All posts tagged emergencies

Cabin Depressurization and Structural Failure: a Pilot’s Perspective

By | July 15, 2009 | Advanced Flying | 5 Comments

After a hole opened up in the fuselage of Southwest Airlines flight 2294 from Nashville to Baltimore, there has been a lot of talk about cabin depressurization and structural failure. The jury is still out as to the cause of this failure, but the incident does bring the topic of depressurization and emergency descents to the forefront. So what happens when the airplane loses cabin pressure, and what is a pilot to do? Read more…

Responding to Emergencies by Memory: Immediate Action Items

By | April 3, 2009 | Advanced Flying | 6 Comments

Last week, I stressed the importance of taking your time when faced with emergencies. Although pilots should never rush through any task, there are some emergencies that require an immediate response. These memory-based checklists are known as immediate action items and can make the difference in a time-critical situation. Read more…

So You Have an Emergency. Relax

By | March 28, 2009 | Advanced Flying | 4 Comments

The first priority of any pilot is to fly the airplane. Even during the most time critical emergency, aircraft control must be maintained. Nevermind the flashing red lights, the best way to overcome adversity in the cockpit is to remain calm. In the disco-esque words of Michael Penniman: “relax, take it easy!” Read more…

Stay Sharp: Practice Deadstick Landings

By | February 26, 2009 | Flying Tips | 2 Comments

Proficient pilots regularly vary their landings by alternating between normal, soft field, and short field landings. However, there is one important landing that is commonly overlooked: the deadstick landing. Think back; when was the last time you chopped the power and glided the airplane all the way to the runway? Do you feel proficient enough to stick it in a small bean field should the engine fail on your next flight? If the answer is no, then it may be prudent to practice those emergency procedures. Read more…

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