Beechjet 400
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 18000; Flight Crew Type 1000
Other / Unknown; Communication Breakdown; Troubleshooting; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Human Factors; Chart Or Publication
While in cruise phase a caution light illuminated on our caution and warning panel display. The PIC initiated action without consulting me or establishing who was in control of the aircraft and who was to do the abnormal procedures; both of which were in violation of our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The problem was not critical in nature and his actions turned out to be correct; however they were clearly in violation of our well-established policies. Later; I noticed that the caution light was extinguished. Upon investigation I discovered that the PIC had taken it upon himself to re-energize the affected system; again without consultation and in clear violation of our procedures. Although I understand and appreciate the value of initiative in solving problems while airborne; this situation didn't call for such action and could have caused much greater harm. I find it astounding that in this day and age someone of any experience would deviate from established checklists and procedures and would be willing to 'wing it' for no good purpose. This behavior is anything but professional and calls into question the judgment of this individual.
A BE400 First Officer reported that his Captain responded to a non-critical caution light with memorized procedures and later re-energized the affected system again without checklist usage or consulting with him.