We all know that unannounced, catastrophic, mechanically caused engine failures — loss of power with no previous warning — are so unlikely you’re better off worrying about meteor strikes or an outbreak of bubonic plague. But engines continue to quit because, as Yogi Berra put it, “We make too many wrong mistakes.” A commitment to periodic assessments and training (not just token flight reviews) would remedy stuff like poor preflight planning, carelessness, bad decisions, lack of knowledge and substandard proficiency. Still, the dreary statistics say this just ain’t gonna happen. So learning how to survive an emergency — whatever the cause and whomever’s to blame — is an important part of every practical test.
Unusual Attitudes: Handling the Unthinkable
Key Takeaways:
- Most "engine quits" are caused by pilot error—such as poor planning, carelessness, or lack of knowledge—rather than unannounced mechanical failures.
- Effective pilot training must prioritize realistic emergency scenarios, including proficiency in power-off accuracy landings from altitude and immediate, correct responses to power loss shortly after takeoff.
- Key survival techniques include mastering 180-degree power-off approaches for spot landings, immediately lowering the nose to a glide attitude in low-altitude emergencies, and diligent fuel management to prevent starvation.
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