Commercial Pilot ACS · Area IX

CA.IX Emergency Operations

7 tasks and 121 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as CA.IX.A.K1, lands on its own line.

Written by the FlightWay team. Regulations checked against the eCFR and faa.gov on 11 November 2026. Not a substitute for the regulation itself or your instructor.

Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-7B (November 2023 edition), effective May 31, 2024 and incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 61.14. Text from the FAA’s ACS page, checked on 11 November 2026. If the FAA has published a newer edition since, the codes and wording may differ: the FAA document is the authority.

CA.IX.A Emergency Descent

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency descent.

CA.IX.A.K1Knowledge: Situations that would require an emergency descent (e.g., depressurization, smoke, or engine fire).
CA.IX.A.K2Knowledge: Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
CA.IX.A.K3Knowledge: Airspeed, including airspeed limitations.
CA.IX.A.K4Knowledge: Aircraft performance and limitations.
CA.IX.A.R1Risk management: Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.
CA.IX.A.R2Risk management: Collision hazards.
CA.IX.A.R3Risk management: Configuring the airplane.
CA.IX.A.R4Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.A.S1Skill: Clear the area.
CA.IX.A.S2Skill: Establish and maintain the appropriate airspeed and configuration appropriate to the scenario specified by the evaluator and as covered in Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for the emergency descent.
CA.IX.A.S3Skill: Maintain orientation, divide attention appropriately, and plan and execute a smooth recovery.
CA.IX.A.S4Skill: Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.
CA.IX.A.S5Skill: Maintain appropriate airspeed +0/-10 knots, and level off at a specified altitude ±100 feet.
CA.IX.A.S6Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
CA.IX.A.S7Skill: Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

CA.IX.B Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated) (ASEL, ASES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency approach and landing procedures.

CA.IX.B.K1Knowledge: Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
CA.IX.B.K2Knowledge: Airspeed, including:
CA.IX.B.K2aKnowledge: Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance
CA.IX.B.K2bKnowledge: Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed
CA.IX.B.K2cKnowledge: Effects of wind on glide distance
CA.IX.B.K3Knowledge: Effects of atmospheric conditions on emergency approach and landing.
CA.IX.B.K4Knowledge: A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
CA.IX.B.K5Knowledge: Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and other emergency locating devices.
CA.IX.B.K6Knowledge: Air traffic control (ATC) services to aircraft in distress.
CA.IX.B.R1Risk management: Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.
CA.IX.B.R2Risk management: Following or changing the planned flightpath to the selected landing area.
CA.IX.B.R3Risk management: Collision hazards.
CA.IX.B.R4Risk management: Configuring the airplane.
CA.IX.B.R5Risk management: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
CA.IX.B.R6Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.B.S1Skill: Establish and maintain the recommended best glide airspeed, ±10 knots.
CA.IX.B.S2Skill: Configure the airplane in accordance with the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)\Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and existing conditions.
CA.IX.B.S3Skill: Select a suitable landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance.
CA.IX.B.S4Skill: Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.
CA.IX.B.S5Skill: Prepare for landing as specified by the evaluator.
CA.IX.B.S6Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

CA.IX.C Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test.

CA.IX.C.K1Knowledge: Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
CA.IX.C.K1aKnowledge: [Archived]
CA.IX.C.K1bKnowledge: [Archived]
CA.IX.C.K1cKnowledge: [Archived]
CA.IX.C.K1dKnowledge: [Archived]
CA.IX.C.K2Knowledge: System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:
CA.IX.C.K2aKnowledge: Electrical malfunction
CA.IX.C.K2bKnowledge: Vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions
CA.IX.C.K2cKnowledge: Pitot-static system malfunction
CA.IX.C.K2dKnowledge: Electronic flight deck display malfunction
CA.IX.C.K2eKnowledge: Landing gear or flap malfunction
CA.IX.C.K2fKnowledge: Inoperative trim
CA.IX.C.K3Knowledge: Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
CA.IX.C.K4Knowledge: Any other system specific to the aircraft (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing).
CA.IX.C.K5Knowledge: Inadvertent door or window opening.
CA.IX.C.R1Risk management: Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.
CA.IX.C.R2Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.C.R3Risk management: Undesired aircraft state.
CA.IX.C.R4Risk management: Startle response.
CA.IX.C.S1Skill: Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5.
CA.IX.C.S2Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

CA.IX.D Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency equipment, and survival gear appropriate to the airplane and environment encountered during flight.

CA.IX.D.K1Knowledge: Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) operations, limitations, and testing requirements.
CA.IX.D.K2Knowledge: Fire extinguisher operations and limitations.
CA.IX.D.K3Knowledge: Emergency equipment and survival gear needed for:
CA.IX.D.K3aKnowledge: Climate extremes (hot/cold)
CA.IX.D.K3bKnowledge: Mountainous terrain
CA.IX.D.K3cKnowledge: Overwater operations
CA.IX.D.K4Knowledge: When to deploy a ballistic parachute and associated passenger briefings, if equipped.
CA.IX.D.K5Knowledge: When to activate an emergency auto-land system and brief passengers, if equipped.
CA.IX.D.R1Risk management: Survival gear (water, clothing, shelter) for 48 to 72 hours.
CA.IX.D.R2Risk management: Use of a ballistic parachute system.
CA.IX.D.R3Risk management: Use of an emergency auto-land system, if installed.
CA.IX.D.S1Skill: Identify appropriate equipment and personal gear.
CA.IX.D.S2Skill: Brief passengers on proper use of on-board emergency equipment and survival gear.
CA.IX.D.S3Skill: Simulate ballistic parachute deployment procedures, if equipped.

