Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Distraction; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Procedure
This report is not specific to any aircraft; but rather it encompasses the entire CRJ-200 fleet. I have a concern regarding the flow of the after start/taxi checklist. Specifically; I have an issue with where the nose wheel steering is called to be armed. Per the checklist; ATC communication is to be established first; followed by the arming of nose wheel steering. This flow is not only inefficient; it is also potentially confusing and even dangerous. Once ATC communication is established and instructions are given; the mindset of the taxi crew is to follow the ATC instructions and to begin taxiing the aircraft once ensuring ground equipment is clear. The way the checklist is currently written; it is very easy for a taxi crew to omit arming nose wheel steering. Their mind is no longer on having to arm the nose wheel steering once receiving taxi instructions. Several other mechanics have also mentioned how they are not comfortable with the way this checklist is written. Most of us who taxi are aware of this checklist anomaly and make a mental note to ensure we arm the nose wheel steering. A newly qualified run/taxi mechanic may not be as familiar with the checklist flow and may run into trouble.I would suggest revising the after start/taxi checklist to reflect nose wheel steering being armed before establishing ATC communication.
The items in the checklist for Maintenance to taxi the CRJ200 are not in the correct order.