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Of Green Gills And Gear

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • While flying a rented Cessna 210, the pilot faced the dual challenge of an airsick passenger and a landing gear malfunction during the approach.
  • The landing gear failed to extend normally due to a popped circuit breaker, requiring the pilot to manually pump the emergency gear system while simultaneously flying the aircraft.
  • The incident highlighted the critical need for pilots to manage multiple tasks under pressure, maintain aircraft control during emergencies, and be prepared for unforeseen issues like passenger incapacitation.
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It was a beautiful day for flying, if a bit breezy, which contributed some bumps. That would be important later. Meanwhile, I was out with a new-to-me rented Cessna 210 to bore some holes with a pilot-rated friend. After boring holes in the local airspace, we headed back to the airplane’s home base. The bumps continued.

I didn’t know it at the time, but my right-seater was getting a bit green around the gills. As he was an experienced pilot, certainly no stranger to an upset atmosphere; perhaps he’d had something unusual at his recent meal. Perhaps he thought his motion sickness would subside. It didn’t.

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