Expert: D. Norkus - 7/29/2005

Question
Hi Dottie,
I recently purchased the 'Questions, Questions -2nd Edition'. I was reviewing Section II that comprises situational, personal, leadership questions and am curious to know if there are any standard answers to the questions listed in this book and if yes, where can I find them.
Moreso situational questions, for instance,
1. Departure airport weather is OK for takeoff but below landing minimums. After takeoff, flight attendant reports passenger is having a heart attack and the nearest airport is 2 hours away, what would you, as the captain do?
2. You are inside the marker and lose an engine.
3. You are inside the FAF and tower gives you a wind shear alert.
 It seems to me that questions of this nature WOULD have standard answers and I wish to know where they could be found.
Please advice.
Thank You

Answer
1. Contact dispatch and advise them of the situation. Many airlines have a medical service dispatch can contact to help advise the crew in a medical emergency. While the nearest company city may be 2 hours away, there is probably a closer airport not on the company route map suitable as an emergency alternate that can be used. I remember an article about a Southwest jet flying from Boise to Salt Lake that diverted to an airport in Wyoming (not on their route map) during a medical emergency as it was closer.

2. Continue the approach as you may very well get in. If you go missed early, you definately aren't getting in and now you are flying around single engine. Plus, at Vapp controllability isn't as much an issue as the yawing moment going misseed will be. You can also mention that as a line you will be trained to respond to such a scenario per the company Flight Manual. They may very well have guidelines for such an event.

3. I would feel very confident going around and doing the approach after a hold to let weather pass. Back in 1985,  Delta Airlines 191 did not receive windshear warnings that other aircraft had (different controllers) and they ended up crashing in a fatal accident. Going around is cheap by comparision. Better to be safe, than lucky (or unlucky as the case may be).

I do suggest asking these questions on the boards at http://forums.FlightInfo.com & www.jetcareers.com for additional perspectives.

:O)