Operational Procedures
What the exam tests
Operational procedures tests standard operating procedures, checklists, normal and abnormal operations, emergency handling, ATC coordination, wake turbulence, icing, fuel management, diversion and cabin safety. The exam expects a logical sequence and correct priorities.
Core priorities
- Aviate, navigate, communicate. Maintain aircraft control before troubleshooting.
- Use the checklist after memory items; do not skip items because of time pressure.
- For engine fire after takeoff, maintain control, climb to a safe altitude if performance allows, carry out the engine fire drill, and return or divert.
- Wake turbulence avoidance: land before and take off after a heavy aircraft, and stay above its flight path.
- In icing, use anti-ice or de-ice as approved; if performance deteriorates, change altitude or divert.
- Emergency descent: oxygen masks, cabin communication, descent to 10,000 ft or minimum safe altitude, and ATC notification.
Worked example
After takeoff, the right engine fire warning illuminates. The crew maintains directional control, retards the affected thrust lever, confirms the fire, discharges the extinguisher, and climbs to a safe altitude only if single-engine performance allows. They notify ATC, request return, and complete the checklist. They do not restart the engine or continue to destination.
Traps
Do not troubleshoot before controlling the aircraft. Do not delay the emergency descent for paperwork. Do not assume a fire warning is false because it clears. Do not turn into the dead engine on a twin-engine aircraft.