Get Down, Slow Down

I am an active pilot with Pilots 'N Paws, and was returning home to Wilkes-Barre, Penn., in my Piper Lance filled with dogs bound for their foster homes. The flight was progressing normally until we started picking up some trace icing at 7000 feet, so we elected to climb to 11,000 to find clear air and shed any ice. Without a turbocharger, I was not surprised to see the manifold pressure resting at 21 inches at 11,000 feet. But as I leveled off at 5000 approaching home plate, manifold pressure remained at 21 inches instead of returning to the 24 inches expected.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't dismiss unusual gauge readings as they likely indicate a genuine problem.
• Maintain altitude during an in-flight emergency, as it provides crucial time and options.
• Familiarize yourself with other pilots' emergency experiences, as recalled knowledge can be vital in a crisis.

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