DIY SOP Considerations

Good single-pilot resource management calls for three basic elements: Knowledge of ones aircraft systems and characteristics, proficiency in their use under various conditions, and well-crafted, consistent routines. Those well-crafted, consistent routines-standard operating procedures, SOPs-encompass flows, checklists and callouts, but go well beyond the basics. Weve started down the path toward personal SOPs in Using an SOP in GA in the September 2016 issue.

Elaine Kauh

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Personalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are crucial for single-pilot general aviation to improve resource management, ensure consistency, and enhance safety by adapting professional aviation guidelines.
Effective SOPs should be tailored to the pilot's aircraft and flying style, covering all phases of flight including pre-flight planning, personal minimums, sterile cockpit policies, automation philosophy, and stabilized approach criteria.
SOPs must clearly outline procedures for abnormal situations and emergencies, distinguishing between checklist-based troubleshooting and memorized flows, and encouraging continuous review and proficiency in these critical responses.

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Good single-pilot resource management calls for three basic elements: Knowledge of one’s aircraft systems and characteristics, proficiency in their use under various conditions, and well-crafted, consistent routines. Those well-crafted, consistent routines—standard operating procedures, SOPs—encompass flows, checklists and callouts, but go well beyond the basics.

We’ve started down the path toward personal SOPs in “Using an SOP in GA” in the September 2016 issue. In October we introduced the idea of scrapping the manufacturers’ “do lists” in favor of building a flow and checklist of your own that we detailed last month. This article is the first of two that will help you bring these concepts together into your own SOP.