To begin, what are "abnormal operations"? The answer is: anything that isn't normal.

The key to any abnormal operation is to know your systems, limitations, and adherence to the "Red Tabs" checklist.

The BOEING 727 is one of the most system redundant aircraft operated in commercial service. Nearly every system has a backup, and in some cases triple redundancy. For this reason the 727 is a very robust aircraft and the loss of a single unit seldom has much loss of operation capability.

Although a common problem to any airframe, lights are often deferred through the MEL (minimum equipment list) as are other small cabin/aircraft items that pose no problem in most normal operation.

Perhaps the most common operational problem faced by the Line Pilot is the loss of a single generator. Since there are three this poses little worry although "Essential Power" must be switched to an operational generator and downloading of electrical draw is a possibility (although in actual operation usually switching off the galley stove is the only download required).

Another operational problem that surfaces (although rarely) is the loss of a hydraulic system. Since there is a "A", "B", and "Standby" system in addition to Manual Reversion this has little effect on the cruise portion of the flight, however may cause a partial flap landing. The essential thing to remember in this type operation is to look ahead at the destination weather with winds being a major consideration; and to complete all checklist without rushing through them. With the loss of a hydraulic system there is no rush to get the aircraft on the ground so there is plenty of time to brief all crew members and adequately prepare for the landing. Once on the ground the brakes can be operated through a Brake Interconnect as well as a Pneumatic Brake this is an Emergency System for stopping the aircraft.

In actual practice this is a non-event for an experienced crew.

And I believe this statement is true for all Abnormal Operations. There is redundancy, checklist, procedure which allow the aircraft to be operated in a normal, safe manner that has very little impact on the operation of the aircraft. It is the EMERGENCY OPERATIONS that cause the biggest variance in the operation of a modern commercial aircraft because there is no way to pre-plan a "cook book" answer to severe dangerous situations. Here I am talking about situations like FIRE, ALL ENGINE FLAME-OUT, COLLISION, BOMB THREAT, ect....

These situations take hard quick decision based on experience and situational awareness. This is where a pilot makes his entire paycheck for the year. Make the correct call and you are your own hero. Take to long, be indecisive, or simply misunderstand the situation and remember one thing: Eternity is forever.