Abnormal Procedures

The last memory item on every emergency checklist is “Call for the checklist.” Memory items are the critical ones for getting the emergency under control. The checklist is used to confirm completion of the memory items and then to execute less-urgent followup procedures for properly configuring systems and continuing the flight to a safe landing site. Examples of some common emergency checklists include: • Engine fire • Engine failure during takeoff (at or below V1) • Engine failure during takeoff (at or above V1) • APU (auxiliary power unit) fire • Electrical smoke or fire • Bleed air overtemperature • Environmental system smoke • Environmental overtemperature • Rapid depressurization • Emergency descent • Passenger evacuation

Let’s follow the execution of the engine fire or engine failure in-flight emergency checklist from Figure 9.1b, in order to see how it’s done. We’ll assume that the aircraft is climbing to altitude when the FP detects a power loss. FP: “We’ve lost the left engine! Max power, gear up!” NFP: “Positive rate, gear’s up.” FP: “Confirm left engine has failed.” NFP: “Left engine has failed. Confirmed.” FP: “Left condition lever.” NFP: (Puts hand on left condition lever.) “Left condition lever. Confirm.” FP: (Looks to make sure that the NFP’s hand is on the correct control.) “Confirmed; left condition lever ‘fuel cutoff.’” NFP: “Left condition lever ‘fuel cutoff.’” FP: “Left propeller lever.” NFP: (Hand on left prop control.) “Left propeller lever. Confirm.” FP: (Checks NFP’s selected control.) “Confirmed.

Left propeller ‘feather.’” NFP: “Left prop feathered.” FP: “Left fire handle.” NFP: (Hand on left fire handle.) “Left fire handle.

Confirm.” FP: (Checks NFP’s selected control.) “Confirmed.

Left fire handle ‘pull.’” NFP: “Left fire handle pulled.” FP: “Is the engine on fire?” NFP: “Yes, the left engine is on fire.” FP: “Number one fire extinguisher.” NFP: (Hand on left fire extinguisher button.)

“Number one fire extinguisher. Confirm.” FP: (Checks NFP’s selected control.) “Confirmed.

Activate number one fire extinguisher.” NFP: “Number one fire extinguisher activated.” FP: “Engine fire or engine failure in-flight checklist.” NFP: (Pulls out the named checklist, confirms that all memory items have been completed, and executes the remainder of the checklist.)

Note that, especially for engine failures and fires, every key action requires confirmation by the flying crew member. Doing this quickly and thoroughly takes practice and training. It’s worth it, though. Consider the consequences of accidentally securing the good engine, rather than the dead one!

As we’ve discussed, abnormal procedures cover all of those things that can go wrong without creating an immediate emergency. A complete set of abnormal checklists is available in the cockpit to address most such problems. These checklists are once again set up on the premise that the flying pilot will concentrate on the flight mission, while the NFP works his or her way through the abnormal checklist and keeps the FP informed (Figure 9.2).

Among other things, illumination of any yellow caution light on the annunciator panel (see “Annunciator and Warning Systems” in Chapter 6) generally indicates an abnormal situation requiring crew attention. (In many aircraft an abnormal checklist is directly associated with each caution light.) Other abnormal situations, such as engine-out approach and landing procedures, are also covered. There may be many abnormal checklists for any given aircraft. Common categories include: • System failures (such as generator and electrical bus failures and hydraulic system failures) • Engine-inoperative landings • In-flight engine start • Engine low oil pressure • Abnormal flight controls (various)

Illumination of Deice Pressure Caution Light

1. Auto deice timer.............................Off 2. Deice pressure indicator..................Compare deice pressures, both sides. If either side is below 12 psi, 3. Isolation valve.................................Closed 4. Manual selector..............................Limit operation of remaining system, as much as possible. 5. Exit icing conditions as soon as possible. 6. On landing: maximum flap angle 20°; see AFM for VREF correction and landing field length.

FIGURE 9.2 | Typical abnormal checklist (nonemergency).