Final answer:
The correct response is to treat low oil pressure with normal oil temperature as an indicator of possible oil pump failure, and landing as soon as possible is the recommended action. Low oil pressure can lead to engine failure and must be addressed immediately to ensure safe flight operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In aviation, monitoring engine oil pressure and temperature is crucial for the safe operation of the aircraft. When you notice that oil pressure is low but the oil temperature is normal during a cross-country flight, it indicates an issue that needs immediate attention. The correct answer would be C, as the problem could be a failing oil pump, and you should land as soon as possible. A clogged oil filter is also a possibility, but there's typically an accompanying rise in oil temperature when the filter is clogged, which isn't the case in this scenario. Too much oil can cause other issues but wouldn't typically result in low pressure without other symptoms, and low oil pressure is not normal during cruising, so some form of action is needed.
Just as the body may compensate for a decrease in the flow of blood by increasing blood pressure, an aircraft may have systems in place to compensate for variances in oil pressure. However, if oil pressure remains low, it is indicative of a potential malfunction. Continuing to fly with low oil pressure can cause severe damage to the aircraft's engine, leading to possible engine failure and jeopardizing the safety of the flight. Therefore, it is imperative to diagnose the issue and rectify it as soon as possible, which in this case means landing at the nearest safe location to address the potential oil pump failure or other related issues.