XIII Smoke or Fire in the Cockpit

Smoke or fire in the cockpit is serious situation which may lead to an emergency. An emergency descent and immediate landing may then be required.

The cause of smoke in the cockpit is generally a short circuit or other electrical malfunctions.

Such problems may quickly escalate into an increase of the smoke or even fire.

In the event of smoke or poisonous gases, the crew will put on oxygen masks.

The ability of the crew to read cockpit instruments and see outside the aircraft may be limited considerably.

Therefore, the crew may be totally reliant on ATC instructions.

If smoke is uncontrollable, rapid aircraft descent below 10,000 ft AMSL or to MSA can be expected.

The pilot will require radar vectors to land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

ATC should take into account that the RWY will possibly be blocked after landing.

A passenger evacuation may result.

ATC

Remember:

Vector aircraft to intercept the localiser with an angle of less than 20º and the glidepath from below. This ensures a safe approach mode engagement.

If wind and LDA permits, offer the pilot the reciprocal RWY to shorten the distance to fly.

IF NEEDED:

(This section applies particularly to light aircraft where the pilot may be inexperienced. Commercial pilots will usually already be familiar with these procedures.)

Assist by informing the pilot about:

• track until touchdown at next suitable aerodrome

• availability of automatic approach low visibility procedure

• details of landing aerodrome

• RWY in use

• Length, surface, elevation, ILS and NAV frequencies

• WX information at landing aerodrome: wind, visibility, ceiling, QNH

Remember to assist resolution of the situation by:

• Informing your supervisor

• Informing landing aerodrome

• Asking if dangerous goods on board

• Asking for number of POB

• Clearing the RWY according to local instructions

e.g. ACFT is 20 NM final

• Keeping the safety strip clear

• Checking APP and RWY lighting system

CREW

XIV. Unlawful interference

HIJACKING:

A hijacking is defined as an armed person in the aircraft C the pilot, the crew and the passengers to get some kind of C.

PLANNING & SUPPORT:

Because of the additional burdens created for pilot and crew, planning for all eventualities is an important task. This planning is executed by ATC, supporting personnel and institutions.

COUNTER MEASURES:

The counter measures against hijacking in the aircraft are limited, as the initial intentions of the hijacking are unknown.

CALMNESS:

Concentrated calmness of crew and controllers is necessary to avoid additional risks and provocation of the hijacker.

• Every possible dangerous situation for the aircraft and the occupants is conceivable.

• All actions and initiatives will be determined by the situation on board and on decisions from the pilot.

• The crew will be under a high amount of stress, possibly in fear and near to panic

• The crew may have problems asking ATC for instructions and advice.

• The hijacking may become known to ATC by an aircraft squawking A7500 or by a message.

• The crew may try to pass information covertly.

ATC

Assist resolution of the situation by:

• Informing your supervisor

• Not initiating any further RTF referring to the hijacking unless confirmed by the pilot

• Complying with the pilot’s requests as far as possible

• Transmitting pertinent information without expecting a reply

• Monitoring all flight manoeuvres-give room for manoeuvre

• Collecting any necessary information e.g. destination aerodrome, WX situation at destination, routing etc.

REMEMBER: