PPL.IX.A — Emergency Descent

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

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

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

Risk Management

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

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

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• PA.IX.A.S1Clear the area.
• PA.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.
• PA.IX.A.S3Demonstrate orientation, division of attention and proper planning.
• PA.IX.A.S4Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.
• PA.IX.A.S5Maintain appropriate airspeed +0/-10 knots, and level off at a specified altitude ±100 feet.
• PA.IX.A.S6Complete the appropriate checklist.