Operational Procedures
Standard operations
This domain covers normal, abnormal and emergency procedures; pre-flight and in-flight checks; fuel management; take-off and landing procedures; and the handling of emergencies such as engine failure, fire, depressurisation and forced landing. Learn the principles of crew coordination, the use of checklists, and the difference between a memory item and a checklist item. Understand the rules for diversion, the declaration of an emergency, and the use of the distress and urgency signals.
Traps in questions
A common trap is assuming that a checklist replaces memory items - some actions must be committed to memory and performed immediately. Another is confusing a Mayday with a Pan-Pan, or forgetting that an emergency declaration gives the pilot priority but not automatic clearance. Questions also test the order of actions after an engine failure and the conditions for a forced landing.
Worked example
"An engine fails shortly after take-off. What is the first priority?" Answer: maintain control and airspeed, then follow the memory items, then complete the checklist. Rule of thumb: aviate, navigate, communicate - in that order.
Key points
- Memory items come before checklists.
- Mayday signals distress; Pan-Pan signals urgency.
- An emergency declaration gives priority, not automatic clearance.
- Aviate, navigate, communicate - in that order.
- Know the diversion and fuel-management rules.