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Welcome to the test Unexpected Situations – 23.
This test contains 3 situations that you can choose from the menu on the left hand side of this page. Always try to answer before reading the expected answer!
PILOT: Mayday Mayday Mayday Bali Approach Speedbird 256 we encountered a flock of birds on initial climb. We suppose we have suffered a Bird ingestion, as our engines are not reliable. Our flight attendants reported birds striking the wings. Request an area to dump fuel before returning.
ATC: Speedbird 256 Roger Turn right heading 115 immediately and start the fuel dumping procedure. Altitude and speed at your discretion. We are clearing out traffic. Change the frequency to 121.50. We are waiting further information.
PILOT: Cancelling fuel dumping. We are going to perform an overweight landing. We have just faced an engine flameout. Request emergency services upon landing Speedbird 256.
EXAMINER: Now tell me in your own words everything the pilot and controller said.
The pilot declared an emergency and reported to the controller they had encountered a flock of birds on initial climb. Moreover, the pilot informed the controller that they had suffered a Bird ingestion because the engines were not reliable and the flight attendants had reported birds striking the wings. Finally, The pilot requested the controller an area to dump fuel before returning
In sequence, the controller acknowledged the message and instructed the pilot to turn right heading 115 and start the fuel dumping procedure. In addition, the controller told the pilot that altitude and speed could be at their discretion and that they were clearing out traffic. Then, the controller said that they were waiting further information
Finally, the pilot informed the controller that they were cancelling dump fuel procedure and overweight landing would be performed. In addition, the pilot reported to the controller the had faced an engine flameout and, as a consequence, the pilot requested emergency services upon landing.
EXAMINER: How would you behave in a similar situation?
If I faced a similar situation
Firstly, I would declare an emergency to alert the air traffic controllers
Secondly, I would shut the affected engine down to avoid further problems
In addition, I would request to return or divert to the nearest suitable airport
Finally, I would land the airplane safely.
EXAMINER: Now listen to situation number 2.
PILOT: Panpan, panpan, panpan, Istanbul Center Turkish 879 Our electrical system is down. Battery estimated lifetime is 35 minutes. We are about to lose our communication system. Request immediate diversion to the nearest suitable airport.
ATC: Turkish879 Roger. Squawk 7600. Turn right heading 040. Expedite your descent to FL050. You are clear of traffic. You will have the highest priority to land. Stand by for further instructions.
EXAMINER: Now tell me in your own words everything the pilot and controller said.
The pilot declared an urgency and reported to the controller that their electrical system was down and the battery estimated lifetime was 35 minutes. In addition, the pilot informed the controller that a loss of communication system was imminent. Finally, the pilot requested to the controller an immediate diversion to the nearest suitable airport.
The controller understood the situation and instructed the pilot to squawk 7600, turn right heading 040 and expedite descent to FL050. In addition, the controller informed the pilot that they were clearing out traffic, highest priority to land would be given and they were waiting further information.
EXAMINER: What can cause an electrical system blackout?
An electrical system blackout can be caused by a short circuit, system overload and system overheat.
EXAMINER: Now situation number 3.
PILOT: Delhi Ground Spicejet275 Our flight attendant found unauthorized carry-on luggage in the galley. Request immediate security support. We are holding position.
ATC: Spicejet275 Roger. You can hold position. Our security agents are on the way. Let me know if you need to disembark the passengers to carry out a complete inspection.
EXAMINER: Now tell me in your own words everything the pilot and controller said.
The pilot reported to the controller that a flight attendant had found unauthorized carry-on luggage in the galley. Because of that. The pilot requested immediate security support. In addition, the pilot informed that they were holding position.
The controller understood the situation and unauthorized the pilot to hold position because the security agents were on the way. In addition, the controller requested the pilot to inform if the disembark of passengers was necessary to carry out a complete inspection.
EXAMINER: What can airport authorities do to enhance aviation security?
Aviation security can be enhanced with some investments in powerful body scanners, face recognition equipment and training.
EXAMINER: Now, considering the three situations you have heard in part three: How would you compare them? You may want to compare them in terms of severity, possible solutions and ways of prevention. Which one do you think is the most difficult to deal with? Why?
The unauthorized luggage onboard is the least serious situation because it is not an emergency situation, airport authorities can provide immediate support and the consequences can be flight delays or cancellation. To deal with this situation, the pilot must interrupt the flight and request assistance to remove the suspect luggage.
The electrical system failure is worse than the unauthorized luggage onboard as it can lead to a high workload in the cockpit, communication failure and navigation system malfunction. To deal with the situation the pilot must inform the controller about the situation and request immediate landing at the nearest suitable airport.
However, the engine flameout due to a Bird ingestion is the worst situation to deal with because it is an emergency situation, the pilots will have less power available to keep altitude and a forced landing may be necessary. The possible consequences are: casualties and panic onboard. To avoid serious consequences, the pilot must declare an emergency informing the controller about the situation, request immediate landing and assistance on the ground.
EXAMINER: Thank you. That is the end of part three.