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8 views

File 2

ditching

Uploaded by

hichemsky1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Operations in Island Areas

Purpose:
To establish procedures for safe and efficient flight operations in island regions, where weather,
terrain, and operational limitations present specific challenges.

1. Pre-Flight Preparation

• Route Planning:
Plan routes that consider isolated locations and limited en-route alternates. Review
potential alternates with adequate runway lengths and services.

• Weather Briefing:
Obtain a thorough weather briefing, focusing on coastal weather patterns, tropical storms,
winds, and possible low cloud cover or fog.

• Fuel Requirements:
Plan for extended fuel reserves due to limited diversion options. Account for potential
holding times, diversions, and headwinds.

• Aircraft Performance:
Confirm performance calculations for takeoff and landing, considering short runways, high
temperatures, or sea-level conditions.

2. In-Flight Procedures

• Altitude and Terrain Considerations:


Maintain situational awareness of surrounding terrain and ensure that the appropriate
Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) or Minimum Off-Route Altitude (MORA) is adhered to,
especially around volcanic or mountainous islands.

• Weather Monitoring:
Continuously monitor weather updates, as conditions may change rapidly over open water.
Be vigilant for thunderstorms, low visibility, or strong winds.

• Water Crossing Precautions:


Before long overwater legs, ensure that life vests, life rafts, and emergency beacons are
onboard and readily accessible. Brief passengers on ditching procedures.

3. Communication

• Radio Procedures:
Maintain contact with air traffic control (ATC) or Flight Information Services (FIS) during all
phases of flight. If operating in remote or oceanic areas, ensure that HF radio or satellite
communication is available.
• Distress Procedures:
In the event of an emergency, be prepared to declare a distress or urgency situation. Ensure
familiarity with the use of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) and procedures for
ditching.

• Position Reporting:
Regularly report position, altitude, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) when operating over
long water stretches or in isolated areas.

4. Descent and Landing

• Approach Planning:
Prepare for potential strong crosswinds or gusty winds common around coastal and island
airports. Be aware of terrain features that may create turbulence or wind shear during the
approach.

• Runway and Surface Conditions:


Evaluate runway conditions, including surface quality and possible hazards like wildlife,
especially on smaller or remote island airstrips. Short-field landing techniques may be
required for some island airports.

5. Emergency Diversion

• Alternates:
Be familiar with nearby alternates, taking into account available services and runway
conditions. On smaller islands, airport options may be limited or nonexistent, so consider
this when planning diversions.

• Ditching Considerations:
In case of engine failure or other emergencies over water, ensure that ditching procedures
are reviewed and practiced. Have life-saving equipment ready and brief the crew and
passengers.

6. Post-Flight Procedures

• Debriefing:
Conduct a thorough debrief to identify operational challenges and lessons learned from the
island operation. Pay special attention to fuel usage, weather conditions encountered, and
airfield suitability.

• Aircraft Inspection:
After operations in saltwater environments, perform a detailed inspection for potential
corrosion or saltwater exposure. Check landing gear and engines for signs of wear or
contamination.
Note: These procedures should be aligned with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and company
guidelines for operations in island regions.

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