What is the definition of "cross-checking" in flight operations?

• A. Using a single instrument for critical flight data
• B. Verifying information from multiple instruments to ensure accuracy
• C. Monitoring visual cues outside the cockpit
• D. Consulting with co-pilots for flight decisions

Answer: (B)

Cross-checking in flight operations refers to the practice of verifying information from multiple instruments to ensure accuracy. This procedure is critical for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring the safety of the flight. By comparing readings from various instruments, pilots can identify discrepancies that may indicate a malfunction or erroneous information being provided by a single instrument. This redundancy helps to build a more reliable picture of the aircraft's status and performance, allowing pilots to make informed decisions during flight.

Using only a single instrument for critical flight data can lead to reliance on potentially erroneous information, increasing the risk of mistakes. Monitoring visual cues outside the cockpit, while important, pertains more to situational awareness rather than the cross-checking of instruments. Consulting with co-pilots for flight decisions is a valuable practice for collaboration and safety but does not directly involve the verification of instrument data. Thus, the correct definition of cross-checking specifically focuses on the corroboration of information derived from multiple instruments.