A secondary fault begins to dominate attention
A pilot in a conventional light aeroplane is climbing away from a training aerodrome in good visual weather. The aircraft is within its approved loading envelope and was performing normally before departure. A radio display flickers, and the passenger asks whether the flight must return. The pilot looks inside repeatedly while trying different radio controls. During one of these attempts, the pilot notices that indicated airspeed has been decreasing and the aircraft is no longer maintaining the intended climb attitude. There is no evidence of an immediate engine failure. The surrounding area offers clear visual references and room to stabilize the aircraft before deciding what to do about the radio.
1. What should be addressed first?
Read the worked answer
Restore a safe controlled flight condition using the appropriate attitude, power and speed for the aircraft and circumstances. The radio fault must not be allowed to develop into loss of control. Once stable, assess the equipment problem and choose the approved procedure and safe next action.
2. How should the pilot manage the passenger and checklist work?
Read the worked answer
Give a short clear instruction that reduces distraction, then use the relevant aircraft checklist as workload permits. Maintain an outside scan and monitor flight parameters. If communication capability is affected, plan a safe outcome using the applicable published procedures rather than improvising from another aircraft’s checklist.