Emergency Operations Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test
Emergency questions test your knowledge of engine-failure procedures, in-flight fires, system malfunctions, and your authority as pilot in command under 14 CFR 91.3. Work these sample questions and make sure the memory items are actually from memory.
1.What is the immediate action if an engine failure occurs during the takeoff roll, before liftoff?
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A. Abort the takeoff and use brakes as needed
If the engine fails during the takeoff roll, the correct action is to abort the takeoff, reduce throttle to idle, apply brakes, and maintain directional control. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
2.You experience an engine failure immediately after takeoff, below 500 feet AGL. What is the best course of action?
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A. Lower the nose and land ahead or within 30° of your current path
At low altitude after takeoff, it is safest to lower the nose and land straight ahead or within 30° of the original flight path. Turning back to the runway is usually not possible and can be very dangerous due to insufficient altitude. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
3.During cruise, your engine suddenly loses power. What is your first priority?
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A. Establish best glide speed immediately
Establishing best glide speed is the first priority after engine failure in cruise flight. This maximizes your distance and time to troubleshoot and select a suitable landing site. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
4.Which action is appropriate for managing excessive altitude on final approach during a forced landing?
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A. Use forward slips or S-turns to lose altitude
Slips and S-turns are safe, controlled methods to lose altitude without excessive airspeed. These techniques allow a pilot to dissipate altitude while maintaining a safe approach speed, unlike increasing airspeed or deploying flaps or gear prematurely, which can compromise landing safety. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
5.If an engine fire occurs during engine start on the ground, you should:
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A. Continue cranking the engine and then shut off fuel and mixture
For an induction fire during start, continue cranking — starting the engine usually draws the flames back into the cylinders. If it starts, run it briefly then shut down; if it will not start, keep cranking while shutting off the fuel selector and mixture to starve the fire. If the fire instead spreads outside the engine, abandon the start, shut everything off, and evacuate. (PHAK Ch. 16) (PHAK Chapter 16, AIM 7-1-23)
6.In the event of an in-flight engine fire, what is the correct initial action?
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A. Cut off mixture, turn off fuel and master, descend rapidly
The correct initial action for an in-flight engine fire is to cut off the mixture, turn off the fuel selector and master switch, and increase airspeed for an emergency descent. This helps extinguish the fire by removing fuel and electrical sources and increasing airflow. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
7.If you suspect an electrical fire in flight, you should first:
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A. Turn off the master switch and all electrical systems
Turning off the master switch and all electrical equipment isolates the electrical system, which may stop the fire and prevent further damage. This is the recommended first step if you suspect an electrical fire in flight. (AIM 7-1-23)
8.You notice your ammeter shows a continuous discharge during flight. What should you do?
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A. Reduce electrical load and prepare to land soon
A continuous ammeter discharge indicates alternator or generator failure. You should reduce the electrical load to conserve battery power and land as soon as practical to prevent total electrical failure. (PHAK Ch 8) (PHAK Chapter 8)
9.Total electrical failure in flight means:
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A. Loss of radios, lights, and electrical instruments; land as soon as practical
Total electrical failure results in the loss of radios, transponder, electric lighting, and electrically powered instruments, but the engine continues to run because it operates on magnetos. Land as soon as practical at a suitable airport. At towered airports, ATC light-gun signals may be used for communication. (PHAK Ch. 8) (PHAK Chapter 8)
10.If you experience a rough running engine, one troubleshooting step is to:
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A. Switch fuel tanks and use the fuel pump if available
Switching fuel tanks and turning on the fuel pump, if equipped, may restore engine operation in the event of rough running. This is a standard troubleshooting step recommended in the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK Ch 16). (PHAK Chapter 16)
11.A forced landing is defined as:
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A. A landing with no power available
A forced landing is made without engine power, usually due to failure. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
12.What is the primary difference between a forced landing and a precautionary landing?
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A. Forced: no power; Precautionary: power available but situation uncertain
A forced landing occurs when there is no power available, while a precautionary landing is made when power is still available but continued safe flight is uncertain. (PHAK Ch 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
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