Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Quote from Denti:
Of course there are callouts and checks that are necessary and have to be done. For example the finger-pointing procedure (PF sets cleared ALT and points at it until PM says "checked")...
[Unquote]
Almost a completely wasted call, in my opinion. The "PM" would neither have to look or think. Monitoring is thinking. Evidence of thought proves awareness. You have wasted two-thirds of an opportunity. And pointing is time-wasting, as well as temporarily preventing the hand from performing another task (like flying the aeroplane).
Well, if the PF is handflying he of course doesn't dial in the altitude cleared and doesn't point to it, its the PM in that case while the PF replies.
It is probably the last remainder we have from having been a BA company at one time (long long ago now), they forced it on us that way, however it actually works. From my observation colleagues do not reply without checking, rather they omit the reply if they dont have a look at the selection done by the other (which can be annoying since you have to keep your finger there until they do). It often enough happens that there is not the usual "checked" but rather a "umm, didn't he say something else?" in which case we get a confirmation from ATC of course.
Reading back the cleared altitude would probably be better, but im not so sure there either as i listen to the clearance as well and can just reply whatever i heard which of course is nothing but the same crosscheck we do by checking and talking up if the dialed in value isn't correct. In the end if someone doesn't do his job i will fly solo at some point, and there is not much that can prevent that, not even endless talking (of course, reporting systems help there).