1. Secure the aircraft:
In the event of an emergency, it is essential to secure the aircraft. This includes ensuring all passengers and crew are secure in their seats with seatbelts fastened, as well as turning off any non-essential electrical systems, such as radios or autopilot. Additionally, check for and extinguish any fires and shut off fuel valves as necessary.
2. Notify ATC of your emergency:
It is important to immediately notify ATC of your emergency situation and provide them with any information needed, such as aircraft type and position. This will help them to better assess the situation and determine how best to assist you in finding a safe place for landing.
3. Conduct a quick assessment of the situation:
In order to prepare for an emergency landing, it can be helpful to conduct a quick assessment of the situation. This should include taking stock of what resources are available, such as suitable terrain or airports nearby, fuel levels, conditions outside the aircraft, and winds aloft if applicable.
4. Inform passengers regarding safety procedures and the impending landing:
Once an assessment of the situation has been conducted, it is essential to inform passengers about safety procedures for the upcoming landing. This includes instructing them to remain in their seats with seatbelts fastened at all times during the emergency procedure. Additionally, explain what to expect from the emergency landing process and how best they can assist.
5. Make sure you know where all exits are located:
It is important to familiarize yourself with all possible exits before taking off, as these may need to be used in an emergency. All doors should be easily accessible and clearly marked in case of evacuation or egress. In addition, any supplemental exits such as windows should also be identified and made ready for use if necessary.
6. Execute a best glide speed descent towards suitable terrain or airport:
Once the initial assessment has been conducted and all passengers are secure, it is important to begin executing a best glide speed descent towards suitable terrain or an airport. This helps to provide maximum distance from takeoff and also reduces fuel consumption as much as possible in order to extend time before reaching decision heights for landing. Be sure to comply with any ATC instructions and adjust your descent accordingly.
7. Communicate your intentions with ATC:
It is essential to maintain communication with ATC throughout the emergency procedure in order to ensure you have the most updated information on available landing sites, local weather conditions, and any other pertinent information. Additionally, expressing your intentions to ATC can help them to better coordinate resources and assist with any necessary vectoring or clearance instructions.
8. Prepare for landing by lowering flaps and setting trim tabs:
Before beginning the landing procedure, it is important to ensure the aircraft is properly prepared by reducing speed and lowering flaps as needed. At this point, it is also important to set trim tabs in order to achieve a stabilized approach that will allow for a smooth touchdown upon reaching decision heights for landing.
9. Maintain situational awareness during approach & touchdown:
Once the aircraft has entered an approach pattern towards suitable terrain or airport, it is essential to maintain situational awareness at all times. This includes constantly scanning the airspace for any possible hazards and also monitoring aircraft systems to ensure proper operation. In addition, keep an eye out for a safe place to put down your aircraft during touchdown.
10. Secure aircraft after landing is completed:
Once the airplane has landed, take time to secure the aircraft and ensure all passengers have safely exited. This includes shutting down all systems, ensuring all doors are closed and locked, and disconnecting any necessary fuel or electrical lines.
11. Execute any necessary post-landing safety procedures:
It is important to execute any necessary post-landing safety procedures. This may include taking steps to complete an aircraft assessment and gathering evidence in order to report the incident. Additionally, providing medical assistance to any injured passengers or crew members should be top priority.
12. Debrief with ATC after landing is complete:
It is important to debrief with ATC about the incident. This includes providing a detailed report of what occurred, any steps taken during the emergency procedure, and any lessons learned that could help prevent similar incidents in the future. In addition, take time to thank them for their assistance throughout the landing process.
13. Complete a post flight inspection of the aircraft:
Once all passengers, crew and ATC personnel are safe, take time to inspect the aircraft. This includes checking for any damage or malfunctions that occurred during the emergency procedure and making necessary repairs before taking off again. Additionally, paying close attention to preventative maintenance will help ensure similar incidents can be avoided in future flight operations.