Operational Procedures and Emergency Handling
Normal and abnormal operations
This domain covers the operational procedures that keep IFR flight safe: pre-flight checks, departure and arrival briefings, approach briefings, go-around decisions, diversion, and emergency handling. Candidates must know the standard emergency phrases (MAYDAY, PAN PAN), the meaning of "minimum fuel" and "emergency fuel", and the correct sequence for declaring an emergency.
Emergency handling
In an emergency, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule to the extent necessary and must report the deviation. The priority order is: aviate, navigate, communicate. For radio failure, know the standard procedures: squawk 7600, follow the last assigned clearance, and comply with the published lost-communication procedure. For engine failure, know the glide profile and the decision to divert.
Traps in questions
- Declaring "minimum fuel" as an emergency - it is an advisory, not a declaration.
- Forgetting that a MAYDAY is repeated three times and includes nature of emergency, intentions, position, altitude, and fuel.
- Assuming a go-around requires ATC permission - it does not.
- Confusing a diversion decision with a change of destination clearance.
Worked rule of thumb
When a scenario describes deteriorating conditions, ask: what is the first decision point? For an approach, it is the decision altitude or missed approach point. For fuel, it is the point at which the alternate is no longer reachable. Decide at the point, not after it.
Study approach
Rehearse three emergency scripts: engine failure after takeoff, pressurization failure, and radio failure in IMC.