as you say, "a procedure is something that is known off by heart" and "is done without reference to anything", how does one ascertain that the procedures have been carried out correctly? Is that the purpose of the checklist?That is a fairly correct statement. You know that things have been done correctly because it is your job and your responsibility to do everything correctly... you're paid a lot of money to do everything correctly.And yes, checklists are there to ensure that all vital items have been completed. Specifically things that would result in an immediate problem with severe consequences.

[Guest]

Hi HPSOV,Many thanks for your reply,Frank

[Guest MB327]

Very well written Chris. Contributions like yours are highly valued.