If you are an aviation enthusiast, you may have heard of the term “standard operating procedures” or SOPs. what exactly are these Standard Operating Procedures? And why are they so critical to a pilot’s role in ensuring safe and efficient flights?
In aviation, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of detailed, step-by-step instructions designed to achieve maximum safety and efficiency in specific operations. These procedures are tailored to the unique requirements of each flight situation, from take-off to landing and everything in between
In this blog post, I will explain what SOPs are, how they are developed, and what benefits they bring to flight operations. We will also delve into understanding challenges of following SOPs and tips flight crew use to follow SOPs when it gets challenging.
What are Standard operating procedures (SOPs) in aviation?
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a set of instructions that provide a flight crew with a step-by-step guide to effectively and safely carry out operations. SOPs cover every aspect of flight deck activity, from pre-flight checks to landing and shutdown.
They also include procedures for abnormal and emergency situations, such as engine failures, fires, or decompression.
SOPs are not discretionary; they must be followed precisely by every flight crew member. Deviations from SOPs can lead to confusion, errors, or accidents. For example, if a pilot does not follow the correct procedure for setting the flaps during take-off, the aircraft may not have enough lift to climb or may stall at low speed.
Fundamentals of using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in aviation
SOPs are based on the principle of standardization, which means that all flight crews perform their tasks in the same way, using the same terminology and techniques. Standardization ensures that flight crews can work together seamlessly, regardless of their previous experience or background.
It also facilitates communication and coordination between flight crews and other parties, such as air traffic controllers, ground staff, or cabin crew.
SOPs are also based on the principle of optimization, which means that all flight crews perform their tasks in the best possible way, using the most appropriate methods and tools. Optimization ensures that flight crews can achieve the highest level of safety and efficiency in their operations.
It also enables flight crews to adapt to changing situations and environments, such as weather conditions, traffic density, or aircraft malfunctions.
How are SOPs developed?
SOPs are developed by aircraft manufacturers and airlines based on extensive research and experience. Aircraft manufacturers design SOPs to reflect their flight deck design philosophy and operating philosophy. They also ensure that SOPs promote optimum use of aircraft design features and comply with the applicable regulations and standards.
Aircraft manufacturers typically base their initial SOPs on the following sources:
- The aircraft’s certification documents, such as the type certificate data sheet, the flight manual, and the minimum equipment list
- The aircraft’s operational characteristics and performance data, such as the take-off and landing distances, the fuel consumption, and the stall speeds
- The aircraft’s system descriptions and functional logic diagrams, such as the hydraulic system, the electrical system, and the flight control system
- The aircraft’s human factors considerations and ergonomic design features, such as the cockpit layout, the display formats, and the control devices
- The industry’s best practices and lessons learned from previous accidents and incidents involving similar aircraft types or operations
Can airlines adopt Standard Operating Procedures from the manufacturer of the aircraft?
Airlines can adopt the manufacturer’s SOPs without amendment, or they can customize them to suit their specific operations and environments. For example, an airline may modify the SOPs for different types of aircraft, routes, weather conditions, or customer service standards.
However, any modification must be carefully considered and approved by the relevant authorities to ensure that safety is not compromised. Airlines typically base their customized SOPs on the following sources:
- The airline’s operational policies and procedures, such as the standard operating manual, the operations specifications, and the safety management system
- The airline’s operational data and feedback from flight crews, such as the fuel reports, the flight data monitoring records, and the debriefing forms
- The airline’s training programs and evaluation criteria for flight crews, such as the initial training syllabus, the recurrent training schedule, and the proficiency check standards
- The airline’s operational experience and lessons learned from internal or external audits, inspections, or investigations involving their own aircraft types or operations
What are the benefits of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in aviation?
SOPs have many benefits for flight operations, such as:
- Enhancing safety: SOPs reduce the risk of human error and ensure that flight crews perform their tasks correctly and consistently. SOPs also help flight crews cope with unexpected situations by providing clear and standardized guidance.
- Improving efficiency: SOPs streamline the workflow and communication on the flight deck. SOPs also help flight crews optimize the performance and fuel consumption of the aircraft.
- Facilitating teamwork: SOPs allow two or more pilots to work together as if they had done so countless times before. SOPs also enable effective coordination between flight crews and other parties, such as air traffic controllers, ground staff, or cabin crew.
- Supporting training: SOPs provide a common reference and framework for training new or existing flight crew members. SOPs also help flight crews maintain their skills and knowledge through regular practice and evaluation.
How are SOPs implemented and monitored?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in aviation are implemented and monitored by various means, such as:
- Documenting and distributing: SOPs are documented in written manuals, checklists, or handbooks that are distributed to all flight crew members and other relevant personnel. SOPs are also updated regularly to reflect any changes in the aircraft, the operations, or the regulations.
- Training and testing: SOPs are taught and practiced during initial and recurrent training sessions for flight crew members. SOPs are also tested and assessed during proficiency checks, line checks, or simulator sessions.
- Briefing and debriefing: SOPs are briefed and reviewed before each flight by the flight crew members. SOPs are also debriefed and evaluated after each flight by the flight crew members or the supervisors.
- Monitoring and reporting: SOPs are monitored and recorded during each flight by the flight crew members, the cockpit voice recorder, or the flight data recorder. SOPs are also reported and analyzed after each flight by the flight data monitoring system, the safety reporting system, or the incident reporting system.
What are the challenges and barriers to following SOPs?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are not always followed by flight crews for various reasons, such as:
- Complacency: Flight crews may become overconfident or bored with their routine tasks and skip or modify some steps of the SOPs. Complacency can lead to loss of situational awareness, reduced vigilance, or missed cues.
- Time pressure: Flight crews may face tight schedules or deadlines that force them to rush or omit some steps of the SOPs. Time pressure can lead to stress, fatigue, or distraction.
- Peer pressure: Flight crews may encounter social or cultural influences that encourage them to deviate from or disregard some steps of the SOPs. Peer pressure can lead to conformity, groupthink, or loss of assertiveness.
- Habit: Flight crews may develop personal preferences or habits that differ from or conflict with some steps of the SOPs. Habit can lead to resistance, inertia, or rationalization.
There have been many incidents that were directly related to complacency in following SOPs.
How can flight crews overcome the challenges and barriers to following SOPs?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) help avoid the errors that can be caused by fatigue, distraction, or stress. So, Flight crews can overcome the challenges and barriers to following SOPs by adopting various strategies, such as:
- Motivation: Flight crews should understand the rationale and benefits of following SOPs and appreciate their positive impact on safety and efficiency. Motivation can increase commitment, engagement, and satisfaction.
- Discipline: Flight crews should adhere to SOPs regardless of their personal feelings or opinions and resist any temptations or pressures to deviate from them. Discipline can enhance consistency, reliability, and professionalism.
- Communication: Flight crews should communicate clearly and effectively with each other and with other parties about their actions and intentions regarding SOPs. Communication can improve understanding, coordination, and feedback.
- Verification: Flight crews should verify each step of the SOPs by using checklists, cross-checks, callouts, or confirmations. Verification can prevent errors, omissions, or misunderstandings.
Being a pilot is a very challenging job, there are other aspects to being a pilot that are challenging for pilot in addition to being barriers to following SOPs, check them here.
Conclusion
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are an essential part of aviation. They provide a flight crew with a step-by-step guide to effectively and safely carry out operations. Following the SOPs make the pilot more reliable.
They also enhance safety, improve efficiency, facilitate teamwork, and support training. By following SOPs, pilots can ensure that they fly their aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer’s and airline’s requirements and expectations.