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PANIC? Don’t!

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots should always pre-plan for engine failure, especially on departure, and continuously identify potential emergency landing sites during flight.
  • Upon engine failure, immediately establish best glide speed and select a landing site, then thoroughly investigate the cause to attempt a restart.
  • If a restart is unsuccessful, squawk 7700, make an emergency transmission, and focus on safely flying the aircraft to the chosen landing site.
  • The P.A.N.I.C. mnemonic (Panic - don't; Aviate; Navigate; Investigate; Communicate) provides a structured approach for managing engine-out emergencies.
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With airplanes being as reliable as they are, it’s easy to have a little too much confidence in their ability to keep us flying. But if an engine failure were to rear its ugly face, you’ll be glad you spent some time anticipating its arrival.

Always have a plan in mind for an engine failure on departure. If you don’t have enough runway to safely put the aircraft back down on the tarmac, remember that a successful 180-degree turn back to the airport can generally be completed only if you’re at least 800 hundred feet or more above the ground. Consider potential landing sites straight ahead.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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