What is the recommended immediate response to cockpit smoke or fume events on an ATR?

• A. Don oxygen, isolate the source, use cabin/cockpit ventilation, follow checklist, and declare emergency if needed.
• B. Reduce thrust to idle and continue to the destination.
• C. Ventilate the cabin by opening all vents and ignore the source.
• D. Notify air traffic control and divert only after landing.

Answer: (A)

When cockpit smoke or fumes occur, the immediate goal is to keep the crew safe and regain control of the situation by managing oxygen, contamination, and the airflow system, following a proven procedure. Don oxygen right away for both pilots so brain and body stay fully supplied even if the air feels degraded. Then isolate the source of the smoke or fumes—act quickly to shut off or isolate the leaking or faulty system and close affected circuits or valves as specified by the QRH. While doing this, use the cockpit and cabin ventilation to control airflow so you don’t compound the contamination, keeping the air as clean as possible while you work the problem. After taking these steps, follow the published checklist for smoke or fumes; it guides you through confirming the source, verifying containment, and taking necessary actions. If the situation worsens or a fire is suspected, declare an emergency to get priority handling and, if needed, divert. Other options miss one or more of these critical steps—oxygen, source isolation, proper ventilation use, and proper emergency procedures—so they can leave you less prepared to manage the threat effectively.