Pattern and Landing Emergencies

Purpose

To practice the correct responses to engine failures and other emergencies during the takeoff roll, immediately after takeoff, and at various positions in the traffic pattern. The emphasis is on pre-planned decision-making and immediate, correct responses.

Abandoned Takeoff Practice

Your instructor will simulate situations requiring an aborted takeoff during the takeoff roll. Practice the following sequence until it becomes automatic:

1. Recognition: Identify the abnormality (engine roughness, abnormal indications, obstruction).
2. Decision: "Aborting takeoff."
3. Throttle — idle. Close the throttle completely and immediately.
4. Brakes — maximum. Apply firm, progressive braking.
5. Directional control. Maintain centerline with rudder and differential braking.
6. Flaps — retract (if extended).
7. Clear the runway when safe to do so.

Engine Failure After Takeoff

Your instructor will simulate an engine failure at various altitudes after takeoff (by reducing power to idle). Your response must be immediate and correct:

Immediate Actions

1. Pitch for best glide speed. Lower the nose immediately to maintain V_G (best glide speed — typically 65 knots in a Cessna 172). This is the single most critical action.
2. Select a landing area. Look straight ahead or with only minor deviations (30 degrees maximum). Choose the best available option — a field, road, or open area.
3. Wings level. Do not turn. Minor heading changes only if required to avoid an obstacle directly ahead.
4. If time permits: Attempt an engine restart (fuel selector, mixture, magnetos, carburetor heat). But do NOT sacrifice airspeed or altitude to troubleshoot.
5. Prepare for landing: Flaps as appropriate for the landing area. Secure the aircraft (mixture idle cutoff, fuel off, master off) if time permits.

Engine Failure in Various Pattern Positions

Your instructor will simulate engine failures at different points in the traffic pattern. For each scenario, practice the following:

On Crosswind Leg

1. Pitch for best glide speed immediately.
2. Assess whether you can reach the runway with a turn back. At low altitude on crosswind, this is unlikely — treat it as an engine failure after takeoff and land ahead.
3. At higher altitudes on crosswind, a modified return to the runway may be possible.

On Downwind Leg

1. Pitch for best glide speed immediately.
2. Turn toward the runway — you are at pattern altitude and the runway is beside you.
3. Plan a shortened approach — base and final may be compressed.
4. Accept any available portion of the runway. Do not try to reach your normal touchdown point if it means stretching the glide.

On Base Leg

1. Pitch for best glide speed.
2. Continue the turn to final — you are already close to the runway.
3. Adjust aim point as needed. Use flaps judiciously (they increase descent rate but also reduce glide range).

On Final Approach

1. Pitch for best glide speed.
2. You are already aligned with the runway — continue the approach.
3. If too high: add flaps or slip to increase descent rate.
4. If too low or cannot reach the runway: select the best available landing area ahead and below you.