What is necessary to do before engaging in emergency operations with engine malfunctions?

Before engaging in emergency operations due to engine malfunctions, it is essential to perform a checklist. This procedure is critical for ensuring that all necessary actions are taken in a structured and systematic manner. The checklist provides a set of predefined steps that pilots follow to assess the situation, confirm the failure, identify possible solutions, and prioritize actions effectively.

This step is vital because it helps prevent oversight during high-stress scenarios. It ensures that pilots are addressing the most critical issues first before they take further action, such as preparing for a possible landing or communicating with air traffic control. Thus, the checklist serves as a foundational tool in emergency management, ensuring that pilots maintain situational awareness and follow safety protocols accordingly.

Other options like communicating with air traffic or preparing for landing may be necessary steps to follow, but they should come after an initial assessment using a checklist to confirm the situation and direct subsequent actions.