Chapter 7 - Operational Procedures

These notes are exam-focused for CASA PPL operational procedures with practical, scenario-based emphasis.

How to use this chapter

Study habits: Walk through §7.12 phase SOP flows aloud. Sketch a left-hand circuit with join calls labelled at each leg.

7.1 Preflight Actions and Threat Briefing

Why this matters

Preflight is where you buy margin — legal paperwork, fuel, W&B, and threat brief set decision triggers before workload rises at the hold point.

Definition — preflight: all actions before engine start that confirm the flight is legal, airworthy, and operationally safe.

Definition — threat briefing: a short, structured discussion of foreseeable hazards and how they will be managed (part of TEM; see 7.11).

Legal and operational readiness checklist

Threat briefing topics (exam-useful)

• Weather threats: lowering ceiling, wind shift, convective development, fog timing.
• Terrain / airspace: controlled airspace transitions, CTAF discipline, high ground on track.
• Runway / crosswind: runway length, surface, crosswind component vs limits.
• Alternate / diversion: named alternate, fuel/time triggers, and communication plan.

flowchart TD
    A[Preflight data gathered] --> B{Legal and airworthy?}
    B -- No --> C[No-go or fix issue]
    B -- Yes --> D[Threat briefing]
    D --> E[Set decision triggers]
    E --> F[Dispatch with margins]

7.2 Walk-Around and Cockpit Preparation

Definition — walk-around (exterior inspection): systematic visual and tactile check of aircraft exterior and visible systems before flight.

Definition — cockpit preparation: configuring flight deck for safe, efficient operation (documents, avionics, controls, safety equipment).

External inspection principles

• Use the same sequence every time (nose → wing → tail → opposite side) to avoid omissions.
• Check control surfaces, hinges, locks removed, pitot/static covers off, tires, brakes, oil/fuel caps secure.
• FAA PHAK — preflight inspection concepts (decision-making and preparation context).

Fuel checks

Cockpit setup

• Documents: licence, medical, charts, POH, maintenance release, flight notification where required.
• Avionics: frequencies, nav database/waypoints, altimeter subscale (QNH).
• Controls: full and free movement; trim set for takeoff; fuel selector per POH.
• Safety equipment: fire extinguisher, first aid, survival kit (route-dependent), ELT status.

7.3 Passenger Briefing and Cabin Safety

Definition — passenger briefing: required safety information given so occupants can protect themselves and not distract the pilot during critical phases.

Definition — sterile cockpit: period when only flight-related communication and actions are permitted (see 7.13).

Minimum briefing content

• Carriage of passengers has legal and recency requirements (Chapter 1 Air Law).
• CASA safety promotion — human factors (CRM and passenger distraction context).

7.4 Ground Operations and Runway Safety

Definition — taxi: movement of aircraft on surface under its own power, excluding takeoff/landing roll.

Definition — runway incursion: any occurrence at an aerodrome involving incorrect presence of aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for landing/takeoff.

Taxi discipline

• Maintain active lookout (scan ahead, sides, mirrors if fitted).
• Use appropriate taxi speed — slow enough to stop before conflict; fast taxi reduces reaction time.
• Use POH recommended configuration (e.g. flaps up, trim set).

Runway incursion prevention

• FAA Runway Safety (concepts apply internationally).
• ICAO runway incursion prevention

Surface hazards

• Propwash / jet blast: high-energy airflow behind aircraft; can flip light aircraft, damage equipment, or injure people.
• Soft/wet surfaces: reduced braking and directional control during taxi.

flowchart LR
    T[Taxi] --> H{Hold short required?}
    H -- Yes --> S[Stop and verify]
    S --> C{Cleared / safe to enter?}
    C -- No --> W[Wait]
    C -- Yes --> R[Enter runway]
    H -- No --> R

Non-controlled aerodrome operations (CTAF / MBZ)

CASA Primary: CTAF frequency, MBZ, circuit direction — ERSA/AIP. PHAK Secondary: general traffic pattern concepts.

Ask yourself: Can you hear traffic on final while you are joining downwind? If not, should you extend, hold, or orbit?

Definition — non-controlled aerodrome: aerodrome without ATC providing aerodrome control service; pilots self-separate using see-and-avoid and radio broadcasts on the designated frequency.

Definition — CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency): VHF frequency for traffic information broadcasts at a non-controlled aerodrome (or MBZ).

