ATPL 070 Operational Procedures flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Operator definition

The person engaged in the operation of an aircraft who holds the AOC and is responsible for regulatory compliance, including the operations manual, training, and maintenance.

AOC scope

The air operator certificate specifies the aircraft types, areas of operation, and special approvals (e.g. CAT II/III, ETOPS, RVSM) that the operator is authorised to conduct.

Operational control

The exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion, or termination of a flight in the interest of safety and regularity, exercised by the operator and commander.

Flight time definition

For aeroplanes, the period from the moment the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight until it comes to rest at the parking position.

Take-off minima

RVR/visibility requirements for take-off that depend on runway lighting, markings, and the operator's approved low-visibility procedures; a take-off alternate may be required.

CG envelope

The certified range of centre of gravity positions for take-off, in-flight, and landing; forward limit affects rotation and climb, aft limit affects stability and control.

Final reserve fuel

The minimum fuel that must remain on landing at the destination alternate or destination; it must not be planned to be used during the flight.

Decision point procedure

A re-dispatch method where the flight is planned to a decision point; if fuel state permits, it continues to a further destination, otherwise it diverts.

NOTOC

Notification to captain listing dangerous goods on board; the commander must review it and ensure loading, segregation, and documentation are correct before flight.

MAYDAY vs PAN PAN

MAYDAY declares an emergency requiring immediate assistance; PAN PAN declares urgency when safety is not immediately threatened but assistance may be needed.

MEL purpose

The minimum equipment list defines items that may be inoperative for dispatch, with associated operational and maintenance procedures, approved by the competent authority.

CDL purpose

The configuration deviation list defines allowable missing external components (e.g. fairings) with associated performance penalties that must be applied to the flight plan.

SMS four pillars

Safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion form the formal framework of a safety management system.

Commander final authority

The commander has final authority over the aircraft and may deviate from procedures in an emergency; the operator's dispatch cannot override safety decisions.

Duty period

The period from report time (or start of flight duty) until the end of the last flight plus post-flight duties; rest must be sufficient to recover before the next duty.

Augmented crew

Additional flight crew members carried when flight time exceeds single-crew limits, allowing in-flight rest and extended flight duty periods within approved limits.

Planning minima

Weather requirements for alternate aerodromes at the estimated time of arrival, typically ceiling and visibility above the approach minima by a defined margin.

Low visibility operations

Operations below specified RVR/visibility requiring specific approval, crew training, and equipment such as autoland, HUD, or enhanced vision systems.

Load sheet

Document showing mass and balance data; it must be accurate, verified and signed by the commander, and revised for last-minute changes before departure.

Runway condition

Dry, wet, or contaminated state affecting braking action and take-off/landing distances; the appropriate performance data and corrections must be applied.

Contingency fuel

Fuel allowance for unforeseen factors, typically a percentage of trip fuel or a fixed time; may be reduced with approved procedures such as the decision point procedure.

MINIMUM FUEL declaration

Declared when committed to land at a specific aerodrome with less than final reserve plus alternate fuel; alerts ATC to potential delay but not yet an emergency.

Operational flight plan

The commander's primary planning document containing route, fuel plan, mass and balance, alternates, and performance data for the intended flight.

ATS flight plan filing

Must be filed with the required lead time; changes to route, level, or destination require ATC coordination and a revised fuel and performance assessment.

Dangerous goods classification

Dangerous goods must be classified, packed, marked, labelled, and documented per the ICAO Technical Instructions; the operator must have an approved DG programme.

Security programme

The operator's security framework covering screening of passengers and cargo, access control, and threat response procedures, as required by the authority.

Emergency equipment checks

Fire extinguishers, oxygen, first aid kits, life jackets, slides/rafts, ELT, and emergency lighting must be serviceable and within inspection dates before flight.

Emergency descent procedure

Use oxygen, descend to 10,000 ft or MSA, advise ATC, and monitor cabin altitude and passenger oxygen during the descent.

RVSM equipment

Reduced vertical separation minima operations require serviceable altitude alerting, autopilot, and altimetry systems, plus crew qualification for the airspace.

MEL category intervals

MEL categories A, B, C, D define rectification intervals in calendar days; category A items require repair within the specified interval before further flight.

Technical log

Aircraft record of defects, MEL/CDL deferrals, and maintenance actions; it must be reviewed by the commander and communicated to maintenance.

Occurrence reporting

Serious incidents and accidents must be reported to the authority within defined timeframes, commonly 72 hours for incidents and immediately for accidents.