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Table of Contents

  1. General Emergency Principles
  2. Engine Failure Procedures
  3. Fire Emergency Procedures
  4. Electrical System Failures
  5. Communication Failures
  6. Weather-Related Emergencies
  7. Emergency Landing Procedures
  8. 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

  1. FLY THE AIRPLANE – Maintain aircraft control at all times
  2. ASSESS THE SITUATION – Determine the nature and severity of the emergency
  3. TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION – Follow established procedures
  4. 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)

  1. AIRSPEED – Establish best glide speed immediately
  2. ATTITUDE – Lower nose to maintain airspeed
  3. AREA – Select suitable forced landing area
  4. ATTEMPT RESTART – If altitude and time permit

Engine Failure Checklist

  1. Mixture – RICH
  2. Fuel Selector – BOTH (or appropriate tank)
  3. Fuel Pump – ON
  4. Carburetor Heat – ON (if equipped)
  5. Ignition – BOTH
  6. Throttle – CRACK OPEN
  7. 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

  1. MAINTAIN CONTROL – Counter yaw with rudder
  2. AIRSPEED – Maintain Vyse (blue line speed)
  3. IDENTIFY – Dead engine (dead foot, dead engine)
  4. VERIFY – Throttle to idle on failed engine
  5. FEATHER – Propeller on failed engine
  6. GEAR UP – If airborne
  7. FLAPS UP – As required

FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Engine Fire During Start

  1. Continue Cranking – To draw fire into engine
  2. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
  3. Fuel Selector – OFF
  4. Master Switch – OFF
  5. Fire Extinguisher – Use if available
  6. Evacuate – If fire continues

Engine Fire in Flight

  1. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF
  2. Fuel Selector – OFF
  3. Master Switch – OFF
  4. Cabin Heat/Air – OFF
  5. Airspeed – Increase to find minimum
  6. LAND IMMEDIATELY – At nearest suitable airport

Electrical Fire

  1. Master Switch – OFF
  2. All Electrical Switches – OFF
  3. Vents/Cabin Heat/Air – CLOSED
  4. Fire Extinguisher – Use if available
  5. Land – As soon as possible
  6. Ventilate – After fire is extinguished

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES

Complete Electrical Failure

  1. Flight Instruments – Check battery-powered backup
  2. Navigation – Use pilotage and dead reckoning
  3. Communication – Use emergency frequencies if partial power available
  4. Landing – Plan for no-radio approach
  5. Battery Conservation – Turn off all non-essential equipment

Alternator/Generator Failure

  1. Master Switch – Cycle OFF then ON
  2. Circuit Breakers – Check and reset if tripped
  3. Non-Essential Equipment – Turn OFF
  4. Battery Management – Conserve for essential systems
  5. Land – As soon as practical

COMMUNICATION FAILURES

Two-Way Radio Communication Failure

VFR Conditions

  1. Continue Flight – Maintain VFR
  2. Squawk 7600 – Communication failure code
  3. Land – At nearest suitable airport
  4. Ground Signals – Watch for light gun signals

IFR Conditions

  1. Squawk 7600
  2. Route: Fly assigned route, then vectors received, then filed flight plan
  3. Altitude: Fly highest of – minimum IFR altitude, assigned altitude, or expected altitude
  4. 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)

  1. Don’t Panic – Maintain aircraft control
  2. Attitude Indicator – Primary reference
  3. 180-Degree Turn – If possible and safe
  4. Climb – If terrain clearance is a concern
  5. Declare Emergency – Request immediate assistance
  6. Follow ATC Vectors – If available

Icing Conditions

  1. Exit Icing – Change altitude or course
  2. De-icing Equipment – Activate if available
  3. Airspeed – Maintain adequate margin above stall
  4. Land – As soon as practical
  5. Avoid – Unnecessary maneuvering

Severe Turbulence

  1. Airspeed – Reduce to maneuvering speed (Va)
  2. Attitude – Maintain wings level
  3. Power – Adjust to maintain airspeed
  4. Course – Deviate if possible
  5. Restraints – Ensure all occupants secured

EMERGENCY LANDING PROCEDURES

Forced Landing (Engine Failure)

  1. Airspeed – Best glide speed
  2. Landing Area – Select most suitable
  3. Wind – Determine direction and strength
  4. Pattern – Plan approach pattern
  5. Checklist – Complete emergency checklist
  6. Prepare Cabin – Secure loose objects, brief passengers
  7. Approach – Maintain recommended approach speed
  8. Landing – Touch down at minimum safe speed

Precautionary Landing

  1. Area Selection – Choose suitable area
  2. Reconnaissance – Overfly area to check conditions
  3. Pattern – Fly normal pattern if possible
  4. Approach – Use normal approach procedures
  5. 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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