LL Emergencies

Question 1

What is your priority in any LL emergency?

Answer 1

Fly the aircraft - get away from the ground safely and avoid CFIT

Question 2

Ideally, what are the only occasions you should climb in to cloud at LL?

Answer 2

When your intention is to climb to VMC above.

When it is unsafe to stay at low level, e.g. LL abort.

Question 3

Describe the emergency break

Answer 3

Roll rapidly to approx. 60 deg. AoB (break RIGHT if approaching head on), MAX power + rudder to balance

Centralise rudder

Pull in to turn up to the g limit or stick shaker (whichever is reached first)

Turn through approx. 90 deg., roll out and clear the airspace visually (ensure FP also clear at LL)

Inform ATC of any perceived approx. at the earliest opportunity

Question 4

How is a LL abort flown?

Answer 4

Roll wings level, visually if able, select MAX pwr.

Transfer to the instruments on the PFD.

Pitch up positively to 30 deg. NU (WL) +5/-0 using 3g - Hold + trim

At 150 KIAS, start lowering the nose (set approx. 17 deg. NU) to capture 125 KIAS - trim

When VMC above SALT, may refer to the HUD and resume normal IF scan. Level off as req. and accel. to cruise speed.

If still IMC above SALT set the SPS, fly at an appropriate flight level and contact ATC for a radar service.

Do not get distracted when flying the abort, wait until stabilised above SALT before changing frequencies or making radio calls.

Question 5

What should you do if a LL abort results in the penetration of controlled airspace?

Answer 5

Level off AT SALT

Squawk emergency (7700)

Transmit a PAN call on the emergency frequency

Question 6

What should you do if you are still IMC above SALT following a LL abort?

Answer 6

Set SPS
Fly at an appropriate FL
Contact ATC for a radar service

Question 7

What are your initial actions on having a birdstrike?

Answer 7

Ease away from the ground gently
Leave the throttle where it is
Check the EICAS for engine issues

Remain VMC where possible or fly towards an area of clearer weather

Question 8

If you suspect engine damage after a birdstrike, what actions should you take?

Answer 8

Steer towards the nearest suitable airfield. Complete the FRC drills as req. for the issue.

And, if practical, prepare for ejection by squawking 7700 + completing pre-meditated ejection.

RT as req.

If engine fails, zoom climb for height and position accordingly, capture 125 KIAS glide.

Question 9

If you suspect airframe damage after a birdstrike, what actions should you take?

Answer 9

Gentle control inputs.

Visual inspection if pos.

Transit to a suitable airfield and complete a controllability check at a suitable location in the airfield’s vicinity

Land as req. based upon controllability check outcome - SIA with flap dependant on check

Question 10

Actions on an avionics failure/degradation at LL?

Answer 10

Ease away from the ground, remaining VMC.

Consider turning back in to an area of better weather is weather ahead is poor and you may end up IMC/have to abort in to IMC.

Once at a safe height with a clear flight path, hold the FRCs at eye level to complete the drills - monitor fuel.

Failure/loss of Radalt, GPWS, TCAS, HUD will mean terminating LL.

Question 11

If div fuel changes such that landing is inevitable with less than the min fuel req. to divert and there are no suitable airfields (with safe recovery conditions) between you and the recovery airfield, what should you do?

Answer 11

Declare a fuel emergency.

Assures priority of the runway at the recovery airfield.

If a suitable airfield does exist between you and the recovery airfield, ask ATC for the impromptu diversion airfield’s latest weather and declare your intentions to divert due to fuel.

Question 12

What is the lost procedure?

Answer 12

Ease out of low level

Note the elapsed time and reset the HUD clock. Check fuel.

Orbit current position. Anchor to a nearby obvious feature if available.

Slow to endurance speed, but ensure sufficient height in the case of an engine malfunction.

Use GROUND to MAP to look for recognisable features which could be located on the map in the general area you expect to be.

Once positionally confident, formulate a plan to regain the planned route or RTB - check fuel.

If still unsure of position, contact ATC (consider GUARD if a LARS or other local ATC cannot be reached) for assistance.

Question 13

How is Bingo Low fuel calculated?

Answer 13

2.5 x range - Add MN to this

Question 14

How is a Bingo Low rtb profile flown?

Answer 14

LL direct rtb straight line - Use FMS

Question 15

How is Bingo High fuel calculated?

Answer 15

(2 x range) + 20 - Add MN to this

Question 16

How is a Bingo High rtb profile flown?

Answer 16

Exit LL using IFR 140kts climb speed to height equal to twice your range as a FL (undo SARTL and set 1013)

Once level, cruise at LRC (triangle on the AoA gauge) - approx. 208 KIAS at 10,000ft

Steering to base using FMS
Calculate fuel on arrival using TTG from WPT and fuel flow/distance figures

Use FRCs to calculate long range cruise speed for current FL

Calculate ToD (FL = approx. nm)

Half the cruise alt. = Fuel req. for descent (e.g. FL100 = 50lbs)

210KIAS, 20% TQ, speedbrake IN

Based on fuel calc., declare min fuel if req. (enough for one approach, approx. 15lbs per cct)
or
Declare fuel emergency and div if req. if calc. has you below FOG.