Operational Procedures - Normal, Abnormal and Emergency
Normal operations
Operational procedure questions reward disciplined habits: a thorough pre-flight inspection, correct use of checklists (read-do and do-verify), standard calls, and clear read-back of ATC clearances. Know the aerodrome environment - taxi clearances, holding points, runway-incursion avoidance, wind and altimeter checks before take-off, circuit direction and noise-abatement procedures.
Hazards on and around the aerodrome
Wake turbulence is generated by heavy aircraft and sinks with the wind. On take-off, rotate before the preceding aircraft's rotation point and stay upwind; on landing, stay above its flight path and touch down beyond its touchdown point. Understand runway surface condition and hydroplaning, bird strike, jet blast and prop wash.
Emergencies
Learn the immediate actions and memory items for engine failure after take-off, engine fire in flight, forced landing, ditching and electrical failure. Know the ELT, the fire extinguisher types and which suits a fuel fire, oxygen use, survival equipment and the rules on dangerous goods. A forced landing should be flown towards a site within about 30° of the nose while holding best glide speed.
Common traps
Reading back irrelevant items but omitting runway, altitude, heading and frequency; treating checklists as a substitute for airmanship; and naming the wrong extinguisher for a fuel fire.
Rule of thumb
For wake turbulence, stay above and upwind of the preceding aircraft's flight path and plan to touch down beyond its touchdown point.