Emerg Descent... change heading?
May I ask for thoughts regarding turning the HDG knob by default when initiating an emerg descent.
My previous airline taught not too, my new airline (and the manufacturer's QRH) has taught me to turn as part of the memory items. I fly under radar apart from the odd trip home oceanic back from TFS. Flying oceanic routes it is clear a 90 deg turn is the safest maneuver.
My feeling is that, under radar, a controller will see the descent happening very quickly (way before he gets our mayday) and sort things out below. As we spend lots of time on hdgs anyway is changing HDG the best thing to do? Will TCAS clear the other chaps from underneath me as I hurtle earthward?
This is simply a hypothetical question as my SOPs are very clear.
Many thanks.