Emergency Descent

OBJECTIVE

To develop the pilot’s accuracy, judgment, planning, technique, and confidence in conducting an emergency descent.

ELEMENTS

Situations that require an emergency descent
Proper use of the prescribed emergency checklist to verify accomplishment of procedures for initiating the emergency descent
Proper use of clearing procedures before initiating and during the emergency descent
Procedures for recovering from an emergency descent
Manufacturer’s procedures

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to an emergency descent
Recognizes the urgency of an emergency descent
Establishes the recommended emergency descent configuration and airspeed, and maintains that airspeed, ±10 knots
Demonstrates orientation, division of attention, and proper planning
Follows the appropriate emergency checklist

COMMON ERRORS

Failure to recognize the urgency of the emergency descent
Failure to maintain appropriate configuration and airspeed
Poor orientation, planning, and division of attention
The consequences of failing to identify reason for executing an emergency descent
Improper use of the prescribed emergency checklist to verify accomplishment of procedures for initiating the emergency descent
Failure to clear area before and during emergency descent
Improper recovery from an emergency descent

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Useful in a fire situation to be followed immediately by an emergency approach and landing. On fire, get the thing on the ground and get out, NOW, don’t bother trying to make the runway from downwind with a cabin fire.
100 knots puts out fires, if not, 120 knots, if not go faster
Time ‘til unconsciousness with hypoxia from cabin depressurization
Clear below then go
Steep spiral over airport
Continue on to emergency approach and landing.
Aircraft is expendable; occupants are not.
When on fire, leave the thing on the runway and GET OUT.

STUDY