Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What does 'ditching' refer to in an aviation context?

1. Uncontrolled landing in a field

2. Emergency landing by an aircraft on water

3. Going off schedule due to delays

4. Malfunctioning of equipment...

The correct answer is: Emergency landing by an aircraft on water

In an aviation context, 'ditching' specifically refers to an emergency landing performed by an aircraft on water. This term is commonly used when a pilot is forced to land on a body of water, often due to engine failure or other critical emergency situations where landing on solid ground is not feasible. During ditching, pilots must follow specific procedures to maximize the safety of the passengers and minimize damage to the aircraft. This can involve preparing the passengers, configuring the aircraft for landing, and trying to control the descent to ensure as smooth a landing as possible on the water. The other options describe different aviation scenarios but do not accurately represent the definition of 'ditching.' An uncontrolled landing in a field would imply a crash landing rather than a controlled emergency ditching; delays pertain to schedule management rather than emergency procedures, and malfunctioning of equipment refers to technical issues rather than the specific act of landing an aircraft on water. Thus, the correct understanding of 'ditching' firmly establishes it as the emergency maneuver done on water, which is crucial knowledge in aviation safety procedures.