CHAPTER 4 GENERAL

Question 0

The Captain and the controlling aircraft Dispatcher are jointly responsible for:

Answer 0

The preflight planning, delaying, and Dispatching of a flight.

Question 1

The responsibilities for, and functions of, the OCC are jointly carried out by:

Answer 1

The Captain and controlling aircraft Dispatcher who are the focal points for all information concerning a particular aircraft.

Question 2

The flight crew has a heavy task load such as during critical phases of flight (critical phases of flight are defined as taxi, takeoff, landing, all operation below 10,000 ft. except cruise and severe turbulence). Communication during these times should be limited to issues related to the safe operation of the flight, including:

Answer 2

• Responding to any call from the flight crew
• A serious disturbance created by a passenger
• An emergency situation of which the flight crew must be made aware
• A problem with the aircraft doors, structure, or systems

Question 3

During a critical situation communication must become as direct as possible. Clearly state the problem along with a recommended course of action. What would be the decision making process?

Answer 3

Decision Making.
• Strive to accurately define the problem.
• Gather information; use all of your resources (ATC, OCC, flight plan, passengers, etc.).
• Generate all possible solutions (brainstorm).
• Evaluate the solution.
• Work together to make a decision.

Question 4

During any situation there are certain “Red Flags” that crewmembers should be aware of:

Answer 4

• Ambiguity - two (2) or more sources of information that do not agree or are unclear
• Distraction - to turn away from the original focus of attention
• Fixation - the focus of attention on a single item, to the exclusion of all others
• Overload - too busy to stay on top of everything
• Complacency - lack of awareness of actual dangers of deficiencies
• Improper procedures - departing from standard procedures
• Unresolved discrepancy - failure to resolve conflicts

Question 5

The awareness of the problem should give forth to a process, what is this process?

Answer 5

• Recognize the problem.
• Acknowledge personal limits.
• Prioritize and delegate tasks.
• Communicate information.
• Actively monitor the situation.

Question 6

Who is the captain directly responsible to?

Answer 6

The Chief Pilot

Question 7

What is the captain responsible for?

Answer 7

• Safe and efficient operation of the flight.
• Compliance with Company and FAA procedures, directives, and regulations affecting the proposed flight.
• The completion and proper routing of all forms required by this manual prior to, during, and at the termination of the flight
to which assigned.
• All matters pertaining to proper aircraft maintenance at airports other than a principal Company operating base.
• Ensuring that aircraft to which he is assigned is properly equipped in compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations,
pertaining to the equipment required for the flight to be flown.
• Ensuring compliance with fuel load requirements of applicable FARs.
• Proper use of Checklists.
• Briefing of crewmembers on flight procedures including their assigned duties and responsibilities relating to emergency procedures.
• Ensuring a visual preflight inspection of the aircraft is completed prior to and following the flight. In the event aircraft is left unattended, the First Officer will conduct an additional visual preflight before commencing that segment.
• Maintaining aircraft flight logs.
• Ensuring aircraft is loaded and operated within appropriate weight and balance limitations.
• Ensuring all crewmembers have checked in with Operations Control.

Question 8

Who is the FO responsible to?

Answer 8

Directly to the Captian, and administratively to the Chief Pilot.

Question 9

What are the responsibilities of the FO?

Answer 9

Informing the captain of deviations from:
• Compliance with Company and FAA procedures, directives, and regulations affecting the proposed flight.
• Performing the duties of Second-in-Command (SIC) in an approved flight deck routine.
• Aiding the Captain in preflight preparation as necessary.
• Perform a visual preflight (walk-around) inspection prior to each flight.
• Perform a visual post-flight inspection after each flight.
• Assuming secondarily all responsibilities of the Captain and, in the event the Captain becomes incapacitated, full responsibility of the Captain.
• Performing such other duties as may be directed by the Captain.
• Parking and securing the aircraft, ensuring wheels are chocked, and keeping the aircraft door closed when the aircraft is unattended.

Question 10

What is the Flight Attendant responsible for?

