Emergency Landing
Big Idea
If you have to land in a field, pick the biggest, flattest, most into-the-wind option you can see.
Fun Fact
The best emergency landing fields are harvested crop fields, golf courses, and straight roads. Avoid trees, water, and power lines!
What You Will Learn
- Scan for the best landing site
- Consider wind direction (land INTO the wind)
- Consider surface (flat, firm, long)
- Avoid obstacles (trees, power lines, buildings)
Simulator Steps
- Instructor sets up an engine failure at 3,000 feet
- Look around — find the best field
- Point toward the field and glide
- Plan your approach — fly a mini pattern around the field
- Land as close to the start of the field as possible
What You Learned
- Best field: big, flat, into the wind, no obstacles
- Fly a mini pattern to set up the approach
- Any landing you walk away from is a good landing