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Step 1
Normal operations. Pilots have checklists that are used during normal operations for such procedures as starting, taxiing, and setting up their aircraft for certain phases of flight. Checklists are process flows which take pilots through a step-by-step process which has been determined to work. Many hours have been spent developing, testing, and proving checklists to ensure they help pilots operate their aircraft correctly. Similarly, business organizations may be able to develop and test process flows, and once they are determined to be accurate they can be implemented in the business. Once the processes are defined, checklists may be created to help employees follow the procedures.
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Step 2
Interrupted Operations. During various stages of flight, pilots may experience interruptions to their normal process flow. If the normal process flow is not resumed, mistakes may occur. In a business, interrupted operations could result in decreased productivity or possibly an accident. In an aircraft, one technique to recover from interrupted operations is to stop the checklist, and ensure the checklist is resumed so items are not skipped. One method is for the pilot to place his or her thumb on the step of the checklist where he or she stopped. Similar measures may be taken in businesses. When employees are forced to halt their operations they should know where they need to resume. By incorporating steps to remind employees what they have not finished may help to reduce production defects and may help to create better products.
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Step 3
Error Management. Just like employees in a business, pilots are not perfect. Regardless of how hard they try to operate their aircraft without making mistakes, errors can and do occur. Similarly, in business, all employees make mistakes from time to time. In aviation, pilots use a term called error management, which helps define what they do when a mistake has been made. This may be coming up with decisions on how to correct the error, and how to “trap” the error to prevent it from becoming worse. Pilots may even think back a few steps to determine what should have occurred and determine ways to make the outcome similar to the original intended outcome. Similarly, businesses may develop and implement methods for helping their employees to realize when an error has been made, how to trap the error to prevent it from getting worse, and how to correct the error (or the results of the error).
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Step 4
Flows. One efficient method many pilots of advanced aircraft use to properly set up their aircraft for certain phases of flight is a technique called “flows.” Flows are a way for pilots to complete checklist items without immediate reference to a checklist. They move around the cockpit in a direction that “flows,” or involves actions along a fluid path, as they reposition switches and program flight management systems. This flow may be from left to right or right to left, and it allows pilots to accomplish tasks in a motion that is somewhat intuitive and helps them to avoid making mistakes. Once the flows are complete, pilots then reference a checklist to make sure they completed all of the checklist items. Businesses may also adopt process flows, where employees complete their work functions in a manner that helps them to remember their duties without skipping steps, and then referencing a checklist or other reference material to ensure they have not missed part of their procedures.
