Aircraft Emergencies Under IFR

APPENDIX A

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

A109. AIRCRAFT EMERGENCIES UNDER IFR

This section is designed to assist you in the development of good headwork when considering an

appropriate course of action should you encounter an emergency situation while operating under

IFR. Although NATOPS provides procedural guidance in the event of specific emergency

situations, it does not provide precise guidance for all situations. As a pilot, you must develop

your ability to recognize and analyze emergency situations and then determine a course of

action, which will ensure the safety of your crew and aircraft while considering specifics of the

situation.

Remember the golden rule: "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate." If in holding, or on an approach

continue to perform your flying duties while executing the Emergency Procedures in a timely

manner. Determine the nature of the emergency, the urgency with which you should land, devise

a plan and execute it. Notify ATC by "declaring an emergency," then advise them of your

intended action requesting priority handling (assistance) as necessary. The following factors will

influence your decision: weather conditions, fuel remaining, aircraft status and position, airfield

proximity, approach availability, and terrain. If lost, state your last known position, time, and

heading since that position.

In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule or

regulation as necessary to the extent required to safely handle the emergency. If this emergency

authority is exercised to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the pilot in command

must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance.

Emergencies are generally classified under two categories:

DISTRESS A condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and of

requiring immediate assistance.

URGENCY A condition of being concerned about safety and of requiring timely but not

immediate assistance; the potential for a distress situation exists.

NOTE

Continue squawking the assigned transponder code if in radio

contact with ATC. If unable to immediately establish twoway

radio communications with ATC, squawk code 7700.

VMC Remain VMC if possible while executing the appropriate Emergency Procedures.

Notify ATC of the nature of your emergency and your intended action. It is the aircraft

commander's decision whether to continue flight or land as soon as possible. When

communicating with ATC, consider your terminology. ATC will probably be unfamiliar

with the term "PEL"; however, they will certainly understand the request for a "precautionary

approach" or an "emergency landing." See Figure A1.

A-4 SUPPLEMENTARY FLIGHT PROCEDURES AND EMERGENCY ROCEDURES