Private Pilot Private Exam

What is the proper procedure following an in-flight fire?

1. Continue flight and notify ground crew

2. Divert and notify NTSB

3. Notify NTSB immediately

4. Land at the nearest airport

The correct answer is: Notify NTSB immediately

The proper procedure following an in-flight fire is to land at the nearest airport. In-flight fires pose a significant hazard, as they can rapidly escalate and compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The pilot's priority is to ensure the safety of everyone on board, which typically involves finding a suitable place to land as quickly as possible. When faced with an in-flight fire, pilots are trained to follow emergency procedures that include identifying the source of the fire, attempting to extinguish it if feasible, and making a rapid assessment of the situation to determine the best course of action. Diverting to land at the nearest airport is critical, as it minimizes the duration of exposure to the fire and provides an immediate opportunity for emergency services to assist upon landing. While notifying the NTSB is important in the case of an accident or incident, immediate safety considerations outweigh the need for such notifications during an active in-flight emergency. Continuing flight and notifying ground crew does not prioritize the urgent nature of a fire situation.