Definition — MBZ (Mandatory Broadcast Zone): airspace where radio broadcasts are mandatory for VFR aircraft — verify in AIP/ERSA for each location.

Always confirm frequency, circuit direction, joining procedures, and noise abatement in current ERSA and AIP before flight. Local procedures may be published in ERSA FAC or on aerodrome charts.

Listening watch and situational picture

Standard broadcast locations (typical training circuit — confirm local ERSA)

Example CTAF calls (adapt callsign and aerodrome)

10 NM inbound:

Bacchus Marsh CTAF, Cessna VH-ABC, ten miles south, inbound, received Bravo, estimating circuit entry at four five, Bacchus Marsh.

Joining downwind runway 34 left circuit:

Bacchus Marsh CTAF, Cessna VH-ABC, entering downwind runway three four, Bacchus Marsh.

Final:

Bacchus Marsh CTAF, Cessna VH-ABC, final runway three four, Bacchus Marsh.

Vacated runway:

Bacchus Marsh CTAF, Cessna VH-ABC, clear of runway three four, Bacchus Marsh.

• Phraseology aligns with Chapter 1 — radiotelephony and CASA Radiotelephony Manual guidance.

Joining procedures (exam and operational)

Overhead join flow (typical training sequence)

flowchart TD
    A[10 NM call + listen] --> B[Overhead at circuit height or as published]
    B --> C[Dead side: descend and position for crosswind]
    C --> D[Downwind call — merge with circuit traffic]
    D --> E[Continue base / final calls]

Joining discipline

• Do not cut in front of faster traffic on final.
• Do not enter runway without broadcasting and ensuring separation.
• If unsure of traffic or runway in use: orbit, hold, or ask on CTAF.
• At busy fields: consider alternate aerodrome or delay.

Circuit and runway discipline

• Fly published circuit direction (left or right) and circuit height unless otherwise required for safety.
• Maintain spacing — extend downwind if aircraft ahead on final.
• Go-around: broadcast intention; rejoin without cutting others off.
• Carburettor heat / mixture / checks per POH at appropriate circuit positions.

Controlled vs non-controlled (quick contrast)

CASA Exam Cues — CTAF

• Know when to broadcast (10 NM, join, downwind, base, final, vacated).
• Listen before transmitting; avoid talking over others.
• Wrong runway or circuit direction is a common scenario trap.
• Straight-in join may be incorrect if it conflicts with established circuit traffic.

• AIP Australia — ERSA
• CASA VFRG (circuit and aerodrome operations context)

7.5 Takeoff and Climb Procedures

Definition — takeoff brief: verbal or mental summary of runway, configuration, speeds, and failure actions before line-up.

Definition — rejected takeoff (abort): stopping on runway before becoming airborne when performance/safety criteria are not met.

Departure brief elements

Technique awareness (POH-specific)

• Short-field takeoff: maximize obstacle clearance — often Vx, minimum ground roll technique.
• Soft-field takeoff: keep weight off nose wheel; lift early in ground effect if POH permits.

• Noise abatement: comply with published procedures only when safety margins remain acceptable.

• FAA PHAK — takeoff/climb performance
• FAA PHAK — airport operations

flowchart TD
    B[Departure brief] --> L[Line up]
    L --> R{Rolling}
    R -->|Abort criteria met| X[Reject takeoff]
    R -->|Rotate| C[Climb]
    C --> E{Engine issue?}
    E -- Yes --> M[Memory items then land ahead]
    E -- No --> N[Normal climb profile]

7.6 Cruise Procedures and En Route Management

Definition — cruise scan: recurring instrument and external scan pattern that monitors aircraft systems, navigation, fuel, traffic, and weather.

Cruise scan domains

Escape options

• Maintain awareness of suitable aerodromes, terrain clearance, and weather windows along track.

• Pre-brief diversion triggers (fuel, weather, technical) before they become emergencies.

• FAA PHAK — en route and systems monitoring

7.7 Descent, Approach, and Stabilization

Definition — stabilized approach: by a defined point (often 500 ft AGL in training), aircraft is on intended path, at target speed, in landing configuration, with stable power and briefable to land.

Definition — go-around (missed approach in VFR context): discontinuing approach, applying power, and climbing to re-enter circuit or follow published procedure.

