Ditching Emergencies

Question 1

Who orders an evacuation in a ditching?

Answer 1

The most senior crew memeber

Question 2

Once passengers are evacuated and aircraft has been checked, what actions must be taken by crew regarding assisting Passengers?

Answer 2

Assist passengers away from aircraft to a safe area;
• Gather passengers together in a group huddle;
• Conduct a headcount;
• Administer First Aid and treat injured; and
• Ensure no smoking and use of mobile phones.

Question 3

What points should be noted when preparing for a ditching?

Answer 3

Note or sketch this information:
• Major swell direction
• Minor swell direction
• Wind
• Ditch heading

The objective is to select a landing direction that will result in the minimum relative speed between the aircraft and the swell system. The best heading for ditching is usually parallel to the major swell system and into wind.

First choice: Land parallel to the swell or as near as possible
Second choice: Land down swell