Which statement is NOT part of the PA failure protocol?

• A. An initial announcement must be made after 2 minutes regardless of knowing the cause.
• B. Announcements should be followed by updates at 5 minute intervals.
• C. Announce immediately if the delay is minor.
• D. Postpone all announcements until maintenance completes.

Answer: (D)

PA failure protocol centers on keeping everyone informed with timely, structured communication. When the PA system fails, you don’t stay silent—you issue an initial announcement after about two minutes to acknowledge the situation, even if the cause isn’t known. If the delay is minor, you should announce immediately to avoid unnecessary waiting. After the initial message, you provide updates at regular five-minute intervals to keep crew and passengers current as the situation evolves. Postponing all announcements until maintenance completes would leave people in the dark and create confusion, so that approach is not part of the protocol. In practice, crews may use alternate means to communicate, but the emphasis remains on prompt, regular information rather than silence.