COMM.IX.A — Emergency Descent

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, skills and risk management associated with an emergency descent.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• CA.IX.A.K1Situations that would require an emergency descent (e.g., depressurization, smoke, or engine fire).
• CA.IX.A.K2Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
• CA.IX.A.K3Airspeed, to include airspeed limitations.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• CA.IX.A.R1Failure to consider altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance.
• CA.IX.A.R2Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• CA.IX.A.R3Improper airplane configuration.
• CA.IX.A.R4Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• CA.IX.A.S1Clear the area.
• CA.IX.A.S2Establish and maintain the appropriate airspeed and configuration appropriate to the scenario specified by the evaluator and as covered in POH/AFM for the emergency descent.
• CA.IX.A.S3Maintain orientation, divide attention appropriately, and plan and execute a smooth recovery.
• CA.IX.A.S4Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.
• CA.IX.A.S5Maintain appropriate airspeed, +0/-10 knots, and level off at specified altitude, ±100 feet.
• CA.IX.A.S6Complete the appropriate checklist.