Answer 10

Pirmarily: Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the cabin.

In addition:
• Aiding the Captain in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight, from flight planning through termination.
• Compliance with all applicable FARs, Company procedures, and Company policies as detailed in the Flight Attendant Manual.
• The correct and timely completion of all duties assigned by either the Company or the Captain.
• Conducting a preflight inspection of all cabin emergency equipment applicable to type aircraft as outlined in the Flight
Attendant Manual.
• Promptly reporting any mechanical discrepancies to the Captain.
• Maintaining a high degree of crew coordination and professionalism.
• Performing duties in a professional, efficient, and cordial manner at all times.
• Keeping the aircraft cabin well organized and neat in appearance at all times.
• Timely and accurate completion of all required reports.

Question 11

Pilots will not serve as flight crewmembers within ____hours after giving blood.

Answer 11

72

Question 12

No crewmember will perform flight duty within __________ hours after scuba diving.

Answer 12

24

Question 13

In the event any crewmember becomes ill prior to a scheduled flight or for any other reason cannot make the flight, he will report this immediately to __________________.

Answer 13

Crew Scheduling.

Question 14

Crewmembers shall not consume intoxicants within ________ hours of a duty assignment, including the beginning of any
reserve period.

Answer 14

12

Question 15

For the purpose of this manual, having _______ percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood is considered “under the influence.”

Answer 15

0.02

Question 16

A Crewmember shall, upon request of a law officer, Company representative, and/or FAA Administrator, submit to a test that will indicate the percentage of weight and alcohol in the blood or the presence of drugs.
A Crewmember will be subject to termination if he/she:

Answer 16

• Reports for duty, and/or operates, or intends to operate a PSA aircraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Uses or possesses any illegal drug.
• Knowingly permits another pilot to perform flight duty while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Question 17

The FAA mandated drug/alcohol testing program stipulates that you may not:

Answer 17

• Test positive for drugs
• Refuse to take a required drug test
• Fail to take a required drug test after being notified to do so
• Alter or substitute a urine sample
• Fail to remain drug-free after rehabilitation from drug dependency

Question 18

Crewmembers have the right to request a re-test at their own expense within _______ hours of notification of a positive test. A written request must be made to the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The Company will not delay disciplinary action based on the request for a test of a split sample. However, if such a test of the split sample, performed by an approved laboratory, is negative, any discipline for a failed test will be rescinded and any lost wages or benefits will be restored.

Answer 18

72

Question 19

Can you smoke or use tobacco products onboard the aircraft?

Answer 19

No. This includes Chewing or Smokeless tobacco.

Question 20

When making autoflight systems inputs:

Answer 20

• Confirm FMS inputs with the other pilot when airborne.
• Activate the input.
• Monitor mode annunciations to ensure autoflight system performs as desired, and
• Intervene if necessary.

Question 21

During boarding and deplaning process, are a full complement of flight attendants required? Can a pilot substitute for a Flight Attendant?

Answer 21

A full complement of Flight Attendants required by FAR 121.391(a) must be on board the airplane. Pilots may not substitute for Flight Attendants during boarding and deplaning.

Exception.
A pilot may substitute for a required Flight Attendant when passengers remain onboard. The flight deck crewmember must be identified to the passengers and be located in the forward part of the cabin prepared to perform emergency evacuation duties until the Flight Attendant returns.

Question 22

Both passengers and crewmembers must be able to satisfy Customs Officials as to their citizenship. Documents that are known to be acceptable to both U.S. and Canadian Customs are:

Answer 22

• U.S. Passport

* Note •
Driver’s licenses are NOT acceptable as proof of citizenship.

Question 23

Flights operating to the U.S. must have the following paperwork:

Answer 23

• Two copies of the Air Cargo Manifest and supporting documents (air bills) when cargo is on board or one copy of the Air Cargo Manifest reporting NIL cargo.
• One copy of the General Declaration (GENDEC).
• One copy of the aircraft/vessel report (I92 Form) which must be presented to U.S. immigrations when entering the U.S. only when the aircraft has not been pre-cleared.

