Operational Procedures
Normal and abnormal operations
Operational procedures cover how flights are conducted safely and legally: pre-flight planning, mass and balance, fuel, aerodrome operations, emergencies, and the use of checklists. Know the standard emergency procedures - engine failure, fire, depressurisation, forced landing - and the associated memory items versus checklist items.
Aerodrome operations: understand runway markings, signs and lighting, taxi procedures, and the meaning of declared distances. Know wake turbulence separation, runway incursion avoidance, and the correct response to a go-around. Emergency communications: know the distress (MAYDAY) and urgency (PAN PAN) calls and when each applies.
Traps: confusing memory items with checklist items; assuming a checklist replaces judgement; and forgetting that declared distances (TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA) differ. In emergencies, questions often test priorities: aviate, navigate, communicate - in that order.
Rule of thumb
When an abnormal situation arises, apply the sequence: maintain control, analyse, act, then communicate. For any "what should the pilot do first" question, the answer is almost always to fly the aircraft.