Operational Procedures and Emergency Handling
Domain 9 tests emergency phases, priority handling and the interface with search and rescue. The exam wants a sequence: recognise the condition, declare the phase, protect the flight and notify the right agency.
Emergency phases
INCERFA means uncertainty as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants. ALERFA means apprehension. DETRESFA means distress. The rescue coordination centre (RCC) is notified according to the phase. Common transponder codes are 7500 for unlawful interference, 7600 for radio failure and 7700 for general emergency.
Controller actions
Give priority, separate the emergency aircraft from other traffic, provide the requested information, notify the airport emergency services and record times. For radio failure, apply the published procedures and watch for the aircraft's intentions. For hijack, avoid unnecessary transmissions and follow national guidance.
Worked example: a crew transmits MAYDAY, engine fire, descending. This is DETRESFA, not INCERFA. Declare the phase, give immediate priority, vector to the nearest suitable aerodrome, keep other traffic clear, notify the RCC and fire services, and pass wind, runway and known traffic.
Traps: waiting for confirmation before declaring a phase; failing to notify the RCC; forgetting to protect the runway for the emergency aircraft; treating a PAN PAN as a routine request.