Abnormals

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Since not all emergencies are covered by checklists, a deep understanding of aircraft systems (e.g., fuel, air, spark for engines) and their failure modes is essential for pilots to diagnose and resolve unexpected in-flight problems.
Partial engine failures can often be addressed in the cockpit by manipulating controls related to fuel, air, or spark (e.g., mag checks, carb heat, fuel pump, mixture/throttle adjustments).
Control system and landing gear malfunctions require specific diagnostic procedures, such as checking for obstructions or indicator light issues, and prepared landing strategies to mitigate damage and ensure safety.

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Things can go “bump” in the night. Daytime, too. Most of them either have been considered before or encountered by someone, resulting in a section of your AFM/POH labeled “Emergency Procedures.”
But not everything that can happen is covered there: Pilots are constantly inventing new ways to screw up, and the aircraft themselves can present something new and different, or at least something that appears new and different, especially as they age. The bad news is there’s no checklist to cover everything that can go wrong. The good news? Some portion or combination of checklists might get you through. The better news? A solid understanding of how the aircraft’s systems work and their various failure modes provides you an excellent chance to get home.