Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What action can you take to attract attention if ditching?

1. Keep in a circle

2. Use flares only

3. Move away from the aircraft

4. Turn off the ELT

The correct answer is: Keep in a circle

Keeping in a circle is a strategic action to attract attention during a ditching scenario. When personnel or aircraft maintain a circular pattern, it maximizes visibility and draws attention to the area, highlighting the need for assistance. This approach can be particularly effective because search and rescue teams or passing aircraft can more easily spot movements that are in a defined pattern, as opposed to random movements or stationary positions. Moving away from the aircraft can diminish visibility, making it harder for rescuers to locate individuals. Using flares alone, while useful, might not always be sufficient if the overall visibility or search area isn't being effectively signaled. Turning off the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) would significantly hinder search efforts, as the ELT serves to help rescuers identify the aircraft's location. Thus, maintaining a circular pattern serves the dual purpose of visibility and systematic signaling to others in the vicinity.