cessna-172-training-supplement

Above 1500 Feet AGL
When an engine failure occurs above 1500’ AGL, there will be more time to
troubleshoot the problem. Depending on the altitude where the failure occurs,
there may be time to work on two separate checklists. First, slow to best glide
and turn towards nearest airport then run the Engine Power Loss Inflight Restart
Procedures checklist; if this does not restore power, proceed to the Emergency
Landing with No Engine Power checklist. The Emergency Landing with No
Engine Power checklist generally follows the outline of the checklist listed in this
section of the supplement.
To assist with landing site selection, ForeFlight has a Glide Advisor which takes
into account both terrain and wind effects. The pilot must program ForeFlight
with the specific aircraft’s glide ratio, which for the Cessna is 9:1.
Engine Failure at Night
If the engine fails at night, pilots should still follow the steps of the A,B,C,D,E
mnemonic. While the steps remain the same as in the daytime, there are a few
additional actions required.
• It will be very difficult to select landing sites like fields or roads at night,
so make a turn toward the nearest airport. Darker areas tend to be less
populated, but they may also hide rough terrain and obstacles.
• If landing off-airport, complete all items on the emergency landing
checklist except turning off the master battery switch prior to
touchdown. This allows the pilot to use the landing light throughout
the approach. Turn off the master battery switch immediately prior to
or after touchdown.
Engine Failure in IMC
An engine failure in IMC is handled in much the same way as one in VMC. The
obvious difference is being in the clouds during a portion of the descent, so
pilots must be sure to continue their instrument scan and maintain aircraft
control while troubleshooting the engine failure. Once the aircraft descends
below the cloud bases, the pilot can then select a landing site and continue with
the emergency procedures discussed above. Become familiar with the graphical
area forecast to avoid overflying areas with visibility or ceilings that would not
allow a safe landing under VMC. ATC will be able to help with local weather
conditions like ceilings and winds for area airports to assist with decisionmaking.
If in cruise flight and within gliding distance of an airport, also consider using
final approach courses of published instrument procedures as a guide towards
the approach end of a runway. Once over the airport, circle down over the
approach end of the runway (using the principles of a steep spiral) until in a
position for a safe landing.
Departure Procedures • 29