To determine that an engine fire is an emergency is very much rote for any pilot. How about the loss of the left generator?

Most aircraft checklists identify malfunctions as ABNORMAL or EMERGENCY. Could an abnormal malfunction be determined as an emergency? What determines the difference?

Abnormal we simply might say is something not normal. However the managed actions required maintaining the same level of performance, ability to reach a destination, and risk level to do so, is important to what, how, and when we act as a result. Other abnormal synonymy is influences like interference, disruption, odd, irregular, strange, and the pilot discomfort that adds stress and workload. The judgment to assess the risk factors associated with the abnormality to accomplish a desirable or safe outcome alone is variable to factors like situation awareness, training, experience, alertness (rest), workload, attitude, and the list goes on.

How about the loss of the left generator which is categorized on most all multi-engine aircraft checklist as an abnormal condition? Reduce electrical load, reset generator, and if it doesn’t reset, generator switch off. Would this be the same for all flight conditions? Clear sky or marginal IFR verses night, low ceiling/visibility, alternate airport 150 miles away? Every pilot knows that if the left generator fails and the right engine fails that we now have no generations. Yes again it is rote to say that an inoperative engine is an emergency, but really now the greater emergency is not having one engine, but having minimum battery power…the airplane will fly longer on one engine that it will with 1 battery, etc….even with both engines operating the loss of both generators could be an emergency that would demand a more urgent action than the loss of an engine in-flight. The priority levels in abnormal operations are dictated by the mode and conditions of flight.

Emergency synonymy is crisis, danger, difficulty, accident, disaster, catastrophe, and calamity all which demand immediate or urgent actions to prevent injury, property damage, and/or loss of life. An emergency is defined as an unforeseen or sudden occurrence impending danger and demands immediate action.

As pilots, we train to proficiency to perform in emergencies. However foresight enhances judgement in decision making. Good decision making mandates that we understand the risks associated with the environment we operate. An abnormal circumstance might be an emergency in another mode or condition of flight.

The objective is always toward a safe outcome. Abnormal and/or emergency providence or foresight in aviation requires system knowledge and understanding. Recognizing the evolution difference from an abnormal circumstance to an emergency.

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