Descent planning

• Top of descent (TOD): point to begin descent to arrive at pattern altitude with manageable workload.
• Configuration schedule: when to extend flaps/gear (if retractable) relative to speed limits (VFE, VLE/VLO).
• Go-around triggers: brief in advance (unstable, traffic on runway, wind shear cues).

Top of descent distance (NM) ≈ Height to lose (ft) / 300
Rate of descent (fpm) ≈ GS (kt) × 5

(3-degree path approximations; add margins for wind and configuration.)

Stabilized approach gates (training template)

• FAA Safety — stabilized approach (concept widely used in training).

flowchart TD
    D[Descent planned] --> F[Final approach]
    F --> G{Stabilized at gate?}
    G -- Yes --> L[Land]
    G -- No --> A[Go-around]
    A --> R[Re-sequence circuit]

7.8 Landing Techniques

Definition — normal landing: touchdown on main wheels at minimum safe speed in landing configuration with directional control maintained.

Definition — crosswind landing: landing technique compensating for wind component across runway (wing-low and/or crab-decrab per training).

Crosswind control (rollout)

• Aileron into wind to prevent wing lift and weather-vaning.
• Rudder for centerline tracking.
• Avoid excessive braking until directional control is established.

After landing

• Definition — vacating runway: exiting active runway promptly to holding point or taxiway without delay where safe.

• Maintain awareness of other traffic; complete after-landing checks when clear of runway.

• FAA PHAK — airport operations / landing

7.9 Emergency and Abnormal Procedures

Real-world application

The first 10 seconds set survivability — pitch and configuration before radio. Examiners mark Aviate before Communicate every time.

Definition — emergency: condition of serious and/or immediate danger requiring priority handling (may justify MAYDAY).

Definition — abnormal: technical or operational issue that is serious but controllable with procedure (may justify PAN PAN).

Action hierarchy (exam priority)

1. Aviate — maintain or regain aircraft control (pitch, bank, power).
2. Navigate — terrain/airspace avoidance; select landing site or heading.
3. Communicate — PAN PAN / MAYDAY, position, intentions (when workload permits).
4. Manage — checklists, passengers, systems, fuel for landing.

flowchart TD
    E[Emergency / abnormal] --> A[Aviate]
    A --> N[Navigate]
    N --> C[Communicate]
    C --> M[Manage — checklist]

Core scenarios (PPL level)

• FAA PHAK — emergency procedures (paired with emergency handling in training syllabi)

7.10 Survival, SAR, and Post-Flight

Definition — SAR (Search and Rescue): coordinated search and assistance for aircraft in distress; pilot role includes timely reporting and survival until help arrives.

Definition — ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter): radio beacon activated by crash impact or manually to aid SAR.

Survival equipment (route-dependent)

• CASA — safety and survival topics
• AMSA — search and rescue (Australia)

Post-flight actions

7.11 SOP Discipline and TEM Application

Definition — SOP (Standard Operating Procedure): agreed, repeatable way to conduct tasks (preflight, briefings, checklists, callouts) to reduce error.

Definition — TEM (Threat and Error Management): framework to identify threats, prevent/trap errors, and maintain safety margins.

Why SOP integration matters (PPL to commercial path)

SOP + TEM + CRM (Chapter 4) form one system: brief threats → follow phase SOP → trap errors with checklists → recover with go-around/divert.

SOP integration across flight phases

flowchart LR
    P[Preflight SOP] --> D[Departure SOP]
    D --> E[En route SOP]
    E --> A[Arrival SOP]
    A --> X[Emergency SOP if needed]

TEM in operations

• Anticipate threats in preflight brief (7.1).
• Trap errors with phase checklists (7.12) and callouts at phase changes.
• Build margins before high-workload phases (takeoff, approach).

flowchart LR
    T[Threats] --> E[Errors]
    E --> U[Undesired state]
    U --> R[Recovery / margins]
    R --> T

• ICAO — human factors / TEM resources
• Checklist discipline: FAA PHAK — aeronautical decision-making

7.12 Flow-Oriented SOP Checklists

Template only — always use aircraft POH/AFM checklists as authority. Flow = order of actions; items may be challenge-response with a passenger or self-callout.

How to use these flows

1. Threat brief (7.1) before starting flow.
2. Run flow at each phase change (do not skip because “familiar airport”).
3. Complete POH written checklist at least once per phase where required.
4. At gates, pause: legal? safe? stable?

