Definition
Designated portions of an aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) that contain procedures for handling non-normal situations. The Abnormal section covers system malfunctions or conditions that are not immediately hazardous but require corrective action, while the Emergency section covers situations requiring immediate action to preserve the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.
Plain English
These are the parts of the airplane's official handbook that tell the pilot what to do when something goes wrong. One part covers problems that need attention but aren't urgent, and the other covers serious situations that need immediate action.
Context Anchor
Seen when using an aircraft manual, checklist, or minimum equipment list to decide how a problem affects the flight.
Derivation
Abnormal comes from the Latin 'abnormis,' meaning 'away from the rule' -- something outside the normal expected condition. Emergency comes from the Latin 'emergere,' meaning 'to rise up' or 'come forth,' referring to an unexpected situation that suddenly arises and demands action. Together, the names tell the pilot what level of urgency each section deals with.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing these sections allows pilots to quickly access critical procedures that maintain safety during non-standard situations.
Intuition Check
Do not assume abnormal and emergency mean the same thing. An abnormal condition means something is not normal; an emergency means safety may be in immediate danger and prompt action is required.
Example Sentence 1
After the alternator failure light came on, the pilot referred to the Abnormal section of the POH for the correct shutdown procedure.
Example Sentence 2
In preparation for the checkride, the student reviewed the Abnormal or Emergency sections of the airplane's flight manual.