What should be done if smoke is detected in the cockpit?

• A. Sit tight and monitor
• B. Don oxygen masks and alert the flight deck
• C. Open the cockpit window to vent smoke
• D. Don oxygen masks, close the cockpit door, and follow the cockpit Fire/Smoke checklist

Answer: (D)

Smoke in the cockpit is an immediate emergency, so the priority is to secure breathable air, isolate the cockpit, and follow a proven procedure to manage the situation. Donning oxygen masks right away ensures you have clean air and preserves alertness, which is crucial as you assess and respond to the threat.

Closing the cockpit door is essential to prevent smoke and fumes from spreading from the cabin into the cockpit and to help maintain a safe, controlled environment while you work through the steps. After securing oxygen and isolating the space, you then run the cockpit Fire/Smoke checklist. This checklist provides the standardized actions needed to identify the source, manage systems, communicate with the crew, coordinate with air traffic control, and decide on diversion or further steps.

Opening the cockpit window is not part of the procedure; in flight it can cause rapid depressurization and does not effectively remove smoke. Simply sitting and monitoring does not address the danger or reduce risk.

So the best course is to don oxygen masks, close the cockpit door, and follow the cockpit Fire/Smoke checklist.