During an in-flight emergency, what is the pilot's first priority?

The pilot's first priority during an in-flight emergency is to maintain aircraft control. This principle is rooted in aviation safety since the primary responsibility of the pilot in any situation is to ensure that the aircraft remains stable and under control. If control is lost, the pilot may not be able to perform any further emergency actions, such as declaring an emergency or communicating with air traffic control.

Maintaining control of the aircraft ensures that the pilot can effectively evaluate the situation and respond appropriately. Once control is secured, the pilot can then focus on assessing the emergency, deciding whether to declare an emergency, and communicating with air traffic control about the situation. Prioritizing control is essential because it lays the groundwork for all subsequent actions in managing the emergency effectively and safely.