17 June, 2025
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Table of Contents
- General Emergency Principles
- Engine Failure Procedures
- Fire Emergency Procedures
- Electrical System Failures
- Communication Failures
- Weather-Related Emergencies
- Emergency Landing Procedures
- Emergency Equipment and Signals
GENERAL EMERGENCY PRINCIPLES
Primary Priorities (ABC)
A – AIRSPEED: Maintain appropriate airspeed for the situation B – BEST LANDING AREA: Identify suitable landing area if required C – CHECKLIST: Follow appropriate emergency checklist
Emergency Action Sequence
- FLY THE AIRPLANE – Maintain aircraft control at all times
- ASSESS THE SITUATION – Determine the nature and severity of the emergency
- TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION – Follow established procedures
- LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL – Choose appropriate landing option
Communication Protocol
- DECLARE EMERGENCY: Use “MAYDAY” for life-threatening situations or “PAN-PAN” for urgent situations
- SQUAWK 7700: Set transponder to emergency code
- PROVIDE INFORMATION: Aircraft type, location, nature of emergency, souls on board, fuel remaining
ENGINE FAILURE PROCEDURES
Single-Engine Aircraft – Engine Failure
Immediate Actions (Memory Items)
- AIRSPEED – Establish best glide speed immediately
- ATTITUDE – Lower nose to maintain airspeed
- AREA – Select suitable forced landing area
- ATTEMPT RESTART – If altitude and time permit
Engine Failure Checklist
- Mixture – RICH
- Fuel Selector – BOTH (or appropriate tank)
- Fuel Pump – ON
- Carburetor Heat – ON (if equipped)
- Ignition – BOTH
- Throttle – CRACK OPEN
- If restart unsuccessful:
- Fuel Selector – OFF
- Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
- Ignition – OFF
- Master Switch – OFF (when landing is assured)
Multi-Engine Aircraft – Engine Failure
Critical Actions
- MAINTAIN CONTROL – Counter yaw with rudder
- AIRSPEED – Maintain Vyse (blue line speed)
- IDENTIFY – Dead engine (dead foot, dead engine)
- VERIFY – Throttle to idle on failed engine
- FEATHER – Propeller on failed engine
- GEAR UP – If airborne
- FLAPS UP – As required
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Engine Fire During Start
- Continue Cranking – To draw fire into engine
- Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
- Fuel Selector – OFF
- Master Switch – OFF
- Fire Extinguisher – Use if available
- Evacuate – If fire continues
Engine Fire in Flight
- Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
- Fuel Selector – OFF
- Master Switch – OFF
- Cabin Heat/Air – OFF
- Airspeed – Increase to find minimum
- LAND IMMEDIATELY – At nearest suitable airport
Electrical Fire
- Master Switch – OFF
- All Electrical Switches – OFF
- Vents/Cabin Heat/Air – CLOSED
- Fire Extinguisher – Use if available
- Land – As soon as possible
- Ventilate – After fire is extinguished
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES
Complete Electrical Failure
- Flight Instruments – Check battery-powered backup
- Navigation – Use pilotage and dead reckoning
- Communication – Use emergency frequencies if partial power available
- Landing – Plan for no-radio approach
- Battery Conservation – Turn off all non-essential equipment
Alternator/Generator Failure
- Master Switch – Cycle OFF then ON
- Circuit Breakers – Check and reset if tripped
- Non-Essential Equipment – Turn OFF
- Battery Management – Conserve for essential systems
- Land – As soon as practical
COMMUNICATION FAILURES
Two-Way Radio Communication Failure
VFR Conditions
- Continue Flight – Maintain VFR
- Squawk 7600 – Communication failure code
- Land – At nearest suitable airport
- Ground Signals – Watch for light gun signals
IFR Conditions
- Squawk 7600
- Route: Fly assigned route, then vectors received, then filed flight plan
- Altitude: Fly highest of – minimum IFR altitude, assigned altitude, or expected altitude
- Approach: At destination ETA or flight plan ETA, whichever is later
Light Gun Signals from Tower
- Steady Green: Cleared to land/taxi
- Flashing Green: Return for landing/cleared to taxi
- Steady Red: Stop/give way
- Flashing Red: Taxi clear of runway/airport unsafe
- Flashing White: Return to starting point
- Alternating Red/Green: General warning signal
WEATHER-RELATED EMERGENCIES
Inadvertent IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions)
- Don’t Panic – Maintain aircraft control
- Attitude Indicator – Primary reference
- 180-Degree Turn – If possible and safe
- Climb – If terrain clearance is a concern
- Declare Emergency – Request immediate assistance
- Follow ATC Vectors – If available
Icing Conditions
- Exit Icing – Change altitude or course
- De-icing Equipment – Activate if available
- Airspeed – Maintain adequate margin above stall
- Land – As soon as practical
- Avoid – Unnecessary maneuvering
Severe Turbulence
- Airspeed – Reduce to maneuvering speed (Va)
- Attitude – Maintain wings level
- Power – Adjust to maintain airspeed
- Course – Deviate if possible
- Restraints – Ensure all occupants secured
EMERGENCY LANDING PROCEDURES
Forced Landing (Engine Failure)
- Airspeed – Best glide speed
- Landing Area – Select most suitable
- Wind – Determine direction and strength
- Pattern – Plan approach pattern
- Checklist – Complete emergency checklist
- Prepare Cabin – Secure loose objects, brief passengers
- Approach – Maintain recommended approach speed
- Landing – Touch down at minimum safe speed
Precautionary Landing
- Area Selection – Choose suitable area
- Reconnaissance – Overfly area to check conditions
- Pattern – Fly normal pattern if possible
- Approach – Use normal approach procedures
- Go-Around – Be prepared if conditions unsuitable
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND SIGNALS
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
- Activates automatically upon impact
- Transmits on 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz
- Can be manually activated
- Should be tested only during first 5 minutes of each hour
Emergency Frequencies
- 121.5 MHz: Civil emergency frequency
- 243.0 MHz: Military emergency frequency
- Guards both: Monitor continuously when possible
Emergency Signals
- Transponder Codes:
- 7700: Emergency
- 7600: Communication failure
- 7500: Hijack
- Radio Calls:
- MAYDAY: Life-threatening emergency
- PAN-PAN: Urgent situation requiring priority handling
Survival Equipment
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Emergency food and water
- Signaling devices
- Appropriate clothing for climate
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency checklist
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
In-Flight Emergencies
- Air Traffic Control: Contact current frequency or 121.5 MHz
- Flight Service: 122.2 MHz or appropriate frequency
- Emergency Services: Relay through ATC
Ground Emergencies
- Fire Department: 911
- Medical Emergency: 911
- Airport Operations: Contact tower or airport manager
TRAINING AND PROFICIENCY
Regular Practice Required
- Emergency procedures should be practiced regularly
- Simulated emergencies during training flights
- Knowledge of aircraft-specific procedures
- Familiarity with emergency equipment operation
Aircraft-Specific Information
- Always refer to Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
- Know your aircraft’s specific emergency procedures
- Understand aircraft limitations and performance
- Practice emergency procedures specific to your aircraft type
REMEMBER: The key to successful emergency management is preparation, practice, and maintaining proficiency. Stay current with your aircraft’s emergency procedures and practice them regularly with a qualified instructor.
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general emergency procedures. Always refer to your aircraft’s specific Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) and follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Regular training with a certified flight instructor is essential for emergency preparedness.
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