CA.IX.E Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure during takeoff before minimum controllable airspeed (VMC).

CA.IX.E.K1Knowledge: Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
CA.IX.E.K2Knowledge: VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line).
CA.IX.E.K3Knowledge: Accelerate/stop distance.
CA.IX.E.R1Risk management: Potential engine failure during takeoff.
CA.IX.E.R2Risk management: Configuring the airplane.
CA.IX.E.R3Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.E.S1Skill: Close the throttles smoothly and promptly when a simulated engine failure occurs.
CA.IX.E.S2Skill: Maintain directional control and apply brakes (AMEL), or flight controls (AMES), as necessary.

CA.IX.F Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure after liftoff.

CA.IX.F.K1Knowledge: Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
CA.IX.F.K2Knowledge: VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
CA.IX.F.K3Knowledge: Accelerate/stop and accelerate/go distances.
CA.IX.F.K4Knowledge: How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
CA.IX.F.K5Knowledge: Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
CA.IX.F.K6Knowledge: Simulated propeller feathering and the evaluator's zero-thrust procedures and responsibilities.
CA.IX.F.R1Risk management: Potential engine failure after lift-off.
CA.IX.F.R2Risk management: Collision hazards.
CA.IX.F.R3Risk management: Configuring the airplane.
CA.IX.F.R4Risk management: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
CA.IX.F.R5Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.F.S1Skill: Promptly recognize an engine failure, maintain control, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
CA.IX.F.S2Skill: Establish VYSE; if obstructions are present, establish best single-engine angle of climb speed (VXSE) or VMC +5 knots, whichever is greater, until obstructions are cleared. Then transition to VYSE.
CA.IX.F.S3Skill: Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance.
CA.IX.F.S4Skill: Simulate feathering the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
CA.IX.F.S5Skill: Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
CA.IX.F.S6Skill: Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
CA.IX.F.S7Skill: Recognize the airplane's performance capabilities. If a climb is not possible at VYSE, maintain VYSE and return to the departure airport for landing, or initiate an approach to the most suitable landing area available.
CA.IX.F.S8Skill: Simulate securing the inoperative engine.
CA.IX.F.S9Skill: Maintain heading ±10° and airspeed ±5 knots.
CA.IX.F.S10Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

CA.IX.G Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)(AMEL, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with approach and landing with an engine inoperative, including engine failure on final approach.

CA.IX.G.K1Knowledge: Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
CA.IX.G.K2Knowledge: VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line).
CA.IX.G.K3Knowledge: How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
CA.IX.G.K4Knowledge: Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
CA.IX.G.K5Knowledge: Applicant responsibilities during simulated feathering.
CA.IX.G.R1Risk management: Potential engine failure inflight or during an approach.
CA.IX.G.R2Risk management: Collision hazards.
CA.IX.G.R3Risk management: Configuring the airplane.
CA.IX.G.R4Risk management: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
CA.IX.G.R5Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.IX.G.R6Risk management: Possible single-engine go-around.
CA.IX.G.S1Skill: Promptly recognize an engine failure and maintain positive aircraft control.
CA.IX.G.S2Skill: Set the engine controls, reduce drag, identify and verify the inoperative engine, and simulate feathering of the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
CA.IX.G.S3Skill: Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
CA.IX.G.S4Skill: Follow the manufacturer's recommended emergency procedures and complete the appropriate checklist.
CA.IX.G.S5Skill: Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
CA.IX.G.S6Skill: Maintain the manufacturer's recommended approach airspeed ±5 knots in the landing configuration with a stabilized approach, until landing is assured.
CA.IX.G.S7Skill: Make smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown.
CA.IX.G.S8Skill: Touch down on the first one-third of available runway/landing surface, with no drift, and the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center or landing path.
CA.IX.G.S9Skill: Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
CA.IX.G.S10Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

Other areas in this standard

CA.I Preflight Preparation9 tasks CA.II Preflight Procedures6 tasks CA.III Airport and Seaplane Base Operations2 tasks CA.IV Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds14 tasks CA.V Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers5 tasks CA.VI Navigation4 tasks CA.VII Slow Flight and Stalls5 tasks CA.VIII High-Altitude Operations2 tasks CA.X Multiengine Operations4 tasks CA.XI Postflight Procedures2 tasks

Keeping a flying club current

FlightWay is flying club software. It tracks each member’s flight review and medical expiry and can refuse a booking that would break the club’s currency rules, alongside scheduling, billing and the club’s books.

How the booking rules work See pricing Try the live demo

Last updated 11 November 2026.