Originally Posted by
Vendeeglobes
Good evening.
Can anyone please provide a reference as to a pilot's responsibility to fly (SID/STAR/APPCH) published speeds and altitudes following the declaration of an emergency? I’ve always believed that speeds and altitudes must be requested to be lifted specifically following an emergency, as e.g. PBN speeds are fixed (radius-to-fix) and terrain published altitudes are clearly inviolable. An emergency does not lift our responsibility to adhere to published requirements unless we request otherwise or advise unable.
Other ideas?
Well, it’s all about self preservation isn’t it? You use all the tools at your disposition to come to the safest course of action. And that may involve taking action first and then telling ATC.
NCO.GEN.105 Pilot-in-command responsibilities and authority
The pilot-in-command shall, in an emergency situation that requires immediate decision and action, take any action he/she considers necessary under the circumstances in accordance with 7.d of Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008. In such cases he/she may deviate from rules, operational procedures and methods in the interest of safety.
I.e. You would be wise to adhere to the radius to fix max speeds in mountainous areas, but are you really going to request permission to deviate from noise abatement rules when you suffer an engine failure? You may or may not want to fly faster than 250 knots below FL100 during a medical emergency, but is this even a question with an un contained cabin fire? As with everything in aviation, there is never a black and white answer. Self preservation is the key and your ultimate authority a PIC.