Abstract: An electronic checklist system (ECL) for a complex system and corresponding method for controlling the presentation of non-normal checklists based on signals generated by a crew alert system according to non-normal operating conditions of the complex system. The ECL system automatically inhibits all non-relevant non-normal checklists, thereby removing the burden from the crew of having to determine what checklists are redundant or inappropriate based on the occurring non-normal conditions. An inhibited non-relevant non-normal checklists does not include a checklist status icon displayed adjacent to its associated crew alert message. This indicates to the crew that the associated non-normal checklist is not required to be accomplished. In addition, the inhibited checklist is removed from the checklist queue, its operational notes are removed from the notes file, its deferred line items are removed from the predefined normal checklist, and the checklist state is preserved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-based electronic checklist system (10) that is interfaced with a crew alert system (12). The system provides both normal checklists (i.e., checklists for use during routine operation of the airplane) and non-normal checklists for use with crew alert messages that are supplied by the crew alert system. Non-normal checklists that are not associated crew alert messages are also provided. Status indicators are provided to indicate the completion state of non-normal checklists; the completion state of normal checklists, and, when applicable, the existence of a normal checklist that has not yet been used during that particular flight program. Checklist line items of each checklist are displayed in a manner that distinguishes between closed-loop items (i.e., checklist items for which the system operator need not respond); and open-loop line items (i.e., items requiring an operator response).