“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:
- Engine power loss, though rare, is a critical and unforgiving scenario requiring pilots to be highly prepared and adaptable due to numerous variables.
- Common causes for uncommanded engine power loss include fuel mismanagement (e.g., incorrect calculations, misreading gauges) and carburetor icing, which can occur even in warm, humid conditions.
- Effective training should focus on recognizing actual power loss indicators (like tachometer and altimeter changes) and continuously identifying potential emergency landing sites, rather than solely relying on the throttle being pulled back.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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