Korean Air's checklist philosophy, as described in its Boeing 747 Guidebook,[1] states the following:
Normal procedures[[2]] for each phase of flight are performed by recall, and the normal checklist is used to ascertain that all the safety items have been accomplished. Each response to the checklist challenge should be preceded by the verification of the present configurations, and the crewmembers should check for conformation. If any disagreements have been found between present configuration and checklist response, corrective actions should be taken first before any further checklist challenge.
The Korean Air Boeing 747 Guidebook states that the "descent checklist" is to be performed while the airplane is descending through 20,000 feet to approximately 18,000 feet (or 1,000 feet above transition level in North America). The guidebook also states that the "approach checklist" is to be performed after a speed reduction to 250 knots and while the airplane is descending through 10,000 feet with its inboard landing lights on and that the "landing checklist" is to be performed when the airplane has been configured for landing.
1.17.4.2 Flight Crew Actions and Callouts During Nonprecision Approaches
A Korean Air simulator instructor testified that the company trained its pilots to utilize the step-down rather than the "constant angle of descent"[3] technique when executing nonprecision approaches. However, the instructor stated that captains were permitted to use the constant angle of descent approach technique under visual conditions provided that they did not descend below the published intermediate step-down altitudes. The Korean Air simulator instructor also stated that, at the time of the accident, pilots were trained to fly a nonprecision approach with the autopilot either engaged or disengaged. With the autopilot engaged, the PF was instructed to program the autopilot/FD controls, including vertical speed and the altitude select, unless the PF specifically directed the PNF to perform that function. In addition, the PF was instructed to initiate all heading, course, and altitude changes, including the selection of the step-down altitudes, while executing the approach profile. Further, the PNF was instructed to monitor the approach and challenge the PF when necessary.
- ↑ The Boeing 747 Guidebook is a Korean Air procedures and technique training aid. It is published in Korean and English. The edition in effect at the time of the accident was dated August 1993.
- ↑ Korean Air states that normal procedures "...are the recommended actions necessary to operate the airplane for each phase of flight. They enable the flightcrew to more readily memorize the required items, ensure that all necessary actions have been taken, and minimize the time required."
- ↑ The constant angle of descent technique requires pilots to maintain a predetermined constant angle and constant rate of descent, which is generally calculated to be about 3?, except when terrain or an obstacle necessitates a steeper descent. When a ground-based glideslope signal is absent, pilots can fly the constant angle of descent approach by using flight management system (FMS) and GPS equipment for electronic guidance. (See section 1.10.3.1 for a description of the step-down technique.)
