Emergency Procedures

This section contains procedures to be followed to correct an emergency condition. These procedures will insure maximum safety for the crew and/or aircraft until a safe landing or other appropriate action is accomplished. The procedures are arranged in the most desirable sequence for the majority of cases; therefore, the steps should be performed in the listed sequence unless the pilot can determine a good cause for deviation. Multiple emergencies, adverse weather, and other peculiar conditions may require modification of these procedures. The critical items (BOLD FACE LETTERS) contained in the various emergency procedures cover the most adverse conditions. Aircrew members should be able to accomplish bold face procedures without reference to the checklist. The nature and severity of the encountered emergency will dictate the necessity for complying with the critical items in their entirety. It is essential, therefore, that aircrews determine the correct course of action by use of common sense and sound judgement. As soon as possible, the pilot should notify the WSO, flight or flight leader, and tower of any existing emergency and of the intended action.

The terms "Land as soon as possible" and "Land as soon as practical" are used in this section. These terms are defined as follows:

Land as soon as possible - An emergency will be declared. A landing should be accomplished at the nearest suitable airfield considering the severity of the emergency, weather conditions, field facilities, ambient lighting, aircraft gross weight, and command guidance.

Land as soon as practical - Emergency conditions are less urgent, and although the mission is to be terminated, the degree of the emergency is such that an immediate landing at the nearest adequate airfield may not be necessary.

The following basic rules apply to all aircraft emergencies and should be thoroughly understood by all aircrew:

  1. Maintain aircraft control.
  2. Analyze the situation and take proper action.
  3. Land as soon as practical.

See the Definitions for an explanation of the symbology used.

real_life_crew_with_manual Captain (CPT) Drew Nelson, F-4E Phantom II aircraft pilot, and Lieutenant (LT) Steven Skinner, weapons officer, both of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, checks maintenance log on thier aircraft during Exercise AMALGAM CHIEF'88. The exercise is a test of the Air Force's ability to intercept enemy missiles and aircraft in the event of an attack on the continental United States

💡 This section contains only the most important emergency procedures.

🚧 This section is under construction.