B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Chart Or Publication; Company Policy; Procedure
More and more lately; First Officers (FO) are making the call 'Speed Checks' before moving the flap handle; after being asked for a configuration change during approach. This is a non-standard term; is not in the books; violates sterile cockpit rules; and distracts the Pilots during critical phases of flight. For a while I thought it was a one-off call; but more and more lately; most new FO are making the call. When asked why; they claim that's how they are trained. Some of these FO are previous Pilots from another carrier; some are [armed forces] folks; but all are relatively new and claim to have been trained to verbalize the term 'Speed Checks'. There is nothing in our manuals about saying 'Speed Checks'. In fact; our AOM specifically requires Pilots to repeat verbatim that when 'flaps 5' is called; to repeat 'flaps 5'. Not say 'speed checks; flaps 5'. Publish a briefing bulletin and emphasis in training the use of standard terminology; or change training and publications to reflect what the FO are doing; I'm easy; just pick one.
A B737 Captain noted some new first officers are making a verbal call 'Speed Checks' before moving the flap hand during approach. The procedure is non standard and distracting.