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Lesson 12.1 – Engine Failure and Forced Landings
An engine failure is one of the most critical emergencies a pilot can face. The correct immediate actions, followed by a well-managed glide and landing site selection, give you the best chance of a safe outcome.
Reference
Airplane Flying Handbook
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Aircraft Flight Manual / Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) emergency procedures
Immediate Actions (Memory Items)
Immediate Actions (Memory Items)
When the engine fails:
Pitch for best glide speed – This is the most important first step. Establish and maintain the published best glide speed for your airplane.
Find a suitable landing area – Look for the best available field, road, or open area within gliding distance.
Troubleshoot (if time and altitude allow) – Fuel selector, mixture, carb heat, magneto check, primer, etc., according to your POH.
Declare an emergency – Squawk 7700 and call ATC or the appropriate frequency if able.
Secure the engine (if restart is unsuccessful) – Mixture idle cutoff, fuel selector off, magnetos off, as directed by the POH.
Prepare for landing – Secure the cabin, brief passengers, and fly a controlled approach to the selected site.
Best Glide
Best Glide
Best glide speed gives you the maximum distance for the altitude you have. Flying too fast or too slow reduces the distance you can cover. Know the best glide speed for your airplane and practice establishing it promptly.
Selecting a Landing Site
Selecting a Landing Site
Priorities generally follow this order:
Wind direction and length of the field
Surface condition (fields, roads, open areas)
Obstacles on the approach and overshoot
Proximity to help after landing
A controlled landing into a less-than-ideal field is usually better than an uncontrolled crash while trying to stretch the glide to a perfect field.
Key Principles
Key Principles
Aviate first – Maintain control of the airplane at all times.
Do not try to stretch the glide by raising the nose; this increases sink rate and can lead to a stall.
Use the POH emergency checklist once immediate control is established.
Practice simulated engine failures regularly with your instructor so the responses become automatic.
Key Points
Key Points
First action: pitch for best glide speed.
Select the best available landing site within gliding range.
Troubleshoot only if altitude and time permit.
Declare an emergency and secure the engine as appropriate.
A controlled landing into a mediocre field is better than an uncontrolled attempt to reach a perfect one.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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