Emergency Descent
Private Pilot ACS · Area IX · Task A · POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Emergency Descent for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task IX-A, covering emergency descent.
Emergency Descent Procedure §
Used to descend as rapidly as possible — cabin smoke/fire, electrical fire, rapid decompression, or any situation requiring immediate altitude loss.
Technique: Power to idle, establish a steep bank (30–45°) to increase drag without exceeding structural limits, pitch for Vmo/Vne minus a safety margin or POH-specified speed. The bank creates additional drag to steepen descent.
Simultaneously: Squawk 7700, declare MAYDAY on current frequency or 121.5 MHz. Execute emergency checklist per POH. Plan for immediate landing.
Technique: Power to idle, establish a steep bank (30–45°) to increase drag without exceeding structural limits, pitch for Vmo/Vne minus a safety margin or POH-specified speed. The bank creates additional drag to steepen descent.
Simultaneously: Squawk 7700, declare MAYDAY on current frequency or 121.5 MHz. Execute emergency checklist per POH. Plan for immediate landing.
AFH Ch.17; ACS PA.IX.A
Smoke & Fire in Flight §
Electrical fire: Master off, avionics off, source isolation per POH. Do not restore power without identifying the source.
Cabin fire: Fire extinguisher, land immediately. Open fresh air vents to clear smoke (improves visibility, may feed fire briefly).
CO poisoning signs: Headache, drowsiness, grey/fuzzy vision. Shut off cabin heat immediately, open air vents, use supplemental O2 if available, land as soon as possible.
Priority: Aviate → Navigate → Communicate. Do not let checklists distract from flying.
Cabin fire: Fire extinguisher, land immediately. Open fresh air vents to clear smoke (improves visibility, may feed fire briefly).
CO poisoning signs: Headache, drowsiness, grey/fuzzy vision. Shut off cabin heat immediately, open air vents, use supplemental O2 if available, land as soon as possible.
Priority: Aviate → Navigate → Communicate. Do not let checklists distract from flying.
POH Emergency Procedures