Engine Out!
Big Idea
If the engine quits, the airplane becomes a glider. Stay calm, pitch for best glide speed, find a field to land.
Fun Fact
Airplane engines are extremely reliable — they fail only once in about 100,000 flights. But every pilot practices for it!
What You Will Learn
- Pitch for best glide speed immediately (65 knots)
- Do NOT try to turn back to the runway if you are low
- Look for the best field ahead of you
- Make a mayday call if you can
Simulator Steps
- During takeoff climb, instructor pulls the power to IDLE
- Immediately: push the nose down to 65 knots (best glide)
- Look straight ahead — find a clear field or road
- Do NOT try to turn around (the "impossible turn")
- Glide to your selected landing spot
What You Learned
- Pitch for best glide speed FIRST
- Do not turn back to the runway at low altitude
- Land in the best field you can find ahead of you