Definition
The critical first steps a pilot must perform from memory, without reference to a checklist, when an emergency or abnormal condition occurs. These are the actions required to stabilize the aircraft, protect the occupants, or prevent the situation from worsening before there is time to consult written procedures.
Plain English
The few urgent steps you do straight away from memory when something goes wrong, before reaching for the checklist. They handle the most time-critical part of the emergency so things don't get worse while you take a breath.
Context Anchor
Seen in emergency procedures, especially where a pilot must respond quickly before using the written checklist for the remaining steps.
Derivation
Immediate comes from Latin roots meaning “with nothing in between.” That helps here: these actions are done with no delay or extra step between recognizing the emergency and responding to it.
Why Pilots Care
These steps buy time and prevent a problem from becoming unrecoverable before a checklist can be consulted.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as “anything important.” Immediate action items are the specific first steps that must be done right away, not the entire emergency procedure.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine quit, the pilot completed the immediate action items from memory — pitch for best glide, pick a landing spot, then troubleshoot — before pulling out the emergency checklist.
Example Sentence 2
The training syllabus requires students to demonstrate all immediate action items from memory during the emergency procedures phase.