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??

INADEQUACY IN TRAINING

B787Cockpit

Airline training is always a focal point in the aviation industry and the thrust should be to deliver training that surpasses well over the bare minimum regulatory requirement. More often than not, lack of training or inadequate training is a common contributor in incidents and accidents.

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???

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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.