What emergency action is prescribed for an in-flight fire?

• A. Initiate emergency procedures, including engine shutdown and landing if safe
• B. Activate fire suppression system without altering flight path
• C. Continue flight and report incident after landing
• D. Request immediate assistance from nearby aircraft

Answer: (A)

The prescribed emergency action for an in-flight fire includes initiating emergency procedures, which are crucial for ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. This typically involves shutting down affected engines to prevent further damage and potential escalation of the fire. The importance of landing the aircraft safely, if conditions allow, cannot be overstated, as it minimizes the risk to both the crew and any passengers on board, and allows for the situation to be handled on the ground by emergency response teams.

In circumstances of an in-flight fire, immediate action is paramount, and simply activating a fire suppression system without altering the flight path may not adequately address the critical nature of the emergency. Continuing the flight or delaying the response could lead to catastrophic results, as the fire may worsen and compromise the integrity of the aircraft. Requesting assistance from nearby aircraft is not a primary action but rather a secondary consideration that may come once the immediate threat is being managed.

Therefore, initiating emergency procedures, including engine shutdown and determining the feasibility of a safe landing, is essential for effectively dealing with an in-flight fire in a timely manner.