Startle Proofing Emergency Procedure Steps 

In the “Inert Knowledge” post, the transition from static book knowledge to an active knowledge that translates to operational success was discussed. Next, I want to talk about startle proofing emergency procedure steps. Knowing the “what/why/how” behind emergency procedures helps crews recall the symptoms and steps during high stress and task saturated moments in the air. In contrast, a successful execution of an emergency procedure when relying solely on rote memorization, without any understanding of context, may be more challenging, particularly when you are fatigued and startled, and your crew is confused and anxious.  

Here is an example of my suggestion on how to study the what/why/how for the electrical fire EP: 

1. Alert the crew – accurate, bold, concise CRM to make sure everyone knows there is a fire. 

2. Designate crew member to fight the fire – crew workload management: make sure everyone knows their role and the appropriate crew member is fighting the fire. 

3. Affected equipment and associated circuit breakers off – power must be secured to the equipment to stop the fire/arcing/sparking. 

4. Windows and vents closed. 

5. Doors closed. 

6. ECS off – we do not want to “fan the flames” 

If fire persists 

7. Generators, converters, and/or other logical equipment off – this is a serious decision gate. The crew already secured power to the equipment they thought was creating the fire. However, a fire is still present. Now, the crew needs to secure power rapidly on a larger scale by turning the generators off. Turning the generators off will degrade the aircraft significantly, if IMC, pilots should be deliberate and make sure they are ready to control flight using the standby instrument system (ESIS) with the AFCS off.  

8. Land immediately. 

This should be paired with the “Smoke and Fume Elimination” emergency procedure and, if the fumes are noxious to the degree that you may lose consciousness, you can use your emergency oxygen. For pilots, this will help you stay conscious amid a controlled ditch. For all crew members, it is better to egress in the water without air than lose consciousness and not be able to egress.  

Another example for Total Loss of Electrical Power: 

1. Transfer scan to ESIS – the primary consideration/priority in any EP is helicopter control. All instrumentation and AFCS was just lost. If IMC, get on the ESIS. 

2. Number 1 and 2 generators off/reset then on – quickest and easiest way to potentially return AC power. 

3. Emergency APU start – only other way to get AC power if the main generators are not working. 

4. APU generator verify on – prevent a cascade of errors by making sure the APU generator is in the on position 

5. Stabilator check position slew as required – was the helicopter slow when this occurred and/or did the helicopter accelerate? If so, this step is more critical. If not, the stab is near zero and slewing the stab is not necessary. Awareness of the stabilator angle at the time of the power loss allows you to prioritize this step along with backing up the flying pilot. If the aircraft is in IMC or has low visual cues, your pilot monitoring role is critical. Because flying on the ESIS AFCS off can be demanding, it may require the attention of both pilots. The primary consideration is aircraft control. 

Working through EPs in this way not only helps with long term memorization, but adds value by providing context, which helps to cultivate an operational understanding of the material, at least it has with me.