Tell Me About a Time (TMAT): Helicopter Interview Questions — Part 8
TMAT Question: Tell me about a time when you had to make a split-second decision.
Situation
While ferrying a helicopter cross-country following depot-level maintenance, our crew was transiting the Rocky Mountains at altitude. During the crossing, we experienced an unexpected malfunction in the engine lubrication system on one engine.
Task
As the aircraft commander and pilot flying, my responsibility was to stabilize the aircraft and manage the emergency. The published emergency procedure directed the non-flying pilot to secure the affected engine while the flying pilot prepared for single-engine flight.
Action
As we initiated the emergency checklist, I recognized a critical constraint: at our current altitude, temperature, and weight, the aircraft could not maintain single-engine flight. Securing the engine immediately—as written—would have left us unable to maintain clearance from the surrounding terrain.
As I slowed the aircraft to bucket airspeed, I directed my copilot not to secure the engine. Instead, we continued operating on both engines while jettisoning fuel and descending along a valley toward lower terrain and a suitable airport.
Throughout the descent, we monitored engine indications and deliberately planned the point where we could safely secure the engine. Once we reached an altitude and aircraft weight where single-engine performance was assured, we stopped dumping fuel, completed the emergency procedure, and secured the affected engine as briefed.
Result
The aircraft remained clear of terrain and obstacles throughout the event, and we safely transitioned to single-engine flight once there were adequate performance margins. We recovered the aircraft without further incident.
This experience taught me that although emergency procedures are written to guide safe outcomes, they must always be applied with sound judgment and situational awareness. The decision to delay securing the engine—while continuing to actively manage risk—prevented a far more dangerous situation. It also underscored the importance of clear crew communication and shared understanding when adapting procedures to real-world conditions.
The Real Deal – Additional discretionary information
The ability to build a foundation of book knowledge and initial training procedures—and then apply that knowledge operationally in demanding conditions, such as adverse weather or aircraft malfunctions—is central to developing sound airmanship. It is also a primary aim of the Forging Airmanship series.
Exceptional aviators are not satisfied with rote memorization of procedures, limits, systems, and mission tasks. They operationalize these fundamentals—applying them effectively beyond sterile, controlled training environments.