Last updated on Sep 11, 2024

How do civil aviation professionals handle emergencies?

Emergencies are rare but inevitable events in civil aviation that require professional skills, procedures, and teamwork to handle safely and effectively. In this article, you will learn how civil aviation professionals deal with various types of emergencies, from engine failures to medical issues, and what steps they take to prevent, prepare, and respond to them.

1 Engine failures

One of the most feared scenarios for pilots and passengers alike is an engine failure, especially during takeoff or landing. However, civil aviation professionals are trained and equipped to handle such situations with minimal risk. Pilots follow a checklist of actions to diagnose the problem, secure the affected engine, and fly the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport. They also communicate with air traffic control and the cabin crew to coordinate the emergency landing and evacuation. Depending on the aircraft type, pilots may use a single engine, a backup engine, or a glide approach to land safely.

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Ahmad M. Mandili

Director of MRO Operations Systems | Vision 2030 | Executive Management | Operations Technology | Digital Transformation | AMOS SME | Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
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Engine failures in civil aviation require prompt and coordinated action. Professionals follow stringent protocols, including immediate troubleshooting, informing air traffic control, and executing established emergency procedures. Pilot training involves simulations to handle such crises, emphasizing critical decision-making and prioritizing safety. Crews communicate calmly with passengers, ensuring compliance with safety instructions while attempting a safe landing or diversion. Collaboration among crew members and adherence to standardized emergency protocols are pivotal in mitigating risks during engine failures.

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edouard keita

consultant indépendant (Mines et carrières, prévention et premiers secours)
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Bonjour, C'est une défaillance technique... Le pilote est formé pour répondre aux situations d'urgence, car en plus des risques inhérents, il pilote un engin ou un appareil qui reçoit du public (D'où sa participation à des formations, les séances de simulation pour le contrôle de l'appareil, la communication, la sécurité incendie, l'évacuation des passagers, l'atterissage forcé etc.).

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2 Medical emergencies

Another common type of emergency in civil aviation is a medical emergency, which can affect passengers or crew members. In case of a medical emergency, the cabin crew will assess the situation, provide first aid, and use the onboard medical kit and defibrillator if needed. They will also contact the flight deck and a ground-based medical service to get advice and assistance. If necessary, the pilots will divert the flight to the nearest airport where medical personnel can take over. The cabin crew will also make announcements and requests for help from qualified passengers, such as doctors or nurses.

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Utkarsh Saraswat

Flight Analyst - Air India || Vistara || Ex Infosys II MBA Aviation Management UPES
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The first thing is a well trained crew with all proper first aid equipment. Secondly public handling. Because a medical emergency always creates panic among co- passengers. Then all the crew including the pilots should be aware about the SOPs to be followed in this case.

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3 Security threats

Security threats are rare but serious emergencies that can involve hijacking, sabotage, or violence on board. Civil aviation professionals are trained to deal with such threats using a combination of security measures, procedures, and communication. Pilots have access to a secure cockpit door, a transponder code, and a distress radio frequency to alert the authorities and request assistance. Cabin crew have access to a panic button, a code word, and a covert interphone to communicate with the flight deck and other crew members. They also use their skills and judgment to calm, control, or restrain the perpetrators and protect the passengers.

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fabien DUCOURTIL

gérant Aadena by Csed - Cabinet DUCOURTIL Rouen
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Pour cela il est nécessaire d'avoir une formation régulière et un suivi psychologique. C'est le contrôle de soi et de ses émotions qui sera privilégié.

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4 Weather hazards

Weather hazards are environmental factors that can affect the safety and performance of civil aviation operations. They include thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, fog, wind shear, and volcanic ash. Civil aviation professionals use various sources of information, such as weather reports, forecasts, radar, and satellite images, to plan, monitor, and adjust their flights according to the weather conditions. They also use their instruments, procedures, and experience to avoid or cope with weather hazards. For example, they may change their route, altitude, or speed to avoid thunderstorms or turbulence, or use de-icing systems or anti-icing fluids to prevent ice buildup.

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Parham Alibakhshi

Graphic Designer, Web Developer, Author and etc.
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One of the most frequent problems for non-aviation community is their lack of information about aviation's emergency situation which unfortunately most of the time leads to fear and / or uncontrolled emotions. I believe with this rise in aviation travels, the aviation community should consider providing resources for such these situations (for example weather hazards) to let people be informed about what's happening in such a situation.

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fabien DUCOURTIL

gérant Aadena by Csed - Cabinet DUCOURTIL Rouen
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Les hôtes et hôtesses ont, à cette occasion, un rôle prépondérant vis à vis des passagers. Il faut maintenir le respect des procédures de sécurité et rassurer.

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5 Mechanical malfunctions

Mechanical malfunctions are faults or failures that affect the systems or components of the aircraft, such as the landing gear, the brakes, the hydraulics, or the electrical system. Civil aviation professionals use various tools and techniques to detect, diagnose, and resolve mechanical malfunctions. They include warning lights, alarms, indicators, checklists, manuals, and troubleshooting guides. Pilots use their knowledge and skills to operate the aircraft with the remaining systems or using alternative methods. They also communicate with the maintenance staff and the air traffic control to coordinate the repair or the diversion of the flight.

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6 Human factors

Human factors are psychological, physiological, or social aspects that can influence the performance and behavior of civil aviation professionals. They include stress, fatigue, workload, communication, teamwork, and decision making. Civil aviation professionals use various strategies and resources to manage and mitigate human factors. They include training, briefing, debriefing, standard operating procedures, crew resource management, and peer support. They also use their self-awareness, professionalism, and ethics to recognize and report any issues that may affect their ability or suitability to perform their duties.

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fabien DUCOURTIL

gérant Aadena by Csed - Cabinet DUCOURTIL Rouen
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Savoir détecter une défaillance au sein de l'équipe évite les échecs. Il faut échanger, bien se connaître. Un regard, un mot, un geste, et l'on vient aider l'autre. Identifier la fatigue, c'est aussi ne pas surcharger le planning. Des retards de décollage occasionnent un cumul d'heures.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do civil aviation professionals handle emergencies?

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1 Engine failures

2 Medical emergencies

3 Security threats

4 Weather hazards

5 Mechanical malfunctions

6 Human factors

7 Here’s what else to consider

Aviation

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