Aviation Decision Making Scenarios

During engine start, the marshaller signals by moving their hand across their throat. What should you do?

• Answer: Cut the engine. Pull the mixture to idle cut-off and turn off the magnetos.

• Explanation:

  • The hand-across-throat signal indicates engine shutdown.

  • Immediate compliance is crucial for safety, protecting ground personnel, and preventing accidents.

  • This scenario emphasizes interpreting non-verbal signals and acting quickly under pressure. The marshaller is indicating to shut down the engine immediately by using a hand-across-throat signal, which is a standard non-verbal cue for an emergency stop.

How will you know you have an engine fire in flight

• Answer: Flames, smoke, or smoke entering the cockpit.

• Explanation:

  • Immediate actions for smoke or fire: shut off fuel, cut the mixture, and initiate an emergency descent for a precautionary landing.

  • This sharpens recognition and decision-making during critical emergencies.

You are on left downwind and see another aircraft also on left downwind, to your right, slightly lower, and without radio calls. What should you do?

• Answer: Fall back or go around; the aircraft on the right has the right-of-way.

• Explanation:

  • Right-of-way rules prioritize the aircraft to your right.

  • Avoiding conflict in the pattern maintains safe separation.

  • Going around is often the safest response.

Your instructor turns gray and is unresponsive. What will you do?

• Answer: Establish an emergency on the radio and return to land immediately. Call ATC to request emergency services.

• Explanation:

  • As PIC (Pilot in Command), you are responsible for the flight.

  • This tests leadership, composure, and radio proficiency.

  • Declaring an emergency is the correct and professional response.

You are inflight and see smoke rising from the instrument panel. What should you do?

• Answer: Suspect an electrical fire. Use the electrical fire checklist and land immediately.

• Explanation:

  • Electrical fires can escalate rapidly.

  • Turning off the master switch, checking circuit breakers, and preparing for an emergency landing are part of the standard response.

  • Checklists help ensure nothing is missed.

During flight, oil pressure drops below the green arc while temperature remains normal. What should you do?

• Answer: Reduce RPM, check the mixture, and land at the nearest airport.

• Explanation:

  • Low oil pressure may indicate impending engine failure.

  • Early recognition and conservative action (reducing power and landing soon) can prevent a forced landing.

  • Learning to interpret engine instruments is key to preventative decision-making.