Increasing SOP Compliance

In the era where increased incidents and accidents are attributed to flight crew non-adherence to procedures, what can be done to ensure increased SOP compliance?

Standard Operating Procedures(SOP) are a critical component in flight operations and in improving the flight safety. They are intended as a guard against operational errors and help elevate crew performance leading to safe operation of a flight.

AIRCRAFT GO-AROUND MANEUVER

One question that is frequently asked in aviation circles about piloting issue is as to why a go-around was not carried out when the approach was unstable.

 Looking at the data that is out there, the stats point out that only 2-3% of the unstabilised approaches end in a go-around.Well then, the questions that are being asked about go-arounds seem justified and needs an in-depth look at various facets as to why it is so.

What is it that makes a well trained and proficient crew shy away from conducting a go-around on the approach when it is required so??

RUNWAY INCURSION

A runway incursion is an incident where an unauthorized aircraft, vehicle or person is on a runway. This adversely affects runway safety, as it creates the risk that an airplane taking off or landing will collide with the object.  It is defined by ICAO as Any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft.

A major disaster was averted at the CSI Airport , Mumbai last year after an aircraft, which was supposed to be on the taxiway, entered the runway area, while another had been cleared to land.

These close calls between aircraft and other planes, ground vehicles and hazards have grown steadily over the years and are now a grave concern for safety officials across the world.

An effective Runway incursion prevention program should be capable of

·         Alerting the pilots to conflicting traffic in the air and on the runways, taxiways and ramps;

·         Allowing more aircraft to land safely on time in bad weather

·         Improving communication between pilots and air traffic controllers ; and

·         Virtually eliminating the world’s greatest cause of aviation fatalities – controlled flight into terrain or CFIT.

Please offer your comments experiences and suggestions.

RED STOP BAR AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENT

Red stop bar is one row of flush-mounted unidirectional red lights installed across a taxiway with a 3m spacing to designate a runway –holding position or intersection/taxiway holding position.

To prevent runway incursions, crew need to be trained and instilled in adopting a disciplined approach in not crossing the red stop bar even if ATC clearance is accorded.

Even in some cases where conditional taxi clearances are given by ATC such as “cleared to lineup after the landing aircraft”, the taxi shall be commenced only if the red stop bar light is off and the green centre lights are switched on.

This is akin the red signal of the traffic light where the traffic comes to a standstill. This holds good for operations in any part of the world.

Good habit forming and disciplined procedural approach  is the key to enhancing safety.

AUTOMATION -- Automation in the Cockpit

Is Automation in cockpit a boon or bane???

Increased automation in cockpits has changed radically how our cockpits look and work is carried on.

Either the automation is either too complex for human operators to comprehend, or is the information in the manuals inadequate, or is it the automation integration that seems to be the problem, or is it the lack of enough emphasis on the use of automation in the training curriculum the problem, or is it the complacency that sets in with overuse of automation and skills degeneration with overuse of automation the problem, or is the problem with operating procedures not adequately  addressing the use of automation in cockpits???

Send in your views

FLIGHT PROCEDURES-- Runway Veer-- Off

What is Runway Veer-off??

Runway veer-off is runway excursion in which an aircraft departs the side of the runway during take-off or landing.

 What factors contribute to a runway veer-off??

a. WEATHER

b. CREW TECHNIQUE/DECISION

c. AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

WEATHER

Runway Condition, Wet or Contaminated, Severe Wind, Cross wind , Windshear, Reverse thrust effect in a crosswind

and on Wet/Contaminated runway

CREW TECHNIQUE/DECISION

Use on Nose Wheel Steering at higher speeds

Airspeed too fast on runway to exit

Incorrect Cross wind landing technique--- a) Drifting during transition from a wings level crosswind approach(crabbed approach) to a steady-sideslip crosswind approach ,or failing to transition from a wings level approach to a steady-sideslip approach(decrab) in strong crosswind conditions.

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

• Asymmetric thrust

• Non-deployment of speed brakes • Uncommanded differential braking

The runway veer-off is usually a result of one or more of above factors.

Following the company promulgated procedures, limitations, techniques; etc. will help in mitigating or managing the excursions.