Who Writes Aircraft Checklists: The Collaborative Process Behind Pre-Flight, In-Flight, and Post-Flight Procedures

Aircraft checklists are critical tools for ensuring safety and operational efficiency during pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures. These checklists are the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, each contributing their expertise and experience to create comprehensive and effective procedures. This article delves into the process and players involved in the creation and customization of airplane checklists.

The Collaborative Process

Aircraft checklists are typically created through a collaborative effort involving several key parties:

Aircraft Manufacturers

Aircraft manufacturers play a crucial role in developing initial checklists based on the aircraft's design, systems, and operational requirements. These checklists form part of the aircraft's operating manual and serve as the foundational guidance for subsequent modifications and customizations.

Regulatory Authorities

Agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provide guidelines and regulations that mandatory checklists must adhere to. These guidelines ensure that the checklists meet safety and compliance standards across different jurisdictions.

Airlines

Individual airlines customize checklists to fit their specific operational procedures, training programs, and safety protocols. This customization helps ensure that the checklist is practical and effective for their flight crews, while still adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Pilots and Flight Operations Teams

Experienced pilots and flight operations personnel provide input on the usability and effectiveness of checklists. Their real-world experience is invaluable in revising and refining these procedures to ensure they are practical and efficient in the context of regular operations.

Safety and Quality Assurance Teams

Safety and quality assurance teams review and validate checklists to ensure they meet safety standards and operational needs. These teams act as a final checkpoint to ensure that the checklists are robust, reliable, and safe to use.

The Final Product: Comprehensive Checklists for Safety and Efficiency

The final product is a comprehensive checklist that aids pilots in conducting pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure the aircraft's safety and operational efficiency. These checklists guide pilots through critical tasks, ensuring that every necessary step is taken before the plane can take off, during the flight, and upon landing.

Regulatory Requirements for Airlines

Airlines must adhere to international regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations. Specifically, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) requirements mandate that three main manuals be approved by the operator country's civil aviation authority:

Operations Manual Part Alpha (OM Part A)

OM Part A is a technical and general document that covers administrative policies, operational details, rules of operation, and flight and cabin crew technicals. This manual applies to every fleet in the airline, providing a comprehensive overview of operational policies and procedures.

Operations Manual Part Bravo (OM Part B)

OM Part B is specifically tailored to the operation of a certain fleet of aircraft within the airline. If an airline operates four types of aircraft, it will have four separate OM Part Bs. This document contains detailed procedures and operational guidelines specific to each type of aircraft, ensuring that pilots are fully equipped with the information needed to operate their assigned aircraft safely and efficiently.

Operations Manual Part Charlie (OM Part C)

OM Part C relates to aerodrome and chart information for the airline's destinations. This technical document is crucial for pilots, providing detailed information about flight routes, navigation aids, and other essential data.

Customization and Guidance

Airlines base their OM Part B on the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) provided by the manufacturer. Any modifications made to the checklists in OM Part B must be consistent with the AFM. If there is any discrepancy between the AFM and the checklists in OM Part B, the AFM always takes precedence. Airlines are not permitted to alter the procedures outlined in the AFM, as doing so could lead to serious safety issues and legal consequences.

However, there are instances where the airplane manufacturer provides options for airlines to customize checklists based on specific operating conditions. For example, airlines may choose whether to use certain equipment or procedures that do not affect safety. In such cases, airlines can omit or add procedures to their checklists, but they must adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and receive necessary approvals.

In summary, the creation of airplane checklists is a collaborative effort involving aircraft manufacturers, regulatory authorities, airlines, pilots, and safety teams. These checklists are designed to ensure safety and operational efficiency, with a strong emphasis on adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines and regulatory requirements.