Operational Procedures
Normal and abnormal operations
Know the sequence of pre-flight and in-flight checks, fuel policy, mass and balance, performance, ATC clearance and read-back requirements, and the rules for low-visibility, contaminated runway, cold-weather and wake-turbulence operations. Know the emergency frequencies (121.5 MHz VHF, 243.0 MHz UHF), the transponder codes 7700 (emergency), 7600 (radio failure) and 7500 (unlawful interference), and the general emergency priorities: aviate, navigate, communicate.
Emergencies
For depressurisation, don oxygen, descend to a breathable level and turn toward a suitable aerodrome; for engine fire, follow the checklist and land as soon as practicable; for ditching, prepare the cabin and transmit a MAYDAY with position and intentions. Know the IFR radio-failure procedure: maintain the last assigned level or minimum safe altitude, squawk 7600, attempt contact on the appropriate frequency, and follow the published lost-communication procedure. Report accidents and serious incidents under the State's rules and use the ELT and SAR arrangements.
Worked example
Radio failure in IMC while cleared to FL150 on a route with a published lost-comm procedure: squawk 7600, continue at FL150, try the last frequency and 121.5, then follow the published route and levels to the destination or alternate. Do not simply descend through cloud without terrain clearance.
Rule of thumb
77 - emergency; 76 - radio; 75 - hijack. Read back every clearance that contains a runway, altitude, heading, frequency or squawk.