Definition
Written procedures that prescribe how specific flight operations are to be conducted, establishing a consistent, repeatable way of carrying out routine and non-routine tasks. SOPs cover items such as crew duties, callouts, checklist usage, briefings, and handling of normal, abnormal, and emergency situations.
Plain English
An agreed, written way of doing things in the cockpit so every flight is handled the same safe way, no matter who is flying.
Context Anchor
You will see SOPs discussed in instrument training, cockpit procedures, crew coordination, and operator manuals.
Derivation
Standard means a fixed reference everyone follows. Operating refers to how the aircraft is run. Procedure comes from the Latin procedere, meaning to go forward step by step. Together: a fixed, step-by-step way of running the operation.
Why Pilots Care
They reduce variability and human error by replacing individual judgment with proven, repeatable steps, especially during high-workload instrument operations.
Intuition Check
SOPs are not casual tips or personal preferences. They are the established method the pilot or crew is expected to follow unless safety requires a different action.
Example Sentence 1
Before the approach, the captain briefed the SOPs for a missed approach so both pilots knew exactly who would do what.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the captain reviewed the missed-approach SOPs with the first officer.