Operational Procedures
Operational procedures questions test the rules and practices that govern flight operations. Understand the requirement for an operations manual, the role of the commander, and the meaning of minimum equipment list (MEL) and configuration deviation list (CDL). Know that a flight may depart with certain items inoperative only if the MEL permits it.
Learn the rules on fuel policy, alternate aerodromes, and the meaning of isolated aerodrome procedures. Understand the significance of take-off and landing minima, and the difference between DA/DH and MDA/MDH.
Emergency procedures: know the drills for engine failure, fire, depressurisation and ditching, and the meaning of the emergency descent. Understand the use of transponder codes 7500, 7600 and 7700.
Traps: assuming the MEL allows any item to be deferred; confusing DA with MDA; and forgetting that the commander has final authority.
Worked rule of thumb: for an emergency descent, the priority is to don oxygen, establish a descent, and turn off the affected system; the target is the lowest safe altitude or 10,000 ft, whichever is higher.
Remember that a clearance does not relieve the pilot of responsibility for terrain clearance.