Operational Procedures
Operational Procedures
Operational Procedures tests normal and emergency operations: checklists, SOPs, take-off and landing, fuel management, diversion, communications, icing, fire, depressurisation and security. The exam expects disciplined use of procedures and sound decision-making under pressure.
Core rules
- Checklists are read and confirmed, not recited from memory in critical phases. Use the appropriate normal, abnormal or emergency checklist; if time is short, fly the aircraft first.
- Before take-off, confirm performance, mass and balance, fuel, weather, runway and emergency brief. After take-off, maintain runway heading until a safe altitude unless the emergency procedure says otherwise.
- For engine failure after take-off, maintain control, pitch for best glide, select a landing area, then run the checklist. A turn back to the runway is usually unsafe below a safe turning altitude.
- Fuel management includes monitoring quantity and flow, switching tanks as required, and diverting before reserve is reached. Emergency authority allows the pilot to deviate from rules to meet a serious emergency, but notify ATC as soon as possible.
Worked example
At 500 ft AGL, the engine fails. The pilot lowers the nose to maintain flying speed, selects a field within about 30° of the current heading, and does not attempt a 180° turn back. The reasoning: a turn back requires a steep bank and a large altitude loss; at 500 ft there is insufficient height to complete it safely. The pilot then follows the engine-failure checklist.
Traps
- Rushing the checklist and forgetting to fly the aircraft.
- Turning back to the runway at low altitude.
- Assuming a mayday is unnecessary if the situation is under control.
- Continuing to destination with a known fuel leak.