Operational Procedures
Operational Procedures tests how a flight is conducted safely under normal, abnormal and emergency conditions: fuel policy, MEL, contaminated runways, ETOPS and emergency drills.
Fuel and MEL
- Fuel planning includes taxi, trip, contingency, alternate and final reserve. Final reserve is not contingency fuel and must remain untouched except in emergency.
- The MEL allows dispatch with specified equipment inoperative, subject to conditions and repair intervals.
- Cold weather requires de-icing/anti-icing before takeoff; holdover time limits protection.
Emergency procedures
- Memory items cover engine fire, rapid decompression and rejected takeoff; checklists follow.
- Emergency descent uses high-speed descent and turn away from traffic; cabin altitude is controlled with masks and oxygen.
- ETOPS requires approved diversion airports and time limits.
Worked example
Taxi 200 kg, trip 2,000 kg, contingency 5% of trip = 100 kg, alternate 500 kg, final reserve 30 min at 800 kg/h = 400 kg. Total fuel = 200 + 2,000 + 100 + 500 + 400 = 3,200 kg. If the alternate is not required, the 500 kg may be omitted only if the regulations allow.
Traps that cost marks
- Using final reserve as contingency fuel.
- Dispatching with an MEL item outside its conditions.
- Forgetting holdover time after de-icing.