Listening to That Inner Pilot Voice

Consider the lesson learned when it comes to ignoring the warning sign of an impending failure.

Robert Kail

Friday, September 20, 2024 at 08:45 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

When the little pilot voice says, 'all is not right here,' pause to evaluate what’s going on. [Image: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

A pilot experienced a complete electrical failure during an IFR night flight, losing critical systems like radios, lights, and flaps.
Despite initially dismissing subtle warning signs, the pilot calmly navigated the emergency by utilizing prior no-flap landing practice, a flashlight for instruments, and ATC's light gun signals to successfully land in the dark.
The incident underscored the vital importance of diligent panel scanning, never ignoring warning signs, consistent recurrent training, and effectively leveraging air traffic control during emergencies.

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My story begins with two preliminary events, each with a clue as to the nature of the main event.

First, in April 1996, I had spent an hour in recurrent training in my Skyhawk. We had done some air work, including steep turns and slow flight, as well as some partial panel flying. As we returned to the Purdue University Airport (KLAF), my instructor suggested a no-flap landing, something I had not practiced since primary training nearly 10 years previously. It went well, and I was reminded that no-flap landings are faster and with a more nose-high attitude.