Civil Aviation Order 20.6 - Continuation of flight with 1 or more engines inoperative

Overview

The Civil Aviation Order 20.6, enacted under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, was introduced to address the issue of ensuring the safe continuation of flights when one or more engines of an aircraft become inoperative during flight. This Order applies as a condition on the flight crew licence of the pilot in command of an Australian aircraft. The objective of this legislation is to provide guidelines for pilots to manage such emergencies effectively, ensuring both the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, as well as the coordination with air traffic services. The order mandates that pilots notify the nearest Air Traffic Services Unit immediately in the event of engine failure or precautionary engine stoppage, providing all relevant information and detailing the intended course of action. It also allows pilots to select an alternative aerodrome for landing, provided that they consider it safe and operationally acceptable, taking into account several factors such as the nature of the engine failure, weather conditions, and the characteristics of available landing sites.

Scope and Application

Civil Aviation Order 20.6 applies specifically to the pilot in command of any Australian aircraft that experiences an engine failure or stoppage in flight. This Order is integral to ensuring the safety and operational integrity of multi-engine aircraft by dictating the procedures that must be followed when one engine becomes inoperative. The scope of the Order extends to all relevant factors that the pilot in command must consider when determining the safe continuation of flight, such as the nature of the engine failure, terrain, weather conditions, and air traffic congestion. Additionally, it provides pilots with the discretion to select a destination aerodrome that they deem safe and operationally acceptable, rather than being restricted to the nearest suitable aerodrome. The Order is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 and its application is governed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with amendments reflecting updates in safety standards and practices.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Order 20.6 (CAO 20.6) is a legislative instrument made under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. It specifically governs the continuation of flight operations when one or more engines of an aircraft become inoperative during flight. Section 3.1 of the Order mandates that when an engine fails or is stopped as a safety precaution, the pilot in command must notify the nearest Air Traffic Services Unit immediately. This notification must include all relevant information and the intended course of action for the flight. Section 3.2 permits the pilot in command of a multi-engine aircraft, where one engine fails or is stopped, to proceed to an aerodrome of their choice, rather than the nearest suitable aerodrome, provided they deem it safe and operationally acceptable. This decision must take into account a variety of factors, including the nature of the engine malfunction, the populated areas the aircraft might fly over, the availability of the inoperative engine, altitude and aircraft weight at the time of engine stoppage, the distance to be flown, and the performance capabilities should another engine fail, among others. Under CAO 20.6, the pilot in command has both the responsibility and the discretion to make critical decisions regarding the safety and operational aspects of continuing a flight with an inoperative engine. The Order places a significant burden on the pilot to assess the situation thoroughly and make informed decisions that prioritise safety. The notification requirement ensures that air traffic control is aware of the situation, enabling them to provide necessary assistance and manage airspace effectively. The decision to proceed to an aerodrome of choice rather than the nearest one is balanced by the need to consider multiple factors that could affect the safety of the flight. This includes evaluating the potential mechanical difficulties, the populated areas the aircraft might overfly, and the performance characteristics of the aircraft under the given circumstances. Failure to comply with the requirements of CAO 20.6 can lead to severe consequences. While the Order does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties, non-compliance with the notification and decision-making requirements could potentially result in regulatory action under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. This could include sanctions against the pilot in command's licence, fines, or other administrative penalties. Given the critical nature of the provisions, any deviation from the stipulated requirements could be viewed as a serious breach of aviation safety protocols, potentially leading to disciplinary action by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. CAO 20.6 underscores the importance of safety in aviation operations. By mandating prompt notification to air traffic services and allowing pilots to make informed decisions about continuing a flight under compromised conditions, the Order aims to balance operational flexibility with the paramount need for safety. The detailed considerations that pilots must weigh reflect the complexity and risk associated with flying multi-engine aircraft under engine failure conditions, reinforcing the high standards expected in the aviation industry.