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 fire, then an emergency landing is necessary. The difference is that in some fire 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 flights, and how often are flights 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 flight, 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.