B737-800 flight crew reported a loss of situational awareness resulted in excess bank and course deviation on a SID due to improper verification of automation mode and proper autopilot engagement. The Captain took over the flight controls and returned to the course with a heading from ATC.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported a loss of situational awareness resulted in excess bank and course deviation on a SID due to improper verification of automation mode and proper autopilot engagement. The Captain took over the flight controls and returned to the course with a heading from ATC.
Narrative
Originally; we were given 4000 ft. initial altitude and my plan was to hand fly the aircraft through 10000 ft. Once airborne we were assigned climb via SID. My plan was to turn on the automation and set the correct altitude on the flight control panel. I selected autopilot on (but the autopilot didn't actually activate); but the aircraft was very stable. Noticing the aircraft wasn't following the selected course; both the Captain and I queried and my Captain said; 'I have the controls;' and selected HDG (Heading) mode to recapture. I said; 'your flight controls;' and I notified ATC of our issue and they said; 'no problem; proceed direct ZZZZZ.' I set ZZZZZ in the FMC; verified with my Captain; and pressed EXEC. However; we didn't select LNAV. I pointed out to my Captain that; 'course wasn't correcting;' as we still had HDG mode selected. ATC gave us a HDG to fly and we made the appropriate corrections of re-sequencing ZZZZZ and notifying ATC were able direct ZZZZZ; which we got and We RE-selected LNAV. I thanked ATC for their time and said sorry again as they passed us to the next controller frequency. I pointed out my initial mistake to my Captain and we talked through what happened. I should've waited to verify the autopilot actually activated and I should've also prompted LNAV is available for my Captain to re-intercept ZZZZZ. I think communication was good with the crew and my Captain is a really good mentor who is approachable. The only casual thing was that I didn't verify the autopilot actually activated; which I will not do again. My oversight of verifying the autopilot activated will be corrected by me making sure the automation light actually comes on verifying positive aircraft control at all times and I'll be stronger at prompting for things as a team member. I'm sorry for this mistake and will not repeat it.
Second reporter narrative
Originally; we were given 4000 ft. initial altitude and my plan was to hand fly the aircraft through 10000 ft. Once airborne we were assigned climb via SID. My plan was to turn on the automation and set the correct altitude on the flight control panel. I selected autopilot on CMD-B (but the autopilot didn't actually activate); but the aircraft was very stable. Noticing the aircraft wasn't following the selected course; both the Captain and I queried and my Captain said; 'I have the controls;' and selected HDG (Heading) mode to recapture. I said; 'your flight controls;' and I notified ATC of our issue and they said; no problem; proceed direct ZZZZZ." I set ZZZZZ in the FMC; verified with my Captain; and pressed EXEC. However; we didn't select LNAV. I pointed out to my Captain that; 'course wasn't correcting;' as we still had HDG mode selected. ATC gave us a HDG to fly and we made the appropriate corrections of re-sequencing ZZZZZ and notifying ATC were able direct ZZZZZ; which we got and We RE-selected LNAV. I thanked ATC for their time and said sorry again as they passed us to the next controller frequency. I pointed out my initial mistake to my Captain and we talked through what happened. I should've waited to verify the CMD-B actually activated and I should've also prompted LNAV is available for my Captain to re-intercept ZZZZZ.I think communication was good with the crew and my Captain is a really good mentor who is approachable. The only casual thing was that I didn't verify the autopilot actually activated; which I will not do again.My oversight of verifying the autopilot activated will be corrected by me making sure the automation light actually comes on verifying positive aircraft control at all times and I'll be stronger at prompting for things as a team member. I'm sorry for this mistake and will not repeat it."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.