“My airplane.”
I was only five hours into my private pilot training when Dutch, my CFI, gave this command.
How Pilots Can Prepare for Unexpected Power Loss
Here's a review of the correct response and how to avoid common mistakes in an engine-out situation.
![Often pilots seem to misunderstand what is happening when the engine fails. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FLY0126_1.3-In-Training-scaled.jpeg)
Key Takeaways:
- Uncommanded engine power loss, while rare, is a critical aviation emergency requiring extensive training and preparedness, often improved by studying real-world accident reports.
- The most common causes for engine power loss are fuel mismanagement (due to poor planning, unfamiliarity, or relying on gauges) and carburetor icing, which can occur even in warm, humid conditions.
- Effective pilot training emphasizes constant situational awareness, including vigilant instrument scanning (e.g., tachometer, altimeter), meticulous pre-flight fuel calculations, and continuously identifying potential emergency landing sites.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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