What If the Door Comes Open During a Flight Lesson?

Know what to do when and if it happens.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 11:52 PM ET

Verified

The most important thing to remember in a door-opening scenario is to just fly the airplane. [Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

In unpressurized training aircraft, an open door will be loud but won't cause explosive decompression or suck you out (if belted); however, secure loose items as they can be lost.
Prioritize flying the airplane and landing safely at the nearest suitable runway; do not attempt to close the door while airborne.
Communicate with ATC if at a towered airport to receive priority, and declare an emergency only if you feel your life is genuinely endangered.

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Question: I am a recently soloed student pilot, and the loss of the door plug from the Boeing 737 Max 9 has me wondering what I’m supposed to do if it happens to me when I am flying solo? Do I declare an emergency? Will I get sucked out of the airplane?

Answer: As with most training aircraft, your Pipers, Cessna 100 series, Cirrus SR20/22s, and Diamonds are not pressurized, so there won’t be an “explosive decompression.” That’s not to say it won’t be loud and startling if it happens. It will.