VI. EMERGENCY DESCENT

An Emergency Descent may be triggered by several events including:

· Failure of cabin pressurisation system

· Rapid depressurisation may have an effect on the handling of the aircraft

· Damage to a door or window (cracked windshield) which may lead to depressurization

· Fire on board

· Equipment failure

· Unlawful interference

· In the event of an emergency descent, the ACFT may descend without warning or request immediate descent.

Separation to other ACFT may be infringed.

· The pilot may not have time to transmit an emergency squawk and there may be poor or no RTF.

· The higher the ACFT the faster the rate of descent. By doing this, the ACFT will descend through other levels and separation to other ACFT may be infringed.

ATC

In the event of an emergency descent, REMEMBER:

· Follow the ASSIST code of practice

· Other traffic

· Avoiding action

· Traffic information

· Emergency broadcast

· After emergency descent, request intentions

· Is a diversion required?

- inform appropriate aerodromes (civil / military)

· Are there any injuries on board?

· Is the ACFT damaged?

· Consider ACFT still to be in an emergency situation

· Inform pilot about minimum en route altitude

· may require heading change

· Squawk A7700

CREW

VII. ENGINE FAILURE

Engine failure may be caused by hydraulic or electrical problems, birdstrike, engine on fire, fuel problems, low oil pressure, icing, ingestion of debris, or pilot error.

The effects of an engine failure are influenced by the following factors:

· At what stage of the aircraft’s flight does the failure occur?

Is it during departure or cruise?

· How many engines does the aircraft have?

Is it single engine or multi-engine?

ENGINE FAILURE DURING DEPARTURE

1. Aircraft takes off then departs from aerodrome

2. Engine failure occurs during departure

3. Continues on straight course then levels off at 1000 to 1.500 ft GND

4. Flaps are retracted and speed increases

5. Aircraft can now climb to safe level to await further decisions

ENGINE FAILURE DURING CRUISE

Aircraft may need to descend in order to:

A. maintain cabin pressure

B. increase speed and airflow to aid engine restart

C. start APU – many APUs need lower altitudes to start