Page:KAL801Finalreport.pdf/78

 Korean Air's checklist philosophy, as described in its Boeing 747 Guidebook, states the following:

Normal procedures[ ] 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" 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.