Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

What must be done if an aircraft's equipment indicates an emergency landing is required?

1. Crew must prepare to bail out

2. Land at the nearest airport

3. Perform a controlled ditching

4. Circle and assess the runway conditions

The correct answer is: Land at the nearest airport

When an aircraft's equipment indicates that an emergency landing is required, the priority is to safely land the aircraft as quickly and effectively as possible. Landing at the nearest airport ensures that the aircraft can reach the ground in a controlled manner and minimizes the risk to passengers and crew. Emergency landings can arise for various reasons, such as mechanical failure, fuel exhaustion, or other critical situations, and engaging with the closest airport allows for the most direct route to safety. Other options presented may not provide the same level of safety or urgency. Preparing to bail out would only be a consideration for certain types of aircraft, typically military, and wouldn't apply to commercial operations. Controlled ditching is necessary when there’s no suitable landing space (like over water), but this is a last resort after all options have been exhausted. Circling to assess runway conditions could lead to a delay which may jeopardize safety during an emergency situation, as time is often a critical factor. Therefore, the best action is to land at the nearest airport.