Operational Procedures
Standard operating procedures, emergency procedures, and operational safety.
Overview
Operational Procedures covers the practical aspects of flight operations, including pre-flight planning, emergency procedures, wake turbulence avoidance, noise abatement, and special operations. This section ensures pilots can handle both normal and abnormal situations safely and in accordance with established procedures.
Key Topics
1. Pre-flight Planning
Weather briefing, NOTAMs, fuel planning (required reserves), weight and balance calculations, performance calculations (takeoff distance, landing distance), and route selection. A thorough pre-flight is the foundation of a safe flight.
2. Emergency Procedures
Engine failure after takeoff, engine fire, electrical fire, forced landing procedures, ditching, and emergency communications (7700 transponder, 121.5 MHz). The principle of Aviate, Navigate, Communicate guides all emergencies.
3. Wake Turbulence
Generated by all aircraft, strongest behind heavy aircraft at slow speeds. Avoid by staying above and upwind of the preceding aircraft's flight path. Minimum spacing requirements on approach and departure.
4. Weight and Balance
The aircraft must operate within approved CG (Center of Gravity) limits. Forward CG increases stability but reduces performance; aft CG decreases stability. Calculating moments and using CG envelopes.
5. Noise Abatement
Procedures to minimize noise impact on communities near airports. Includes preferred runways, noise-sensitive areas, departure and arrival procedures, and restricted hours of operation at some airports.
6. Winter Operations
Cold weather procedures including de-icing/anti-icing, cold-soaked fuel frost, reduced braking action on contaminated runways, and the concept of holdover time for de-icing fluids.
Key Terms & Definitions
Exam Tips
- Tip 1:Know the emergency priority: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
- Tip 2:Understand wake turbulence categories and minimum separation standards
- Tip 3:Practice weight and balance calculations - they appear frequently in exams
- Tip 4:Learn transponder squawk codes: 7500 (hijack), 7600 (comm failure), 7700 (emergency)
- Tip 5:Know fuel reserve requirements for VFR (30 min day, 45 min night) and IFR (45 min) flights
Recommended References
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 10-11
FAA handbook covering weight and balance, and aircraft performance
ICAO Annex 6 - Operation of Aircraft
International standards for aircraft operations
Emergency Procedures Handbook
Reference guide for handling in-flight emergencies
Ready to Test Your Operational Procedures Knowledge?
Take a mock exam with practice questions covering everything in this study guide.