Question 24

Must a crew member carry with them a valid passport on every flight?

Answer 24

Yes.
Exception: A Chief Pilot can, under certain circumstances or while in the renewal process, authorize a pilot to report for duty without a passport and operate flights to destinations where a passport is not required.

Question 25

The use of standardized procedures and terminology reduces confusion and promotes crew communication and understanding throughout the flight. The proper use of the Normal Procedures Flight Deck Checklist alleviates ____________, _____________, __________________.

Answer 25

Unsafe practices, carelessness, and the development of individualized procedures.

Question 26

The checklist is the flight crew’s safety net to help ensure all flows and procedures are accomplished correctly. The checklist can only work effectively if it is accomplished properly. When are checklists to be used?

Answer 26

• Checklists will be used in all phases of flight in accordance with the policies and procedures listed in this section and in the Pilot Operating Handbook, if applicable.
• Checklist policies and procedures will not compromise aircraft operational capabilities for the exclusive purpose of overall fleet standardization.
• Checklist format, terminology, and content considers FAA guidelines, aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations, PSA Airlines policies, and established human factors guidelines.

Question 27

Even though the following guidance clearly delineates crewmember responsibilities, it does not alleviate the First Officer from bringing to the Captain’s attention a checklist or checklist item he feels has been overlooked, improperly accomplished, or delayed too long.

When should this happen?

How should this happen?

Answer 27

When:

• The Checklist Guidance Table on the following pages indicates when to call for the appropriate checklist.
• Checklist items should be accomplished before calling for the pertinent checklist. The crew should accomplish their
specific functions and duties by following established flow patterns.
• Checklist should not be initiated until sufficient time and attention can be devoted to its expeditious completion.
• No checklist will be performed while taxiing across runways or if complex taxi instructions are issued.

How:

The “Checklist Guideline Table” indicates who initiates, reads, and responds to each specific checklist. The following general procedures apply:
All pilots will be at their duty station while accomplishing the checklists.

Exception:

The Safety & Power ON and the Securing Checklists.

Question 28

Can you recite a checklist from Memory?

Answer 28

No

Question 29

Flight Deck Verification.

If….

Then the flight crew must….

Answer 29

If……..
• maintenance is performed on the flight deck, or
• the flight deck is left unattended for long periods of time, or
• unsupervised visitors are permitted in the flight deck (i.e., no flight crewmember present)

Then the flight crew must……
• verify switches, control handles, knobs, or levers are in the prescribed positions, and
verify the associated indicator lights and instrument readings conform the proper positioning of the applicable switches, control handles, knobs, or levers of all the items on the Originating Checklist.

Question 30

It is the responsibility of each pilot and the Company to maintain special airport qualifications. The Company cannot assign, nor can a pilot serve, as PIC to or from an airport determined to require special airport qualifications unless within the preceding 12 months:

Answer 30

• The PIC or SIC has made an entry into that airport (including takeoff and landing) while serving as a flight crewmember; or
• The PIC has qualified by using pictorial means; or
• The ceiling at that airport is at least 1,000’ above the lowest MEA or MOCA, initial approach altitude prescribed for the
instrument approach procedure for that airport, and the visibility at that airport is at least three (3) miles.

Airport qualification is attested by the signature of the PIC on the Dispatch Release.

Question 31

Certain airports are designated as “special airports” because of ____________, ______________, ____________ or ________________. The Training Department will ensure that the training requirements take place at initial, recurrent, transition and upgrade training sessions. The Company will use pictorial presentations and Jeppesen aeronautical charts in its approved training program for pilot qualification. Each domicile has a copy of the pictorial presentation for crewmember review.

Answer 31

mountainous terrain, obstructions, non-precision approaches or special arrival/departure procedures.

Question 32

The list of special airports are found in the FOM on what pages?

Answer 32

4-14, 4-15

Question 33

What are the qualifications that a FO must complete every 90 days?
Every 12 Months?

Answer 33

3 Takeoffs and Landings every 90 Days.

Proficiency Check, LOFT, LOS or Recurrent Training, and Ground School Recurrent are required every 12 Months.

