In case of PMU failure, what must the pilot do?

In the event of a PMU (Power Management Unit) failure, the pilot is required to follow emergency procedures outlined in the NATOPS (Naval Aviation Training and Operating Procedures Standardization) manual. The NATOPS manual serves as an essential guide that provides pilots with specific protocols to handle various abnormal situations, including PMU failures. It includes detailed instructions on the order of events required to safely manage the aircraft and mitigate risks associated with the failure.

Implementing the emergency procedures as specified ensures the pilot can systematically address the failure without succumbing to panic or error. These procedures typically include steps to assess the severity of the failure, necessary checklist actions, and recommended flight profile adjustments if applicable, allowing the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft and execute a safe landing when conditions permit.

Turning to the other choices, while landing immediately may seem intuitive in a crisis, this action could lead to unintended consequences without following the structured guidance of the NATOPS manual. Checking the flight manual may provide some relevant information, but it may not be as comprehensive or specific to emergency situations as the NATOPS manual. Communicating with air traffic control is important, but it should occur in conjunction with following emergency procedures rather than being the primary action in response to a PMU failure.