Operational Procedures: Checklists, Emergencies and Ground Operations
Standard operating procedures
Operational procedures questions test disciplined use of checklists, clear roles and standard calls. Know the difference between normal, abnormal and emergency checklists, and that memory items are limited to time-critical actions followed by the checklist. Understand the sterile flight deck rule and when it applies.
Emergencies
Be able to prioritise: aviate, navigate, communicate. Know the actions for engine failure after take-off, engine fire, rapid decompression, and rejected take-off. For decompression, know the order: oxygen masks on, establish communication, then descend to a safe altitude. For an engine fire, know that the fire handle usually closes the fuel, bleed and hydraulic supply before the extinguisher is discharged.
Ground operations
Know the marshalling signals, the meaning of a follow-me vehicle, and the rules for taxiing on an uncontrolled aerodrome. Understand runway incursion causes and the readback requirement for hold-short instructions. Know the passenger briefing requirements and the rules for carriage of dangerous goods.
Traps
- Assuming the first action in a rapid decompression is to descend - it is to don oxygen.
- Confusing a rejected take-off decision speed with V1.
- Forgetting that a hold-short instruction must be read back in full.
Rule of thumb
When a question asks for the first action in an emergency, choose the action that protects life and control of the aircraft before communication. Aviate first, then navigate, then communicate.