If a fire is confirmed in flight, what is the recommended action for the PCL?

In the event of a confirmed fire in flight, the recommended action for the Power Control Lever (PCL) is to set it to the OFF position. This action effectively cuts off fuel supply to the engine, which is critical in containing and reducing the intensity of the fire.

Shutting off the PCL is important because it helps prevent further combustion, which can lead to more severe damage to the aircraft and increase the risk to the occupants.

While pulling the Firewall Shutoff Handle, which is also part of emergency procedures, is a necessary step for isolating the engine and shutting off fuel, it is executed after the PCL is turned OFF. Therefore, it's recognized that setting the PCL to the OFF position is a primary and immediate action that must be taken when a fire is confirmed.

All of this emphasizes the crucial understanding that disabling the engine’s fuel supply directly addresses the source of the fire, making it the critical first step in managing a mid-flight fire emergency.