Hi John-
Actually, I touched base with 12 pilots so far (MD-11, B-767/757,
MD-88/90), and not one was in favor of an electronic checklist, while the
MD-11 pilots were receptive to the secondary display defaulting to
abnormal/consequence.
Those that have used electronic checklists felt an increase in workload
resulting in a departure from normal crew duties and many times requiring
a brief period of scanning and or questioning the pilot flying to return
to normal situational awareness.
Overall consensus was a "hard card" checklist challenge/response could be
completed in a fraction of the time required for an electronic checklist
such as "Before Start Checklist". As for deferred items, on the MD-11, we
call for the "After Takeoff Checklist" transitioning to the clean
configuration (slats retract, level change, after takeoff checklist) and
within 3 - 5 seconds maximum, the pilot not flying (PNF) usually calls
lights and altimeters to go which are done passing FL180 (we have no
climb checklist on the MD-11). I just don't recall anyone missing a
standard deferred item as previously stated.
To the best of my knowledge, we discussed electronic checklists in a
meeting over ten years ago; we felt there was no substantial advantage,
some disadvantages and saw no need to pursue the issue especially
considering a potential maintenance nightmare and substantial additional
expense. I doubt we will see an electronic checklist during my career;
last time I made a statement like that, however, we were notified of a
change that afternoon. Go figure.
Regards-
Lonny