COCKPIT CHECKLISTS - CONCEPTS, DESIGN, AND USE

Although the aircraft checklist has long been regarded as a foundation of pilot standardization and cockpit safety, it has escaped the scrut iny of the human factors profession. The improper use, or nonuse, of t he normal checklist by flight crews is often cited as a major contribu ting factor to aircraft accidents. This paper reports the results of a field study of flight deck checklists and examines this seemingly mun dane yet critical device from several perspectives: its functions, for mat, design, length, and usage, and the limitations of the humans who must interact with it. Certain sociotechnical factors, such as the air line ''culture,'' cockpit resource management, and production pressure s that influence the design and use of this device, are also discussed . Finally, a list of design guidelines for normal checklists is provid ed. Although the focus of this paper is on the air transport industry, most of the principles discussed apply equally well to other high-ris k industries, such as maritime transportation, power production, weapo ns systems, space flight, and medical care.