Question 34

No person may act as pilot-in-command (PIC) or as second-in-command (SIC) unless he/she has in his/her possession a current pilot and appropriate medical certificates. The Company, Pilots, and Dispatchers are jointly responsible for maintaining currency and proficiency. This includes, but is not limited to:

Answer 34

• Ground School (Initial, Transition, or Upgrade; Recurrent; Differences)
• Flight Training (Initial, Transition or Upgrade; Recurrent; Differences)
• Proficiency Checks (Initial, Transition or Upgrade; Recurrent; Differences)
• Initial Operating Experience
• Line Checks
• Recency of experience (within the preceding 90 days at least 3 takeoffs and landings in the type of aircraft on which the flight crewmember is serving)
• Special Airport Qualifications

Question 35

PSA Airlines maintains a VHF Radio Communications System providing communications between flights and ground stations including OCC and various ATC facilities. The system utilizes the following:

Answer 35

• ACARS
• Company VHF Radio
• ARINC

Question 36

ACARS uses a VHF communications network covering the 48 contiguous states, southern Canada, the Bahama Islands, Bermuda, and the San Juan area of Puerto Rico. ACARS is used for:

Answer 36

• normal transmission of OOOI (Out, Off, On, In) times
• enroute position reports
• in-range reports
• aircraft systems performance data
• flight-to-OCC & OCC-to-flight communications

                                              • Note •

When operating from an airport without an operative ACARS station on the field, all paperwork and
communications routed through ACARS require manual handling.

Question 37

Promptly make enroute position reports for traffic control purposes at all compulsory points and at additional points as specifically requested by the Company or FAA.

                                         • Note •

Position Reports may be deleted if advised by ATC (i.e., “in radar contact”) and must be resumed if
advised (i.e., “radar contact lost” or “radar contact terminated”).
Report the following data in the indicated sequence:

Answer 37

— Flight identification
— Position (name or fix or check point)
— Time over position
— Altitude above sea level (climbing or descending) — ETA over next reporting report
— Name only of the next succeeding reporting point

Question 38

Company Reports.

This report should be made specifically to the controlling PSA Dispatcher when:

Answer 38

• ETA differs more than 15 minutes from previously reported ETA
• Proceeding to or requesting verification of alternate airport specified on the Flight Release.
• Weather conditions are included which may effect the safety or conduct of other flights to include:
— Severe icing
— Severe turbulence
— Winds aloft, values or other operational factors that vary significantly from the flight plan assumptions

Question 39

FAA Reports.
The following reports should be made to ATC or FSS facilities without a specific ATC request:

At All Times:

When Not In Radar Contact:

Answer 39

At All Times.

• Vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a newly assigned altitude or flight altitude
• Unable to climb/descend at a rate of at least 500 fpm
• Missed Approach - Request clearance for specific action, (i.e., to alternate airport, another approach, etc.)
• Change in average true airspeed (at cruising altitude) when it varies 5% or 10 knots (whichever is greater) from that filed in the flight plan
• Time and altitude, or flight level, upon reaching a holding fix or point to which is cleared
• Leaving any assigned holding fix or point
• Loss in controlled airspace of VOR, ADF, complete or partial loss of ILS receiver capability, loss of area navigation, or
impairment of air/ground communications capability
• Any information relating to the safety of flight

When Not In Radar Contact.

• Leaving final approach fix inbound on final approach (non-precision approach) or when leaving the outer marker or fix instead of outer marker inbound on final approach (precision approach)
• A corrected ETA any time it becomes apparent an ETA, as previously submitted, is in error more than 3 minutes.

Question 40

If a communication failure occurs in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), or if VMC is encountered after the failure, you should:

Answer 40

Continue the flight under VMC and land as soon as practical.

• Note •
This procedure also applies while operating in Class A airspace.

