A diversion isn’t the same as landing in an emergency

Question: What problems would cause you to make an emergency landing?

– Felyn

Answer: A diversion to land at an alternate airport is often erroneously described as an emergency landing in media accounts. There is no emergency, but there is a change in plans.

If there is a problem with an engine requiring that it be shut down, then a diversion is necessary. A problem with the pressurization system may require a diversion. A passenger with a medical problem may require a diversion. Some electrical problems will require a diversion.

If there is an onboard fire, then an emergency landing is necessary. The difference is that in some fire conditions, the situation requires landing as soon as possible. That is an emergency.

There are other conditions that require a diversion but only a very few require a true emergency landing.

Q: How common are fuel-critical priority landing requests among commercial flights, and how often are flights diverted to alternate airports due to fuel shortage?

– Dan Kwiatkowski, Sarasota, Florida

A: Not very common. The pilots and the dispatchers carefully plan the fuel for the flight, including holding and reserve fuel.

If there are weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, near the destination, a diversion may be the best alternative. Diversions do occur, but not very often.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.