IFER Stabilisation

Question 1

Define the stabilisation period of an IFER

Answer 1

This is the immediate response period. The objective of this stage is to take those actions which are immediately necessary to stabilise the emergency and provide a basis for further response.

Question 2

Broadly, explain the Critical Initial Actions?

Answer 2

The Critical Initial Actions are a series of actions which are common considerations in all in-flight emergencies.

They cover critical actions only, are limited in scope and intended only to address immediate safety concerns. To provide a stabilised basis for further action.

The Critical Initial Actions Checklist is intended to be completed as a memory drill.

Question 3

What are the Critical Initial Actions?

Answer 3

Acknowledge:
- Emergency
- Alarms
- Confirm aircraft’s identity and location
- Record time.

Assess:
- Nature of the problem
- Pilot’s intentions
- Pilot’s requirements
- Time available for response.

Separate:
- Resolve immediate separation/conflict problems
- Provide safety alerts on traffic, terrain or other hazards.

Coordinate:
- Immediate coordination requirements

Phase:
- Declare the appropriate phase
- Notify supervisor.

Question 4

How do pilots notify ATC of an Emergency condition?

Answer 4

• VHF/HF radio: May Day or Pan Pan
• Unlawful Interference: SSR Code 7500
• RPAS: SSR Code 7400
• Radio Fail: SSR Code 7600
• General Emergency: SSR Code 7700
• Datalink: ADS-B, ADS-C, CPDLC Emergency
• Military comms failure: Fly triangles
• Visual: Wing rocking/moving surfaces/navigation lights

Question 5

How do ATC respond to notification of an emergency condition?

Answer 5

• VHF/HF radio: Roger May Day or Roger Pan Pan
• Unlawful Interference: Confirm Squawking Assigned Code
• Radio Fail: Follow ERSA Comms Fail Procedure
• General Emergency: Confirm Squawking Assigned Code
• Datalink: Free Text Roger May Day/Pan Pan
• Military comms failure: Follow ERSA Comms Fail Procedure
• Visual: Follow ERSA Comms Fail Procedure

Question 6

What can be included in the initial message to an aircraft subject to an emergency:

Answer 6

• reassurance that positive action for assistance is underway;
• indication of Lowest Safe Altitude
• a request for the pilot to notify any change in the situation or intentions

Question 7

On first communication to the pilot ________

Answer 7

Pass appropriate information but do not overload the pilot.
‘information available’ - ‘when you’re ready’ etc.

Question 8

When a pilot advises a condition of irregular operation, or total failure or intentional shutdown of an engine, what should you do?

Answer 8

Ask the pilot if emergency conditions exist that indicate the inability to maintain a safe cruising altitude or the need to make an emergency landing.

i.e. What are the operational implications of the malfunction?

Question 9

Ascertain basic information to indicate any time constraints on response, including what?

Answer 9

• total fuel endurance remaining;
• remaining duration of daylight at the scene of the incident and at any aerodrome being considered for a diversion;
• flight conditions
• pilot’s rating and if the aircraft is equipped for instrument or night flight;
• structural integrity of the aircraft whether the aircraft is over land, water or cloud

Question 10

What is the primary role of the Air Traffic Controller in an In-Flight Emergency Response Situation?

Answer 10

Continued safe operation of the airspace

Question 11

What is the secondary role of an ATC in an In-Flight Emergency Response Situation?

Answer 11

To act as the IFER Manager’s communication link with the in-flight emergency aircraft.

Question 12

Do not place other aircraft at risk by _________

Answer 12

focussing exclusively on the emergency aircraft.

Question 13

When an aircraft declares an emergency and responsibility for the aircraft is in the process of being transferred to another ATS position, what should you do?

Answer 13

Provide initial response and assistance from the ATS position where the emergency was declared.

Question 14

Do not assume that relevant information is ___________ to all parties involved.

Answer 14

common knowledge

Question 15

What does the coordination stage of the initial critical actions entail?

Answer 15

• When an aircraft declares an emergency and responsibility for the aircraft is in the process of being transferred to another ATS position, provide initial response and assistance from the ATS position where the emergency was declared.
• Do not assume that relevant information is common knowledge to all parties involved.
• Take immediate action to ensure that all necessary information is made available to the ATS units concerned.
• Warn other units, as appropriate, to prevent the transfer of traffic to the frequency of the distress communication.

Question 16

On first establishment of communication with an aircraft that has declared an emergency to a previous agency, indicate knowledge of the emergency by use of the appropriate phrase: ________________

Answer 16

MAYDAY / PAN PAN [type of emergency] ACKNOWLEDGED

e.g. Oscar Juliet Kilo MAYDAY ACKNOWLEDGED

Question 17

Define an INCERFA phase

Answer 17

Doubt exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

Question 18

Define an ALERFA phase

Answer 18

Apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

Question 19

Define a DETRESFA phase

Answer 19

Reasonable certainty exists that the aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

Question 20

When may a phase on an aircraft be upgraded?

Answer 20

When made aware of additional factors that warrant greater apprehension.

Question 21

When may a phase on an aircraft be downgraded?

Answer 21

If the emergency situation of an aircraft subject to an Alert of Distress Phase has been relieved, but not to the extent that normal operations have been resumed, the unit responsible for the phase action may downgrade the Alert or Distress Phase to whichever lesser phase is considered appropriate.

Question 22

When may an emergency phase be cancelled?

Answer 22

If an aircraft subject to an emergency phase has resumed normal operations or is known to have landed safely, the unit responsible for the phase action cancels the phase and advises other relevant units and agencies involved.

Question 23

In the case of sudden deterioration, the most effective way to adjust quickly and effectively to the changed situation is to __________?

Answer 23

Commence the IFER anew by returning to the Critical Initial Actions.

This action forces full re-appraisal of the new circumstances and avoids the pitfall of trying to continue with actions that are no longer applicable.

Question 24

Provide examples of events that could require a Time Critical Response?

Answer 24

• Immediate forced landing
• Uncontrolled fire
• VFR in IMC

Question 25

What do Time Critical Responses involve?

Answer 25

Immediately beginning the resolution phase of IFER

Question 26

What should be done on completion of the Initial Critical Actions?

Answer 26

• If situation is stabilised go to next stage: Transition
• If situation is not stabilised and is time critical go to next stage: Time Critical Response - straight to resolution

Question 27

When is a Time Critical Response required?

Answer 27

If the assessed nature of the emergency is such that the aircraft requires immediate assistance

Question 28

How are a pilot’s priorities in an In-Flight Emergency summarised?

Answer 28

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.

Question 29

Make available to an aircraft in an emergency situation any of the following assistance:

Answer 29

a) Advice on alternate aerodromes;
b) Position fixes for lost aircraft;
c) Advice on known weather conditions;
d) Interception of aircraft in distress or in need of navigation assistance;
e) Airspace and air traffic priorities;
f) Provision of alerting services;
g) Ditching forecasts; and
h) Advice on terrain clearance (LSALT)

Question 30

What are the two possible outcomes to a Time Critical Response?

Answer 30

1. The situation is stabilised enough to commence a full IFER, in which case proceed to Stage 2: Transition; or
2. The in-flight emergency is resolved in one way or another, in which case proceed to Stage 4: Resolution.

Question 31

Because the aircraft will often be descending quickly in this type of in-flight emergency situation, it is essential to take steps which will facilitate any ensuing SAR action, such as having the pilot:

Answer 31

• switch ON or arm a Distress Beacon;
• squawk a transponder code even if outside radar coverage; and
• arranging on-ground scheduled reports so as to ensure communications (by relay if necessary) whilst saving the aircraft battery.