Navigating a Precautionary Landing: Essential Steps and Considerations
There comes a moment in every pilot's career when they may have to face an unforeseen event that necessitates a landing outside the confines of a recognised aerodrome. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the procedures and factors to consider when such an exigency arises.
Distinct from a forced landing, a precautionary landing happens when the aircraft still retains power, granting the pilot the discretion to select an optimal landing location based on the given circumstances. This situation can surface due to factors like insufficient fuel, lost orientation, poor visibility, or the encroachment of darkness.
In such situations, pilots must exercise humility in acknowledging their predicament instead of obstinately persisting, thereby preventing a cascade of additional errors. Putting off the decision to execute a precautionary landing increases stress levels and reduces options. As such, foresight in the form of meticulous pre-flight planning and early course corrections can help to avoid these circumstances.
Objective
This guide aims to provide pilots with the requisite knowledge and procedures to effectively handle an off-aerodrome landing.
Underlying Considerations
It is crucial to discern the early warning signs that might necessitate a precautionary landing. Let's look at some of the most common reasons.
Weather Conditions
Adverse meteorological conditions often lead to off-aerodrome landings. Avoid such situations by setting your weather standards above the legal minimum, always having an escape plan, and scrutinising the weather conditions carefully before every flight.
Fuel Management
Running out of fuel often culminates in increased stress levels. Diligent pre-flight planning and constant in-flight fuel monitoring can help evade this scenario.
Lost Orientation
While losing one's way may not inevitably lead to a precautionary landing, it is crucial to consider. Maintain situational awareness and plan your flight carefully to avoid getting lost.
Maintaining Airmanship
Early decision-making will provide the pilot with more time to strategise. Continue to maintain wind awareness, ensure passenger briefings, and security checks are carried out. In the event of an unfavourable outcome, a PAN or MAYDAY call should be considered. Enhanced use of SADIE checks is recommended, along with maintaining the minimum descent altitude.
Daylight Limitations
Many aviation organisations require planes to be grounded or in the circuit 30 minutes before Evening Civil Twilight (ECT). Always plan to start early to sidestep any potential ECT issues.
Handling Stress and Disorientation
Flying at low levels or under reduced visibility can lead to quick disorientation. Stress can significantly impact decision-making, situational awareness, mental workload, problem-solving, and overall performance. Using good aviation practices, rehearsing the procedure and applying stress management techniques can aid in reducing stress levels.
Managing the Aircraft
When faced with adverse weather or low fuel levels, considering the poor visibility configuration can help manage the stress levels and ensure a safe landing.
Executing the Exercise
Carry out this exercise in the low flying zone unless over water. The simulation involves descending to 500 feet above ground level (AGL), adopting the poor visibility configuration, and simulating an off-aerodrome landing decision.
Landing Site Selection
The 'seven S's, C and E' guideline—size, shape, slope, surface, surrounds, stock, sun, communication, and elevation—is crucial in choosing a suitable landing site. Remember to consider the position of the sun, especially if the onset of ECT is the reason for landing. The length of the landing site can be assessed by flying into the wind and timing the distance between the beginning and end of the landing site.
The Pattern
The circuit altitude should ideally be established about 100 feet below the cloud base, which ensures maximum visibility and ground clearance. Position the aircraft into the wind at 500 feet AGL with the chosen landing site on the left-hand side, allowing you to assess the site in relation to the 'seven S's, C and E'. Choosing landmarks at the beginning and end of each circuit leg can help maintain orientation if the landing site becomes obscured.
A common method to reduce mental workload is to align the Direction Indicator (DI) to north on the first upwind leg, giving each leg of the required circuit a cardinal heading in nil wind, and always carrying out the landing on a heading of north. However, be mindful that this could potentially contribute to disorientation. The primary focus should be on the chosen landing area and noting any relevant threats.
On the downwind leg, maintain the same airframe reference as a standard circuit. Extend the downwind leg as necessary, and choose a ground feature as a turning point reference.
Once the landing site is deemed suitable, a second inspection is carried out at a minimum of 200 feet AGL. On and parallel to the final leg, gradually descend to a minimum of 200 feet AGL. It is recommended not to descend below 200 feet AGL due to the potential of unseen obstructions and the necessity to climb to 500 feet AGL following this inspection.
Initiate a climb to 500 feet AGL about two thirds of the way along the landing site. Ensure the decision points for the approach and aim point are easily identifiable because, unlike a forced landing, time to go around in the event of a poorly executed approach should be available.
The Landing
During the landing roll, use braking as required, steer clear of major obstacles and, above all, ensure the integrity of the cabin. After landing, complete the shutdown checklist.
Final Word
It is important for the pilot to remember that the precautionary landing is a fallback strategy to be employed only when absolutely necessary. The primary objective for every pilot should always be to avoid such situations through meticulous planning and prudent decision-making.