NEVER HAVE TWO HEADS DOWN

The next problem was having both pilots “heads down.”The term “head downs” means that both pilots are looking down at the flight management computers at the same time and neither are flying the plane.

If you violate this rule, you have already violated the first rule - WATCH OUT! Glass pilots need to apply strict crew disciple to this rule.

As PF, DON’T ever let yourself get distracted and have both pilots heads down while the PNF (pilot not flying) is:

A) Programming the FMS (Flight Management System)

B) Reading charts or maps

C) Completing paperwork

D) Eating a crew meal

If the PF gets distracted, then you automatically have two PNFs and no PF. If the PF needs to do some "heads down” work, simply transfer controls and let the other pilot become the PF.

Often the FMS can act like a whirlpool that both pilots can get sucked right into it. The next thing you know both pilots are looking straight down without thinking about anything else.The longer the amount of time that two heads are down the easier it is for the pilots to COMPLETELY FORGET about flying the plane.

One way that I've found to protect against this is always having each pilot announce when they are heads down. For example, when taxing on the ground after landing, which is a critical phase of flight, one pilot will be looking at the checklist and he should announce – “I'm heads down” so the other pilot knows he's the only pilot looking outside.