What action should pilots take if they encounter an emergency outside of normal operating conditions?

When pilots encounter an emergency outside of normal operating conditions, the appropriate action is to immediately declare an emergency. This declaration is crucial as it communicates to air traffic control (ATC) that the aircraft is experiencing a situation that requires immediate assistance or priority handling.

Declaring an emergency allows ATC to effectively coordinate the necessary actions to ensure the safety of the flight. It enables controllers to provide the pilot with the most efficient routing, priority landing, and assistance from emergency services if needed. The immediate communication of an emergency situation also informs other aircraft in the vicinity to maintain separation and safety, as they may need to adjust their flight paths accordingly.

Remaining calm and promptly informing ATC of an emergency is a key practice in aviation safety, as it fosters a quicker response and helps to mitigate the risks associated with the emergency situation.