Definition
An in-flight emergency in which combustion occurs somewhere on or inside the airplane while airborne, typically classified by source as an engine fire, electrical fire, or cabin fire. Each type has its own immediate action items, but the shared priorities are identifying the source, shutting off whatever is feeding the fire, and getting the airplane on the ground as quickly as practical.
Plain English
A fire that breaks out while you are flying. The response depends on where the fire is coming from, but the goal is always the same: cut off what is feeding it and land as soon as you safely can.
Context Anchor
Encountered in emergency procedures, especially when discussing smoke, engine fire, electrical fire, cabin fire, or forced landing decisions.
Why Pilots Care
An unresolved fire in flight can spread quickly, damage flight controls, or fill the cabin with smoke, leaving little time before the aircraft becomes uncontrollable.
Grounding Statement
If the pilot smells burning, sees smoke, or sees flames while airborne, the situation is treated as a fire in flight until proven otherwise.
Intuition Check
Do not assume fire in flight means only visible flames. Smoke, a burning odor, heat, or a fire warning can also be signs of a fire in flight.
Example Sentence 1
After noticing smoke from under the panel, the pilot treated it as an electrical fire in flight, turned off the master switch, and diverted to the nearest airport.
Example Sentence 2
A fire in flight during a cross-country trip forced an unscheduled landing at a nearby airfield.