LOs 040.03.04.02.08: Explain how SOPs contribute to avoiding, reducing and managing threats and errors.

In Flight Operations, strict procedures are defined covering every aspect of flight deck activity and embracing normal, abnormal and emergency situations. This wide range of procedures and checklists is essential because of the large number of situations which can arise and the critical nature of some of these situations.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been defined after much research in order to ensure the most successful outcome from all reasonably likely circumstances. They are not discretionary and must be followed precisely. Failure to follow established procedures has been found to be a causal factor in many aircraft accidents and serious incidents.

Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can eliminate or at least mitigate the adverse effects of various operational factors and human errors that can lead to incidents and accidents. For instance, by following normal checklists, any mistakes in settings will be identified and corrected before they can cause a safety problem.