Question 41

If the communication failure occurs in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), or if unable to comply with the above procedures, continue the flight as follows:
Route:
Altitude:

Answer 41

Route.
• Assigned - By the route assigned in the last ATC clearance received or, if being radar vectored, via direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance.
• Expected - In the absence of an assigned route, by the route that ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance.
• Filed - In the absence of assigned or expected by ATC, by the route filed on the Flight Release.

Altitude.
At the highest of the following altitudes or flight levels or the segment being flown:
• Assigned
• Minimum altitude / FL for conducting IFR operations
• Expected

Question 42

Leaving Clearance Limits.

If the Clearance Limit is a Fix from which an approach begins:

If the clearance is not a Fix from which an approach begins:

Answer 42

If the Clearance Limit is a Fix from which an approach begins, commence descent or descent and approach as close as possible to the EFC or ETA if an EFC has not been established.

If the clearance is not a Fix from which an approach begins, leave the clearance limit at the EFC; or upon arrival over the clearance limit, proceed to a fix (via expected routing or direct), from which an approach begins and commence descent or descent and approach as close as possible to ETA if an EFC has not been established.

Question 43

Transponder: “Squawk 7600.”.

Re-Establishing Radio Contact.

In addition to monitoring communications:

Answer 43

• On the previously assigned frequency
• With FAA or ARINC
• On Guard 121.5mHz
• Radio link with PSA OCC
• Via ACARS message to dispatch

Question 44

IFR Operations in Controlled Airspace: Malfunction Reports.

Source: 91.187

Report to ATC when any navigation or communication equipment becomes inoperative. The report includes:

Answer 44

• aircraft identification
• equipment affected by malfunction
• degree to which the flight can continue to operate under IFR
• nature and extent of assistance desired from ATC

Question 45

Use of Cabin Signs.

Source: 91.21

, Portable Electronic Device Sign.

When do we use it?

Answer 45

The PED sign shall remain extinguished for the duration of the flight with the exception of a Category II Approach.
When Climbing through 10000’ MSL the PED sign will be slowly cycled (HI,HI) and will serve as an indication to the Flight
Attendant(s) that the aircraft is leaving the sterile flight deck environment. The PED sign will be slowly cycled (HI,HI) when
descending through 10,000’ MSL and will serve as an indication that the aircraft is entering the sterile flight deck environment.

Question 46

What do we do with the no smoking sign?

Answer 46

The NO SMOKING SWITCH shall remain in the ON position for the duration of the flight.

Question 47

STERILE COCKPIT Switch.

When do we use it?

Answer 47

When climbing through 10000’ MSL turn the STERILE COCKPIT switch to “OFF” as an indication to the Flight Attendant(s)
that the aircraft is leaving the sterile flight deck environment. Turn the STERILE COCKPIT switch to “ON” when descending
through 10,000’ MSL as an indication that the aircraft is entering the sterile flight deck environment.

Question 48

The “Fasten Seatbelt” sign shall be “ON” during………?

Answer 48

pushback, taxi, takeoff and landing operations, and when moderate or greater
turbulence is anticipated. For passenger comfort and safety, the seatbelt sign shall be extinguished by placing the switch in
“AUTO” in flight when not required to be “ON”

Question 49

Extended Ground Delays.

What do we do when this happens, announcements and such?

Answer 49

When appropriate, the Captain will make an announcement allowing the use of personal cell phones for phone calls and the
estimated duration (when available) of the extended ground delay. Prior to making the announcement, the Captain shall contact
the Flight Attendant(s) through the inter-phone to coordinate the announcement.

Question 50

What is the policy on Portable Electronic Devices (PED’s)?

Answer 50

Portable electronic devices (PEDs) in airplane mode are permitted during all phases of flight within the 50 U.S. states
excluding U.S. territories (e.g. SJU, STT, STX). The policy prohibits use of phone calls and the use of Voice Over Internet
Protocol (VOIP) after door closure until after landing upon taxi-in. PED restrictions for flights operating outside of the 50 U.S.
states prohibit the use of all PEDs below 10,000 ft when arriving and departing an international destination per international
regulations.

Question 51

What are the signal chimes for a Unplanned Emergency Landing?

