Historically, the QRH was a paper binder, updated every few months by swapping pages—a tedious but critical process. Today, most airlines use an Electronic QRH (iQRH) , often on an iPad using apps like Boeing’s Toolbox or airline-customized software.
Advantages of the Electronic QRH for the 737-800:
Disadvantages:
Most 737-800 fleets now use a hybrid system: a paper backup QRH in the cockpit plus a primary electronic version on the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag).
A unique aspect of the 737-800 QRH is the heavy performance section. If your flaps jam in transit, you cannot land at normal speed. The QRH provides specific landing distance factors, correction tables for ice, and engine-out climb gradients. This section answers the critical question: "Can we land safely on this runway with this failure?"
The design of the QRH directly addresses human factors. Studies of aviation accidents reveal that under stress, pilots suffer from "attention narrowing" and "confirmation bias." The QRH counters this through three key features:
The Boeing 737-800 is a "Classic" NG (Next Generation). It differs significantly from the Airbus A320 (which uses an ECAM system that automatically displays procedures). On the Boeing, the computer tells you what failed (via EICAS alerts), but it does not tell you what to do about it. That is the QRH's job.
Furthermore, the 737-800 retains many analog backups. The QRH must cover failures of pneumatic systems, cable-driven flight controls (with hydraulic assist), and the famous "Boeing trim wheel."
Myth 1: "The QRH tells you WHY it failed." Reality: No. The QRH only tells you HOW to respond. Troubleshooting comes later via maintenance. The pilot’s job is to contain the emergency, not fix the plane.
Myth 2: "You run the QRH from page one." Reality: You never use the QRH during normal operations. You only open it when an alert occurs. You jump directly to the relevant checklist via the Index.
Myth 3: "The QRH covers every possible failure." Reality: It covers probable failures. For freak events (e.g., a bird destroys both hydraulic systems—The "Sully" scenario), the QRH provides a "Partial Panel" or "Manual Reversion" checklist, but the crew must apply airmanship beyond the manual.
The Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) is a technical document approved by Boeing and the aircraft’s regulatory authority (such as the FAA or EASA). It is designed specifically for flight crew use to manage non-normal (emergency) situations.
To put it simply: When something breaks on a 737-800, the pilots turn to the QRH.
Unlike the FCOM (Flight Crew Operations Manual), which is a textbook for how to fly the plane normally, the QRH is a checklist for when things go sideways. It contains:
This chronicle explains the purpose, structure, and most useful practices for the Boeing 737-800 Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), focusing on practical use by flight crew and instructors. It is not a replacement for the official QRH or training; use the airplane’s approved QRH and company procedures for operational decisions.
Historically, the QRH was a paper binder, updated every few months by swapping pages—a tedious but critical process. Today, most airlines use an Electronic QRH (iQRH) , often on an iPad using apps like Boeing’s Toolbox or airline-customized software.
Advantages of the Electronic QRH for the 737-800:
Disadvantages:
Most 737-800 fleets now use a hybrid system: a paper backup QRH in the cockpit plus a primary electronic version on the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). boeing 737-800 qrh quick reference handbook
A unique aspect of the 737-800 QRH is the heavy performance section. If your flaps jam in transit, you cannot land at normal speed. The QRH provides specific landing distance factors, correction tables for ice, and engine-out climb gradients. This section answers the critical question: "Can we land safely on this runway with this failure?"
The design of the QRH directly addresses human factors. Studies of aviation accidents reveal that under stress, pilots suffer from "attention narrowing" and "confirmation bias." The QRH counters this through three key features:
The Boeing 737-800 is a "Classic" NG (Next Generation). It differs significantly from the Airbus A320 (which uses an ECAM system that automatically displays procedures). On the Boeing, the computer tells you what failed (via EICAS alerts), but it does not tell you what to do about it. That is the QRH's job. Historically, the QRH was a paper binder, updated
Furthermore, the 737-800 retains many analog backups. The QRH must cover failures of pneumatic systems, cable-driven flight controls (with hydraulic assist), and the famous "Boeing trim wheel."
Myth 1: "The QRH tells you WHY it failed." Reality: No. The QRH only tells you HOW to respond. Troubleshooting comes later via maintenance. The pilot’s job is to contain the emergency, not fix the plane.
Myth 2: "You run the QRH from page one." Reality: You never use the QRH during normal operations. You only open it when an alert occurs. You jump directly to the relevant checklist via the Index. Disadvantages:
Myth 3: "The QRH covers every possible failure." Reality: It covers probable failures. For freak events (e.g., a bird destroys both hydraulic systems—The "Sully" scenario), the QRH provides a "Partial Panel" or "Manual Reversion" checklist, but the crew must apply airmanship beyond the manual.
The Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) is a technical document approved by Boeing and the aircraft’s regulatory authority (such as the FAA or EASA). It is designed specifically for flight crew use to manage non-normal (emergency) situations.
To put it simply: When something breaks on a 737-800, the pilots turn to the QRH.
Unlike the FCOM (Flight Crew Operations Manual), which is a textbook for how to fly the plane normally, the QRH is a checklist for when things go sideways. It contains:
This chronicle explains the purpose, structure, and most useful practices for the Boeing 737-800 Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), focusing on practical use by flight crew and instructors. It is not a replacement for the official QRH or training; use the airplane’s approved QRH and company procedures for operational decisions.