2StgTurbine

I am doing a little research regarding SOPs in two pilot aircraft and have found plenty of LOSA studies, Advisory Circulars, and research papers regarding checklist philosophies, division of workload, and CRM techniques, but they only talk about normal procedures.

I am interested in finding stuff on emergency procedures. Papers discussing stuff like should memory items be read aloud and if so, should the PM or the PF do it? Should the PF take over the radios while the PM runs the checklist, or should the PF focus on flying the plane? And is it better for the PIC to take the controls, or is the PIC better off managing the situation as the PM?

Like me, I am sure everyone here has anecdotal evidence that can answer these questions and we can talk about an infinite number of possible situations that would favor one method over another, but I am wondering if anyone has come across any research or human factors studies about two pilot crews dealing with emergencies.

JamesNoBrakes

There's lots in ergonomics about human capabilities, attention, ability to detect a change, reactions, etc. That's where I'd direct my study. Much of the pilot world is based on "what has always been" and "what I experienced", not so much on science and objective testing.

Yoda2

I think Sim instructors might also be a good resource. The folks at Flight Safety and other such training organizations have seen all sorts of stuff, from complete inaction to crews arguing over who is going to do what, Etc.

f10a

Curious to know what the majors are doing... Pic flys+radios, sic fixes etc? That's what I have always seen.

Adlerdriver

I can't speak for all majors, but the two airlines I've worked for usually leaned toward the opposite. I think there's always the potential for a situation that might call for some flexibility, so it's probably not accurate to say everyone does it one way and only that way.

However, the rationale for the FO flying and talking is that they do both on a regular basis. It's not that big a deal to combine them.

That allows the Captain to be more of a battle manager. Checklists may have pitfalls that may create confusion or potential for improper procedures. A Captain who's been around longer and is more familiar with them may have better results running them. Shutting down engines in flight, disconnecting CSDs, balancing fuel and other steps that are not taken on a regular basis are probably best left to the more experienced crew member.

If the Captain is flying/talking, he is going to be more focused on just that and less able to exchange and gather information that might be necessary to formulate the resolution of the event. He may be coordinating via radio/satcom/ACARS with outside resources, communicating with FAs and evaluating potential diversion fields. That's much more difficult to do when you're also flying/talking.

Once the situation is stable and the approach is imminent, having the Captain take the aircraft for the landing may be appropriate.

trip

The opposite is being taught which is a change from just several years ago. Understanding that every emergency is different so it's difficult to script exactly how it should be managed.
The CA directs the FO to take the A/C and ATC, fly to XYZ, declare emergency, any questions?
CA will run QRH, talk to the back, notify company, order the evac etc.