Mar 6
Rising Above Average
By Susan K. Parson, FAA Safety Briefing Magazine Editor (retired)
Editor’s Note: This department by our former editor initially appeared in the Sep/Oct 2019 Emergency! issue. We’ve repurposed it here as these checklists may have similar applicability to this issue’s theme, dealing with abnormal or urgent situations.
Emergency Approach/Landing: Alphabet Checklist
Airspeed. Memorize best glide speed and try not to lose any altitude until reaching that speed. Once there, trim for hands-off glide.
Best field. Note wind direction and strength, then current position. Where are you relative to a suitable field (e.g., high, low, downwind, base, final)?
Checklist. Start with a flow pattern across the panel. If altitude and circumstances permit, review the written restart checklist. Under all circumstances, fly the airplane first.
Declare an emergency. Note current position and then tune the radio to 121.5 MHz, which should already be in the standby position. When making the mayday call, state who (tail number), what, where, and how many aboard. Set the transponder to 7700. (Note — If your situation is urgent but under control, you can start your transmission with pan-pan instead.)
Exit preparation. Prepare passengers: secure seatbelts, brief passengers on exit procedures, move first aid/survival equipment to a convenient place, and prepare the aircraft, e.g., cracking doors if the Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Aircraft Flight Manual so directs.
Fire prevention. Shut the fuel off, along with the three Ms: mixture, mags, and master. Ensure the fire extinguisher is close at hand.
Ground plan. Touch down at the slowest possible airspeed and then evacuate the aircraft. Account for everyone and use the first aid/survival equipment as needed.
Preventing Emergencies: Use Personal Minimums
Use personal minimums to prevent emergencies resulting from conditions beyond the capability of the pilot and/or aircraft. Personal minimums should provide a safety buffer between pilot skills and aircraft capability required for a specific flight, and pilot skills and aircraft capability available through training, experience, currency, proficiency, and airplane performance characteristics.
To create personal minimums:
✔️ Step 1 — Review Weather Minimums (VFR, MVFR, IFR, LIFR).
✔️ Step 2 — Assess Your Experience and Comfort Level. What are the lowest weather conditions that you have comfortably experienced in the last six to twelve months?
✔️ Step 3 — Consider Other Conditions. Similarly, what are the most challenging environments or conditions you have comfortably (and recently) experienced in terms of wind, turbulence, high density altitude, challenging terrain, busy airports, or short runways?
✔️ Step 4 — Assemble and Evaluate. Use these numbers to develop your baseline personal minimums.
✔️ Step 5 — Adjust for Specific Conditions. Any flight involves almost infinite combinations of pilot skill, experience, condition, and proficiency; aircraft equipment and performance; environmental conditions; and external influences. Make adjustments based on changes in the PAVE checklist factors — Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External Pressures.
✔️ Step 6 — Stick to the Plan! Just as with fuel, you shouldn’t attempt a flight that requires the “reserve” or worse, “unusable fuel” level of your piloting skill and aircraft capability.
Preparing the Passengers: S-A-F-E-T-Y Briefing
Always review critical items with passengers in an emergency. Here’s a good checklist to use:
Seatbelts. Secure seatbelts and safety harnesses.
Air. As appropriate, ask passengers to help with opening or closing air vents. This item is also helpful if the situation involves airsickness.
Fire Extinguisher. Brief passengers on location and use.
Exit, Emergencies, and Equipment. Make sure passengers know how to open the door(s). (Note: You can also prevent an emergency by ensuring that doors are properly closed!) Brief emergency equipment and evacuation plans.
Traffic and Talking. Let passengers know when you need them to minimize conversation.
Your Questions? Especially in an emergency situation, be sure to resolve any questions as time and conditions permit.
