Operational Procedures (including emergency and abnormal procedures)
What the exam tests
Operational procedures tests emergency and abnormal handling, checklists, rejected takeoff, engine failure, depressurization, fire, MEL and ETOPS.
Core rules
- Before V1, a serious failure calls for a rejected takeoff; after V1, continue and deal with the problem airborne.
- Memory items are immediate actions; the checklist follows and confirms.
- Depressurization: oxygen masks on, emergency descent, level at 10,000 ft or MSA.
- Engine fire: fire handle, agent discharge, shutdown; do not restart unless the checklist permits.
- MEL allows dispatch with specified equipment inoperative; CDL covers missing external items.
- Drift-down follows engine failure at altitude; ETOPS requires approved diversion airports and time limits.
Worked example
At 100 kt on takeoff, an engine fire warning appears and V1 is 140 kt. The correct action is to reject: close throttles, brake, and discharge the fire agent. If the same warning occurs at 150 kt, continue, climb, and run the fire checklist.
Traps
Treating V1 as a 'go' speed rather than a decision speed; skipping memory items to find the checklist; and assuming an MEL item has no operational restrictions.