I like SOP's , let me make that clear, I think they are a fantastic thing that make my day a lot easier when flying with someone I don't know.
Unfortunately, a lot of our SOP's seem to have very little to do with a good safe, efficient common sense operation of the aeroplane and rather more with "management stress control".
I personally haven't "been there , done that" or a wealth of experience but I find myself alarmed at what seems to be ever increasing dependency on SOP ( and also on automatics for that matter, but dont get me started!) , by what is supposed to be a community of highly professional people trained to think and act on what they feel is the best course of action.
Yes, in 99% of events SOP's do fine , but I can't help but wonder why managers everywhere seem to think that the other 1% either won't happen because of SOP, or that we'll somehow -even though we're never allowed to do it-, still be able to deviate from rote obedience to the well oiled thinking machine with real handflying skills that was the pilot of yesteryear...
As ever I'll end by saying I am probably talking utter nonsense so just don't waste to many words on my post if U vigorously disagree
Cheerio