In any emergency, what is the overriding consideration?

• A. Analyze the Situation
• B. Maintain Aircraft Control
• C. Take Appropriate Action
• D. Pull The Circuit Breaker

Answer: (B)

Maintaining aircraft control is the overriding consideration in any emergency because without control the helicopter can quickly become unrecoverable or collide with obstacles. Securing the flight attitude, attitude stability, and safe airspeed allows you to steer, manage rotor rpm, and position the aircraft for a safe landing or recovery. Only after control is assured can you properly assess the situation and decide on the correct actions. Trying to analyze or implement actions, or pulling circuit breakers, before control is established can worsen the situation by destabilizing the aircraft or removing essential systems. Once control is established, you can effectively choose and perform the appropriate corrective steps.