Emergency Procedures

ZJX-ARTCC

Overview

     Keep in mind that VATSIM regulations allow a controller the option of accepting a declared emergency or rejecting it.  Most often this decision is based on the current traffic density and the controllers comfort zone in properly dealing with an inflight emergency.  It is hoped that this document will help with the latter in making all of us aware of the proper procedures for controlling aircfraft that have declared an emergency.  Once you are comfortable, you may find that declared emergencies can be a welcomed change no matter the traffic.

Mayday Mayday Mayday

     Ok, the pilot has contacted you and wishes to declare an emergency.  You as the ever jubilant controller has decided to give it a shot and have some fun.  First off, you should be aware of some of the things that occur once you have granted "permission" for an emergency to be simulated on the network.

Pilots Rights

-   The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft.  In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule to the extent required to meet that emergency.

-   If the emergency authority is used to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the pilot in command must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance.

Communications

The following information should be gathered from the pilot declaring an emergency.

-   Aircraft identification and type.

-   Nature of distress.

-   Pilots intentions and/or request.

-   Present position, heading and altitude if VFR.

-   Fuel remaining.

-   Number of passengers on board.  (Optional for VATSIM)

All radio chatter should cease once pilots observe communications with an aircraft operating under emergency conditions.  Quickly advise all pilots on your frequency that an aircraft has declared an emergency and please stand by.

TOWER

      If you have a declared emergency aircraft attempting to land at your airfield.

-   Advise all aircraft on your frequency to hold present position.  Quickly give them the reason for this instruction as well.

    "Orlando Tower to all aircraft, hold at present postion, aircraft declaring emergency inbound to land."

-   Advise Ground and Delivery of the situation so that the Ground controller may halt all taxing traffic at thier present position as well.

-   Any aircraft that have already positioned on an active runway should be instructed to expedite thier takeoff and again give them the reason for this instruction.

     "United one twenty three, winds are 180 at 6knts, expedite takeoff for runway 18R, Emergency traffic inbound to land."

-   Aircraft already lined up to land should be told to "go around", and again give them the reason for these instructions.

     "November seven two niner Papa, perform a go around for runway 18R, enter right downwind and report midfield, emergency traffic inbound to land."

     By performing these procedures you have cleared the field of any traffic obstacles and have all runways open for the arriving traffic.  You can now clear the pilot to land at your field.

     "November six two three Tango, winds are 180 at 06, you are cleared to land, advise this frequency of runway choice."

Approach/Center

     At this level you will have much more traffic to deal with when an emergency has been declared by an aircraft in flight.  You will have to coordinate with the pilot based on the emergency, fuel onboard, weather, and pilot abilities as to what airfield to direct the pilot too.  If VFR, the weather will be your primary concern as it is assumed that the pilot is not familiar with instrument flying.  In the case of VFR, the actual emergency could even be that a VFR pilot has flown into an unexpected weather situation that they are not prepared to handle.  Therefore it will be your job to assist the pilot by providing vectors to VFR conditions.  While assisting the VFR aircraft, you as the controller will assume responsibility for providing sepearation services to that aircraft.

     Depending on the nature of the emergency one or more of the following may be required.

-   Advise all inbound aircraft to proceed to a hold fix and hold till further notice.  An alternative is to vector aircraft towards the outer limits of your airspace until such time as the emergency aircraft is safely on the ground.  Traffic volumn will be the primary consideration for making this decision.  As with any instruction, provide the pilots with a valid reason for issuing any changes.

     "United three twenty two, proceed to the MINEE intersection and hold, aircraft declaring emergency inbound to Orlando International." 

-   Advise the Tower controller at the destination airport that an emergency is inbound.  Be sure to provide aircraft type and situation.

-   When deciding on an airfield to divert the emergency traffic too, consider the aircraft type, current altitude, fuel, runway length and type of emergency in making this decision.  Remember that the final decision always lies witht he pilot in command of the aircraft.

     Remember that we are all here to have fun.  Emergencies can bring a little excitement to an otherwise dull day.