Why Boeing 787 Cockpits Use Electronic Checklists Instead Of Paper

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s flight deck centers on digital information, consolidating flight data, navigation details, system indications, and alerts on large displays. This integrated approach replaces what used to be spread across multiple instruments and documents.

The aircraft’s electronic checklist system mirrors the cockpit’s digital philosophy. Pilots can access both normal and non-normal checklists directly through the flight deck displays, reducing the need to rely on printed pages.

The design emphasizes a unified information environment, where critical procedures and flight information are presented in a single, accessible format. This aims to streamline access to necessary checklists during operations.

The report notes that this digital checklist capability aligns with the broader move toward cockpit data integration on the 787, supporting pilots with on-display guidance rather than paper-based references.