Operational Procedures
Normal operations
Understand the purpose and structure of standard operating procedures and checklists: normal, abnormal and emergency. Learn the phases of flight and the associated checks, and the meaning of a challenge-and-response checklist. Know the rules on fuel management, alternates, and the decision to divert.
Abnormal and emergency procedures
Study the memory items for the most time-critical emergencies (engine failure, fire, smoke, loss of pressurisation) and the difference between memory items and reference items. Understand the priorities: aviate, navigate, communicate. Learn the procedure for an engine failure after take-off, forced landing, ditching, and emergency descent. Know the meaning of MAYDAY and PAN PAN and when each is used.
Ground operations and aerodrome procedure
Learn the rules for taxi, holding points, runway incursion prevention, and the sterile cockpit. Understand the meaning of the runway holding position markings, the ILS critical area, and the localiser sensitive area. Know the procedures for wake turbulence separation and for operations at non-towered aerodromes, including the standard overhead join and radio calls.
Traps
Questions often test whether an item is a memory item, the correct order of priorities, and the difference between MAYDAY and PAN PAN. Another trap is the incorrect assumption that a clearance to land protects against wake turbulence.
Worked example
On an engine failure after take-off below the safe single-engine altitude, the priority is to maintain control, land ahead or within a safe forced-landing area, and only then communicate. Rule of thumb: aviate first, navigate second, communicate third, and never let communication degrade control.