I discovered aviation years ago after winning a free hour in a United Airlines DC-10 simulator. It wasn’t long before I started taking flying lessons at Centennial Airport in Colorado, where I trained in the high-density- altitude days of summer. If nothing else, the anemic aircraft performance taught me discipline as it related to airspeed: If you are unsatisfied with your rate of climb at Vy, increasing pitch won’t help.
I Learned about Flying from That: Monterey Emergency
Key Takeaways:
- The author experienced a sudden engine power loss mid-flight, recovering after emergency procedures, but was concerned by a previously noted borderline magneto and the flight school owner's dismissive attitude toward the incident.
- Months later, the same aircraft fatally crashed with a CFI and student; an NTSB report revealed severe maintenance deficiencies, including worn spark plugs and an engine past its recommended overhaul time, which the author believes contributed to his earlier power loss.
- The article emphasizes the critical importance of trusting one's instincts about "legal but not normal" aircraft conditions and resisting pressure to fly unsafe aircraft, as early red flags can precede tragic outcomes.
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