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 total electrical failure during an evening flight, losing radios, transponder, lights, and flaps, after previously ignoring a subtle ammeter discharge warning.
Despite the lack of electrical systems and darkness, he successfully executed a no-flap landing at his home airport, guided by ATC via primary radar and light gun signals.
The incident highlighted critical lessons: paying attention to all instrument readings, the value of recurrent training, effectively using ATC services during emergencies, and basic preparedness like having spare glasses.

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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.