Flow Patterns and Checklists in a Single-Pilot Operation

Rotor Safety Challenge (RSC)
Tracks: Pilot, Operations, Safety
Instructor: Mikko Kallio, Coptersafety

Normal checklists and emergency and abnormal checklists (EACs) are traditionally used in all flight operations, in both multipilot and single-pilot cockpits. Two types of checklists are used: read-and-do and challenge-and-response lists. In read-and-do lists, the pilot checks each item on the list for the given phase of flight and ensures nothing is missed. In challenge-and-response lists, the pilot monitoring (PM) challenges the pilot flying (PF) with the checklist item and does not move to the next item until the PF completes the item and gives the appropriate response. In multipilot operations, normal checklists are typically challenge-and-response type and EACs are read-and-do type. How does the checklist process work, then, in a single-pilot operation? When only one pilot is in the cockpit, what adjustments, if any, does the pilot have to make to use either of the lists? This session will discuss the types of challenges faced when using checklists in a single-pilot operation.

Instructor Bio

Mikko Kallio is head of training at Coptersafety and an EASA CAT 2 helicopter test pilot. He was a  rotary-wing test pilot (retired) in the Finnish Border Guard with search-and-rescue experience. He is a former airline pilot (retired) and a multicrew coordination (MCC) and ground instructor. He holds current EASA ATPL (H) and ATPL (A) licenses and an AW169 TRI type rating.