“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 that requires extensive training due to its unforgiving nature and many variables.
- The most common causes of engine power loss are fuel mismanagement (e.g., not following checklists, miscalculating fuel) and carburetor icing, which can occur in surprisingly warm and humid conditions.
- Effective pilot training for engine power loss should emphasize proper troubleshooting (ABCDE procedures), comprehensive instrument scanning (including tachometer), maintaining best glide speed, and continuously identifying potential landing sites, to counteract common misconceptions about how power loss manifests.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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