Emergency and Abnormal Procedures for Agricultural Aircraft
Engine and System Failures
Agricultural aircraft often operate with little altitude margin, so emergency procedures must be immediate. Candidates must know the response to engine failure at low altitude: maintain control, establish the best glide or forced landing attitude, and select a landing area ahead, avoiding obstacles and people. Know the emergency dump procedure to reduce weight and the risks of dumping near sensitive areas.
Abnormal Situations Traps
A common trap is attempting a turn back to the field after takeoff with insufficient altitude; the correct answer is usually to land ahead. Another trap involves spray system failures: a stuck valve or pump failure requires shutting off the system and returning, not continuing the application. Questions may test smoke or fire response, including shutting off fuel and electrical systems.
Worked Example
Rule of thumb: below a safe turn-back altitude, do not attempt to return to the runway; land ahead within a narrow field of view. If a question describes an engine failure just after liftoff, the correct answer is a forced landing ahead with obstacle avoidance and minimal maneuvering.
Emergency Planning
Know the importance of preflight planning of emergency landing areas and the use of checklists. Also understand the hazards of chemical spills and the need to report incidents.