B737 SOP Philosophy and Crew Roles
B737 SOP chapter 1, SOP Philosophy, Crew Roles & Callouts. By the end of this chapter you can explain why standardisation works, separate PF and PM responsibilities, use callouts as shared checks, and recognise the safeguards needed during a temporary single-pilot period.
- 4 pages
- 42 min of reading
- 12 question chapter check
- Notes, highlights and progress saved
What this chapter covers
- 1Why standard operating procedures existWritten from standard 737 phase-of-flight operating procedure10 min read
- 2Pilot Flying and Pilot MonitoringWritten from standard 737 phase-of-flight operating procedure11 min read
- 3Standard callouts and independent cross-checkingWritten from standard 737 phase-of-flight operating procedure12 min read
- 4When one pilot temporarily covers both rolesWritten from standard 737 phase-of-flight operating procedure9 min read
737 SOP and crew role terms
- SOP (standard operating procedure)
- One shared, predictable way for two pilots to complete a routine task, so a missed step stands out.
- PF (Pilot Flying)
- Responsible for the flight path and airspeed, flying by hand or supervising the automation.
- PM (Pilot Monitoring)
- Reads checklists, handles the radio, monitors the aircraft and cross-checks the PF.
- PF and PM are roles, not seats
- Either the captain or the first officer can be PF or PM, and roles can change between phases.
- Standard callout
- Fixed wording that turns one pilot's observation into shared information for both.
- Independent cross-check
- The second pilot verifies a selection against its source and asks whether it makes sense.
- Deliberate deviation
- A non-standard action that is announced and explained, unlike silent improvisation.
- Sterile cockpit
- Protecting attention during critical phases so operational calls are not displaced by other talk.
- Commander's authority
- The commander keeps final authority and responsibility, even while acting as PM.
- Single pilot period
- When one pilot leaves the seat, the other covers PF and PM duties in a low workload window.
Try a question from this chapter
What is the main safety value of using the same routine sequence on every flight?
737 SOP and crew role questions
What is the difference between Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring?
The Pilot Flying controls the flight path and speed, directly or through the automation. The Pilot Monitoring reads checklists, handles the radio, monitors the aircraft and cross-checks the PF's actions.
Is the captain always the Pilot Flying?
No. PF and PM are roles, not seats. Either pilot can hold either role, and they can swap between phases, but the commander keeps final authority throughout.
Why do airlines use standard operating procedures?
A fixed sequence, standard wording and defined roles let both pilots predict what happens next, so an omitted step or unexpected action becomes obvious and can be challenged.
Can a pilot deviate from the SOP?
Yes, if the normal procedure would be less safe. The change should be stated aloud with the reason so the other pilot shares the new plan, rather than improvised silently.
Read the full SOP Philosophy, Crew Roles & Callouts chapter
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