Narrative:

While we were flying the approach to 35R at den; we encountered a slat fail message after selecting flaps one. At that point; the captain directed me to run the QRH for slats fail. The checklist directed me to return the leaver to the flaps zero position and then reposition them to flaps one. After completing this task the message returned. At this time; we decided to continue running the second portion of the checklist. When directed to set the flaps to 45; the captain was confused at the direction and directed me to not set the flaps to 45. At this time I reread the checklist; fearing I was wrong. Upon determining I was doing the right procedure I called for flaps 45 again; and the captain stated again that the checklist did not make sense and to not position the flaps to 45 degrees. I again questioned myself and did not position the flaps to 45. At this time questioned in my mind a go around to clarify our confusion; but I did not state my concern. I decided to follow the captain's direction and continue the approach without flaps. During the confusion we also neglected to finish the before landing checklist which resulted in landing without thrust reversers. Upon landing I reviewed the checklist again fearing I had made the wrong decision by not positioning the flaps to 45 and we then realized the flaps were operational.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CRJ700 Captain becomes confused after slats fail caution during approach and; not comprehending the QRH statement to select flaps 45; lands flaps up.

Narrative: While we were flying the approach to 35R at DEN; we encountered a Slat Fail message after selecting flaps one. At that point; the Captain directed me to run the QRH for slats fail. The checklist directed me to return the leaver to the flaps zero position and then reposition them to flaps one. After completing this task the message returned. At this time; we decided to continue running the second portion of the checklist. When directed to set the flaps to 45; the Captain was confused at the direction and directed me to not set the flaps to 45. At this time I reread the checklist; fearing I was wrong. Upon determining I was doing the right procedure I called for flaps 45 again; and the Captain stated again that the checklist did not make sense and to not position the flaps to 45 degrees. I again questioned myself and did not position the flaps to 45. At this time questioned in my mind a go around to clarify our confusion; but I did not state my concern. I decided to follow the Captain's direction and continue the approach without flaps. During the confusion we also neglected to finish the before landing checklist which resulted in landing without Thrust Reversers. Upon landing I reviewed the checklist again fearing I had made the wrong decision by not positioning the flaps to 45 and we then realized the flaps were operational.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.