When we launched my Mooney from Lakewood, N.J., for a fuel stop in South Carolina—before continuing to Key West—there was a 400-foot ceiling with light rain. The surface temperature was above freezing, though, and as we broke out on top without any icing issues, I began to settle in for the four-hour flight. Within a few minutes, however, problems started cropping up. First, there was a subtle change in the quality of ATC communications. Next, the autopilot refused to engage. My passenger’s headset was no longer functioning. Then, the communication and navigation systems failed. We were on top of widespread IMC with no way to communicate or get down.
Carrying personal backup equipment, such as a handheld radio and portable GPS, is crucial for mitigating in-flight communication and navigation system failures.
Thoroughly knowing your aircraft's emergency procedures in advance is imperative, as an emergency is not the time to consult the POH.
Briefing passengers on potential roles and maintaining calmness can enable them to provide valuable assistance during an emergency situation.
When we launched my Mooney from Lakewood, N.J., for a fuel stop in South Carolina—before continuing to Key West—there was a 400-foot ceiling with light rain. The surface temperature was above freezing, though, and as we broke out on top without any icing issues, I began to settle in for the four-hour flight.
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