The Pilot’s Lounge: Emergency/What-If Scenarios

It is valuable to think through all the possible emergencies in an airplane and then plan your response to them, all while sitting safely on the ground. An experienced surgery instructor -- and new pilot -- did just that, and provided his list for AVweb readers.

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AVweb’s Rick Durden recently corresponded with a surgery instructor who described one of the methods he used to teach new surgeons: He had them write down everything that could go wrong during an upcoming operation and then set out what should be done to deal with each anomaly. When he became a pilot, Dr. Aimette performed the same process for aviation. See how your list compares to his, and then work through what you would do in each circumstance. By thinking about each issue on the ground, you increase your chances of surviving when (not if) they happen in the air.You can also read what Rick has to say about emergency training in this related column.

1. Engine failure

A. On takeoff roll
B. After takeoff

Low (< 500')
Med (1000′)
High (>2000′)

C. In cruise
D. On approach

2. Cockpit fire/smoke

A. Electrical
B. Petroleum
C. Engine
D. Tire

3. Runway obstacle

A. On final
B. On takeoff

4. Vacuum pump failure5. Alternator/battery failure6. Starter solenoid lockup7. Prop vibration8. Bird strike

A. On airframe
B. Wings
C. Prop
D. Windscreen

9. Loss of radio receiver or transmitter10. Asymmetric flap extension11. Loss of elevator(s): Asymmetric; Symmetric12. Loss of ailerons: Symmetric, Asymmetric13. High-velocity crosswinds on runway14. Sudden incursion into clouds (VFR pilot)15. Loss of ground visibility16. Loss of throttle control

A. Normal power
B. Cruise power
C. Low power

17. Loss of known position18. Engulfed by thunderstorm cells19. Loss of radio #1 or radio #220. Loss of triwheel steering21. Fuel cap leakage22. Gasoline odor in cockpit23. CO in cockpit — signs and symptoms of CO24. Sudden loss of oil pressure indication25. High oil pressure, normal oil temp26. Sudden increase in amperage discharge meter27. Sudden smell — electrical/electronic component burning28. High number of aircraft in traffic pattern29. Getting cut out in the traffic pattern30. Loss of ground brakes

A. One side
B. Both brakes
C. On landing roll

31. Engine sudden roughness

A. On ground
B. In the air
C. At altitude

32. Very high alternator amp output33. Circuit breaker pops out in flight34. Take off without setting altimeter35. Thunderstorm cells seen ahead36. ATC talks too fast to understand37. Chest pain during flight38. Sudden ice on windshield39. Loss of tricycle wheel in power line wire strike — land?40. Bird strike windshield — always wear glasses41. Stall entry and recovery42. Spiral entry and recovery43. Make list of in-flight engine failure hints44. Closing down of visibility in flight by encroaching clouds45. Opposite door in cockpit open46. Storage compartment door open47. Sudden onset of icing48. Sudden onset of freezing rain49. Sudden appearance of oil on windshield50. Seatbelt on co-pilot side locked outside and flapping51. Glasses, maps, etc., fall out of reach in flight52. You are offered old aircraft to rent at FBO53. Take off from an inner-city airport with limited emergency landing sites54. Magneto failure in flight54. Sudden onset of airsickness in pilot or passenger55. Severe rollover from wake turbulence at altitude56. Heavy jet seen near flight path — wake turbulence

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