Abnormal & Emergency Procedures

This section outlines the standard procedures for handling abnormal situations and emergencies at Air Canada Virtual Airline.

Engine Failure (After V1)

When an engine failure occurs after V1 during takeoff:

  1. Maintain runway centerline, rotate to 12–15 degrees pitch
  2. Once positive rate is established, call for “Gear up”
  3. Engage Heading Select to track the engine-out departure procedure (EODP)
  4. Accelerate to F speed (flap limit speed)
  5. At MSA (Minimum Sector Altitude) or 3,000 ft AGL, assess the situation
  6. Secure the failed engine according to the QRH/ECAM/EICAS procedures
  7. Decide whether to return to the departure airport or proceed to an alternate

Rejected Take-Off (RTO)

For rejected takeoffs:

  • The Captain calls “STOP” (or First Officer in case of Captain incapacitation)
  • The PM selects reverse thrust to MAX and monitors auto-brake deceleration
  • Speed considerations:
    • Major system failure below V1-20 kt: Reject
    • Above V1-20 kt: Continue takeoff unless there is fire, severe damage, or unsafe configuration

RTO Decision Matrix

ConditionBelow 80 ktBetween 80 kt and V1-20 ktAbove V1-20 kt
Engine fire/failureRejectRejectReject if before V1, Continue if after V1
Tire failureRejectRejectContinue
Configuration warningRejectRejectContinue
Minor system failureRejectContinueContinue
Control issuesRejectRejectContinue if controllable

Other Emergencies

Rapid Depressurization

  1. Don oxygen masks ON, set to 100%
  2. Establish crew communication
  3. Initiate emergency descent to MEA (Minimum Enroute Altitude) +1,000 ft
  4. Set speed to Mmo / Vmo–10 kt
  5. Turn toward nearest suitable airport
  6. Declare emergency (MAYDAY) and notify ATC
  7. Complete applicable QRH/ECAM/EICAS checklist items

Smoke/Fumes

  1. Don oxygen masks, set to 100%
  2. Establish crew communication
  3. If in A320, turn both packs OFF
  4. Consider emergency descent
  5. Plan to land at nearest suitable airport
  6. Follow QRH smoke removal checklist items
  7. Prepare for possible evacuation

Evacuation

When evacuation becomes necessary:

  1. Set parking brake
  2. Notify ATC of evacuation
  3. Pull fire handles if engine fire is present
  4. Make PA announcement: “Evacuate, evacuate”
  5. Use slides simulation command
  6. Evacuate using available exits (follow real-world exit priorities)
  7. Captain is last crew member to leave the aircraft
  8. Assemble at upwind gathering point

Memory Items

The following emergency procedures must be committed to memory:

EmergencyMemory Items
Engine Fire1. Throttle…IDLE
2. Fire Handle…PULL
3. Fire Button…PUSH
Rapid Decompression1. Oxygen Masks…ON/100%
2. Seatbelts…FASTEN
3. Thrust…IDLE
4. Speedbrake…EXTEND
5. Emergency Descent…INITIATE
Rejected Takeoff1. Throttles…IDLE
2. Speedbrake…DEPLOY
3. Maximum Braking…APPLY
4. Reverse Thrust…MAX

Emergency Equipment Location

All pilots must be familiar with the location and operation of the following emergency equipment:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Oxygen masks and bottles
  • First aid kits
  • Emergency locator transmitter (ELT)
  • Emergency exits and evacuation slides
  • Crash axe
  • Flashlights
  • Life vests and rafts

Crew Incapacitation

If a crew member becomes incapacitated:

  1. The remaining pilot assumes all duties
  2. Call for medical assistance if available
  3. Don oxygen mask if cause is unknown
  4. Declare emergency and request priority handling
  5. Consider diversion to nearest suitable airport
  6. Secure incapacitated crew member in their seat if possible

Next Section: Cabin Operations

Continue to learn about cabin-related procedures and safety protocols