← All standards

Private Pilot · Area IX: Emergency Operations

Task A. Emergency Descent

FAA-S-ACS-6C · Effective 2024-05-31

Official FAA standard (PDF) ↗

Knowledge

What you should understand and be able to explain.

4 elements
  • PA.IX.A.K1
    Situations that would require an emergency descent (e.g., depressurization, smoke, or engine fire).
  • PA.IX.A.K2
    Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
  • PA.IX.A.K3
    Airspeed, including airspeed limitations.
  • PA.IX.A.K4
    Aircraft performance and limitations.

Risk management

Risks to recognize and decisions to consider.

4 elements
  • PA.IX.A.R1
    Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.
  • PA.IX.A.R2
    Collision hazards.
  • PA.IX.A.R3
    Configuring the airplane.
  • PA.IX.A.R4
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skill elements and task objectives

This page covers knowledge and risk management. For the complete task, including skill standards, open the FAA document (PDF).