Quick Reference Handbook | Boeing 737-800 Qrh

The QRH is designed based on the premise that pilots under stress are prone to errors. Therefore, the procedures are structured to be methodical.

These are the step-by-step actions taken after the aircraft is stable.

The genius of the QRH lies in its physical and digital organization. Traditional paper versions use edge indexing (colored tabs) and a "read-and-do" format, where each step must be completed and verified before moving to the next. The chapters follow a logical crisis flow:

Modern 737-800 fleets increasingly use an Electronic QRH (E-QRH) on a tablet or integrated display. While offering faster keyword search and lighter flight bags, the paper QRH remains a non-negotiable backup, immune to battery failure or screen glare. boeing 737-800 qrh quick reference handbook

The most critical part of any 737-800 QRH is the Memory Items section. For many emergencies, the QRH explicitly states: “Immediate Action is required. Complete the Memory Items before referring to the QRH.”

Why? Because in the first 4-5 seconds of a fire, engine failure, or rapid decompression, there is no time to read.

Examples of 737-800 Memory Items (common to most QRHs): The QRH is designed based on the premise

A pilot cannot be a pilot of a 737-800 without these items drilled into muscle memory during every simulator session.

Imagine you are flying a 737-800 at FL370. The "ENGINE FIRE" bell rings. You have no time. Here is the real-world flow:

Step 1: Memory Items (0–15 seconds) You and your Pilot Monitoring (PM) execute the memory drill: Close throttle, Cutoff fuel, Pull fire handle, Rotate to stop. You silence the bell. Modern 737-800 fleets increasingly use an Electronic QRH

Step 2: Grab the QRH (15–30 seconds) The PM shouts: "I have the QRH, Engine Fire checklist." They flip to the Tabbed "Memory Items" section, confirm the memory actions are done, then proceed to the Non-Normal checklist titled "Engine Fire or Engine Severe Damage."

Step 3: The Read & Do (30 seconds – 2 minutes) Unlike a normal checklist (Do-Confirm), the QRH in an emergency is "Read & Do." The PM reads a step: "Engine Start Lever (affected engine)... CUTOFF." The Pilot Flying confirms: "CUTOFF." The PM reads: "Fire Switch (affected engine)... Pull." Once pulled, the PM reads: "Fire Switch... Rotate to STOP and HOLD FOR 1 SECOND."

Step 4: Decision Making The QRH then branches. It asks: "Was the fire warning light extinguished after 1 second?"

Step 5: The Landing After securing the engine, you turn to the Performance section. You look up "Landing Distance – Single Engine." You find you need 2,500 meters plus a wind factor. You check your destination runway length. Only then do you decide to land or divert.