AIRPLANE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL

Posted on by II Team
Listen to this article

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts