34.62 Documents and Procedures

34.62.2 Explain the rationale behind consistent and thorough checklist and SOP use as opposed to reliance on memory.

Checklists and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide a consistent and reliable method of carrying out important tasks.

Human memory is not completely reliable. Items may be forgotten or completed incorrectly, particularly when a pilot is:

• under high workload;

• tired, stressed or distracted;

• interrupted during a procedure;

• operating in an unfamiliar situation; or

• dealing with an abnormal or emergency condition.

Consistent checklist and SOP use helps ensure that:

• essential actions are not omitted;

• actions are completed in the correct sequence;

• aircraft configuration and system settings are checked;

• all crew members use the same standard procedures;

• errors can be detected before they become significant; and

• workload is reduced because the pilot does not have to rely solely on memory.