Operational Procedures
What this domain tests
Operational Procedures tests SOPs, normal and emergency drills, MEL/CDL use, NOTAM and altimetry, low-visibility operations and dangerous goods. Questions reward the correct sequence and the correct decision point.
Core rules
- Before V1: reject for a significant failure. After V1: continue, clean up, and deal with the failure using the checklist.
- Engine fire: the memory drill is normally throttle, fuel, ignition and extinguisher; then follow the checklist for the affected system.
- Depressurisation: oxygen masks, descent to below 10,000 ft or the lowest safe altitude, then divert.
- MEL: allows dispatch with specified equipment inoperative subject to conditions; CDL covers missing items. Neither can defer an item affecting airworthiness.
- Dangerous goods: hidden hazards, pilot notification and the emergency response drill, for example lithium battery fires.
- Low visibility: approach ban and RVR minima apply; the go-around decision must be made by DA/DH.
Worked example
At 100 kt during the takeoff roll, the engine fails before V1 (V1 = 120 kt). The correct action is to reject: close the throttles, maintain directional control, use brakes and spoilers, and stop on the runway. Continuing would require a performance margin that has not been demonstrated.
Traps
Rejecting after V1; reading the checklist aloud while flying instead of using the memory items first; assuming an MEL item is allowed at any time; forgetting that a NOTAM can change the published approach minima.
Key habit
Ask: what is the decision point, and what is the memory drill before the checklist?