Emergency Procedures
Aviate, navigate, communicate. Fly the airplane first.
Priorities
Fly the airplane first. Best glide or controlled flight beats a perfect radio call. Then navigate toward a landing site. Then communicate (ATC, 7700, passengers).
Memory
Use your POH memory items and checklists. Generic flows only help until they conflict with the book.
Engine failure
After takeoff with no runway remaining: maintain control, set best glide, pick a landing site within a safe turn, configure per POH, troubleshoot only if time allows.
At altitude: best glide, field selection, restart flow if appropriate, mayday/7700, secure for landing if needed.
Systems & fire
Electrical smoke: aviate, isolate per POH, ventilate as directed, land ASAP. Engine fire on start and engine fire in flight have different memory items. Memorize yours.
Lost communications
VFR lost comm: squawk 7600 if appropriate, continue VFR, land as soon as practicable. Watch for light-gun signals at towered fields.
- Steady green (flight): cleared to land
- Flashing green: return for landing
- Steady red: give way / continue circling
- Flashing red: airport unsafe
Practice questions
1. First priority in an engine failure?
Show Answer
Maintain control and establish best glide toward a landing site.
2. Lost comm squawk?
Show Answer
7600.
3. Steady green light gun in flight?
Show Answer
Cleared to land.