For several years I have had the opportunity to utilize electronic checklists, first on turbo-props and more recently in automated cockpits of corporate jets. I find the following advantages enticing:
Both pilots can see the items being addressed, helping to eliminate mis-hearing a challenge or response.
The checklist can be stopped to attend to more pressing business; traffic, etc., then because the place is "marked", resumed without missing an item or two.
Usually displayed on a radar monitor or least critical EICAS, I find that there is less "heads-down" time. This is important when transitioning a busy area where heavy traffic is a factor into or from the flight levels.
In international operations the added workload of communication and navigation checking and re-checking, more prevalent in the terminal area can tend to interrupt checklist completion. Once again with the place marked, returning to the checklist is rather easy.
A few months ago, we experienced a fire warning shortly after lift-off. The emergency checklist automatically appeared, addressing the emergency procedures and continuing on through the single-engine landing. During this very busy time ( warning remained on after firing both bottles, international location language difficulties and inter-crew communicating), I found it extremely useful to not spend time going through a paper checklist. What's more, with the list displayed both of us pilots remained in-sync throughout the emergency and subsequent landing, despite the numerous interruptions to the task at hand.
>From a technical perspective, I understand that making changes to the electronic checklist is expensive. Many who do not use the electric checklist, even when installed on the aircraft say that a few items are not in line with their SOP's or other needs and because of this expense of correcting the list, end up not using it at all.
Regards,
Larry Steele