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 failures stem from pilot errors like poor planning, lack of proficiency, or bad decisions, rather than catastrophic mechanical malfunctions.
- Pilots must be proficient in forced landings from various altitudes, specifically practicing 180-degree power-off approaches and immediately lowering the nose to establish a glide attitude in low-altitude emergencies.
- Fuel starvation is a common cause of power loss, highlighting the critical need for meticulous fuel planning, accurate verification of fuel levels, proper management, and conservative flight planning.
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