Answer 51

Six Chimes
(HI, HI, HI, HI, HI, HI - Cycle PED/NO SMOKING
Sign) Emergency Lights ON

Emergency with possible
evacuation and no time to
advise the FA via the interphone.
FA(s) will immediately occupy
their jumpseat(s) and shout
brace commands until aircraft
landing.

Question 52

What are the signal chimes for a Planned Emergency

Landing?

Answer 52

Six Chimes
(HI/LO, HI/LO, HI/LO - Press CHIME switchlight
three times)

FA will immediately call the flight
deck via the interphone. The
Captain will brief the FA with
TEST items

Question 53

What is the signal chime for Final Approach?

Answer 53

Two Chimes
(HI, HI - Cycle PED/NO SMOKING Sign)

Landing imminent

Question 54

How do you conduct cabin to flight deck communications?

Answer 54

All cabin-to-flight deck communications will be accomplished by pressing the flight deck call button once, and then
communicating via the interphone. If the interphone fails in flight, establish an alternate means of communication which
precludes unlocking or opening the flight deck door until verbal and visual (peep-hole) confirmation of the Flight Attendant is
accomplished.

Question 55

How would you deal with the need to communicate with the company if there is only one VHF com is available?

Answer 55

When it is necessary to establish voice communications with the Company, and only one VHF communications transmitter/
receiver is operative, the pilot should determine if a voice facility VOR or ILS is available for ATC guard.

If available:

Request approval from the controller to leave ATC frequency, advise the controller of the expected length of time off
frequency, state VOR or ILS facility which will be monitored, and state frequency to be used for Company communication.

If not available:

Request a telephone number from the controller and ask the Company contact to set up a telephone link between the Company
and ATC for as long as the aircraft is off the controller’s frequency. Before leaving the ATC frequency, tell the controller what
frequency will be used for Company communication

Question 56

If the ATC services are either closed or not operational at the airport you are operating at, who will provide the FSS services?

Answer 56

During ATC Tower closure, airport and traffic advisory services are provided either by an authorized on-field FSS or by PSA
Airlines stations if FSS services are not available.

Question 57

If center states that radar services are terminated, and the field has a working FSS station, how should you proceed?

Answer 57

After Center notification that radar services are terminated, contact FSS on provided VHF frequency for advisory services.
FSS closes out flight plan upon arrival.

Question 58

If center states that radar services are terminated, and the field does not have a working FSS station, how should you proceed?

Answer 58

After Center notification that radar services are terminated, contact Station Operations on Company frequency for advisory
service, and broadcast position/intentions on CTAF upon entering downwind (or point of entry) and on final. Contact Dispatch
or FSS to close out flight plan.

Question 59

How do you depart a field with no operational control tower?

Answer 59

All flights will normally depart IFR. VFR are only allowed at airports without operating ATC facilities. All VFR departures
must comply with Operations Specifications C-77(c). If weather does not permit a VFR departure, the flight crew must
contact FSS or Dispatch by VHF or phone to obtain departure clearance with applicable void time. Departures before
departure clearance time or after clearance void time require a new clearance.

Question 60

What if the uncontrolled field that you are departing from has FSS? What if it does not?

Answer 60

Airports With FSS Advisory Service.
Transmit position and intentions on CTAF prior to taxiing onto runway for takeoff. Contact FSS for traffic advisories.

Airports Without FSS Advisory Service.
All communications concerning airport services should be completed while more than 10 nautical miles from the airport. Pilots
will continually monitor and use the traffic advisory frequency when operating within 10 nautical miles of the airport.

Question 61

What are the recommended traffic advisory practices?

Answer 61

At least 100nm out, contact Station Operations via VHF radio with an in-range report to obtain current wind direction/speed,
altimeter, and local weather & NOTAM information.
After radar services are terminated by ATC (typically provided by the ATC Center during periods when the tower is closed),
contact the appropriate Flight Service Station (FSS) or Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) as instructed.
Refer to Airport Advisory pages for specific airport requirements.

Question 62

4-26

Answer 62

4-26