The paper or electronic QRH is divided into color-coded sections:

The final pages, usually identified by a different color or edge marking, contain the . This is used only when a full evacuation of the aircraft is required. Memory Items vs. QRH Items

The Quick Reference Handbook for the 737-800 is more than a manual; it is a philosophical statement about risk management. It acknowledges that in an emergency, human memory is fallible. It does not shame the pilot for forgetting a checklist; it provides the answer in a structured, linear, and color-coded format.

While the QRH covers hundreds of faults, operators see a few "greatest hits" most frequently in Line Oriented Simulations (LOFT).

A brief, italicized description explaining why the checklist is being read (e.g., Condition: An engine fire is indicated... ).

The back of the QRH contains vital performance tables. If an emergency forces a 737-800 to land with partial flaps or an inoperative engine, its landing distance will change. The QRH provides instant calculations for: Inflight landing distances based on runway braking action. Flap-extension penalties. V-speed adjustments for non-normal configurations.

The is a mission-critical, time-sensitive reference for managing abnormal and emergency conditions. It is organized by color-coded tabs, prioritizes memory items, provides performance data, and is designed for rapid access in the flight deck environment. Operators supplement the QRH with company-specific procedures but cannot modify Boeing-published non-normal steps without regulatory approval.

Tapping a system fault can automatically calculate landing performance based on current weather.

The Boeing 737-800 QRH represents decades of human factors engineering and accident investigation lessons. By dividing complex emergencies into scannable, logical steps, it ensures that flight crews can manage system anomalies calmly and systematically, upholding the highest standards of global aviation safety.

Some emergencies happen too fast to look up a book. These require immediate action from memory. In the QRH, memory items are enclosed within a distinct . Pilots must execute these steps instantly before opening the handbook to read the rest of the checklist.