Operational Procedures
What the exam tests
This domain tests normal and emergency procedures: preflight planning, fuel, alternates, take-off and landing, engine failure, fire, radio failure and runway safety.
Core rules
- Preflight planning confirms documents, mass and balance, performance, weather, NOTAMs, fuel and alternates. Fuel must cover taxi, trip, contingency, alternate and final reserve.
- Before take-off, brief the engine failure actions, rejected take-off decision, departure route and emergency return.
- After an engine failure after take-off, pitch for best glide, maintain control, select a landing area, complete memory items and checklist, and transmit MAYDAY if time permits.
- Radio failure in VFR: remain VMC, continue to a suitable aerodrome, avoid controlled airspace unless cleared, and report on arrival.
- Runway incursion prevention requires explicit hold-short readback, sterile cockpit during taxi and a final check that the runway is clear.
Worked example
The engine fails at 300 ft after take-off. The correct priority is attitude and speed first, not troubleshooting. Lower the nose to best glide, choose a field within gliding range, avoid a turned-back approach unless altitude and training make it safe, then complete the emergency checklist and call MAYDAY.
Traps
Trying the impossible turn at low altitude; troubleshooting before controlling the aircraft; omitting the final reserve from fuel planning; and accepting a hold-short instruction without reading it back.