Preflight SOP flow

Departure SOP flow

En route SOP flow

Arrival SOP flow

Emergency SOP flow (generic — POH overrides)

flowchart TD
    E[Event] --> A[Aviate]
    A --> N[Navigate]
    N --> C[Communicate]
    C --> M[POH emergency checklist]
    M --> L[Land and secure]

CASA Exam Cues — SOP flows

• Exam may ask order of actions in emergency — Aviate first.
• Preflight is not just walk-around — includes legal, fuel, W&B, weather, threat brief.
• Non-controlled: broadcast before entering manoeuvring area and at circuit legs.
• Arrival: go-around is part of SOP, not failure.

7.13 Key Definitions and Practical Examples

Core definitions (exam memory set)

Practical examples

Sterile cockpit

• During short final, passenger asks for photos → pilot defers non-essential response until clear of runway.

Stabilized approach

• At 500 ft AGL: speed +10 kt, flaps still changing, path high → go-around immediately.

Go-around

• Traffic still on runway when on short final → power, pitch, climb; rejoin circuit per local procedure.

Precautionary landing

• Weather closing ahead; fuel and daylight adequate → land at suitable field before conditions become emergency.

Forced landing

• Complete engine failure in cruise → best glide, select field, MAYDAY if time, execute memory items and landing checklist.

Scenario: unstable final approach

• On final: high and fast, crosswind correction still changing, touchdown zone likely missed.

• Correct action: go around early, re-brief approach, reattempt with improved spacing and configuration discipline.

• Distress/urgency phraseology: Chapter 1 (MAYDAY / PAN PAN).

7.14 Pre-Exam Revision (Must Know · Nice to Know · Common Traps)

Sketch it: Left-hand circuit with CTAF calls at 10 NM, join, downwind, base, final, vacated; emergency ladder Aviate → Navigate → Communicate → Manage.

Must know

• Phase SOP flows (§7.12): preflight, departure, en route, arrival, emergency.
• CTAF broadcast sequence and joining discipline (non-controlled).
• Stabilized approach gates and go-around triggers.
• Emergency order: Aviate → Navigate → Communicate → Manage.
• Runway incursion prevention; passenger briefing.
• Takeoff brief: abort gate, engine failure by phase.
• Link SOP, TEM, CRM (Ch 4) in scenarios.

Nice to know

• Short-field / soft-field technique contrasts.
• SAR/ELT/survival equipment overview.
• Descent TOD approximations (§7.16).

Common traps

• Emergency: radio before control of aircraft.
• Delaying go-around when unstable.
• Checklist skipped under pressure.
• Missing CTAF calls (join, downwind, final, vacated).
• Straight-in join unsafe with circuit traffic.
• SOP treated as optional vs exam-expected discipline.
• Passenger briefing ignored in compliance scenarios.

7.15 Procedure Graphics, Tables, and Formula Aids

Graphic: normal flight phase workflow

flowchart LR
    A[Preflight brief] --> B[Taxi and runway safety]
    B --> C[Takeoff and climb]
    C --> D[Cruise monitoring]
    D --> E[Descent and approach]
    E --> F{Stabilized?}
    F -- Yes --> G[Land]
    F -- No --> H[Go-around and re-sequence]

Emergency priority ladder

Stabilized approach gate table (training template)

Simple descent planning formula

Top of descent distance (NM) ≈ Height to lose (ft) / 300

(For a 3-degree path approximation; then add wind and configuration margins.)

Rate of descent (fpm) ≈ GS (kt) × 5

(Useful quick estimate for a 3-degree descent.)

References

CASA Primary / Australian operational

• AIP/ERSA (CTAF, circuits, aerodrome procedures): https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/
• CASA radiotelephony AC (Dec 2025): https://www.casa.gov.au/rules/regulatory-framework/casr/part-64-casr-authorisations-non-licensed-personnel
• CASA VFRG (supportive context): https://www.kempseyflyingclub.com.au/Docs/Visual%20Flight%20Guide%202020.pdf
• Airservices SARTIME: https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/industry-info/pilot-tools/sartime/

PHAK Secondary / supplementary

• FAA PHAK (airport operations, emergencies): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak
• ICAO Annex 2 (Rules of the Air): https://www.icao.int/
• EASA Air Operations portal: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/air-operations

IMPORTANT: Always verify with current official publications.