Operational Procedures
What the exam tests
Operational Procedures tests pre-flight preparation, mass and balance, performance, passenger safety, normal and emergency checklists, diversions, cold-weather operations, and NOTAM interpretation.
Core rules
- Before every flight, confirm airworthiness, fuel, mass and balance, performance, weather, NOTAMs, and alternate availability.
- Passenger briefing covers seat belts, exits, oxygen if fitted, and the use of safety equipment.
- In an engine failure after take-off, establish best glide speed immediately, select a landing area within about 30° of the current heading, and avoid turning back below a safe height.
- Cold-weather operations require preheating, removal of frost, snow, and ice, and awareness of cold-soaked battery capacity and altimeter errors.
- A diversion decision must account for fuel, weather, terrain, and ATC coordination; declare an emergency early if safety is at risk.
Worked example
A C172S suffers engine failure at 600 ft AGL after take-off. The pilot pitches for 68 KIAS best glide, checks fuel selector and mixture, attempts a restart, selects a field ahead, and transmits MAYDAY on 121.5. A turn back to the runway at 600 ft is rejected because the bank increases stall speed and the height loss is excessive. The field landing is within 30° of heading.
Traps
Do not attempt the 'impossible turn' after take-off. Do not let checklist reading replace flying the aircraft. Do not take off with frost, snow, or ice on the wings.