Airplane Engine Failure in the Clouds

[grumpy]

You’re the captain. You tell ATC what you need. You’ve already declared an emergency. You have the airspace. Then you do what you need to meet the emergency.

[MartinHelton-pm]

Altitude is your friend, especially with an engine starting to lose power.

[azcharlie]

Good advice. If you declare an emergency, do not do what the controller asks you to do. Do what you need to do to survive.

[peglegjim]

This is what’s called “Excellent Airmanship”.

[phironosurvivors]

Traffic controllers ARE NOT pilots. Good plan.

[lurchmccoy]

Yea let’s drop altitude while not knowing if you can gain more or even maintain. Do what pilots do. Make your own call

[restandrelaxation]

I get what you’re saying… don’t let ATC take over flying. But in that case tell them what your plan is and what you need. “N1234WY declaring a partial power loss emergency. I need direct the field and 4000 feet until 2 miles out.” A lot less talking and now the controller can clear out other traffic.

[MrJagdaddy]

Bonazas drop like a rock with power off... worse with gear down and flaps... staying high was a great choice!

[Somethingisntright]

Once you declare that emergency you can do whatever you need to do to meet that emergency. He did right.

[judd_s]

you are the pilot in command… good call.

[dorianjepsen]

This is spot on exactly what you do. The controllers have their protocols, but you don’t have to comply because the PIC is actually in charge at this point. The controller is there to assist.

[brucewillard]

Tom Turner is a knowledgeable & trustworthy pilot & instructor

[singleproppilot]

And suddenly, you’re aware why single engine IFR is a little nuts.

[MrSuzuki]

This is how a REAL a pilot in command should conduct himself. Well done and this from this 30, 000 hour pilot. I teach seminars on PIC authority and I tell pilots not to let ATC put them into a dangerous situation.

[MattyClivingthedream]

A good controller will ask about your situation, work out your position, give you options and get every other aircraft out of your way. A bad controller, well, you just heard one.

[Keepmelevel]

Straight and level flight, you start turning you loose altitude and you may not make it to the airport. So smart what you did. Fly the aircraft. 👍🏽😎

[kevinneuhard]

The "Captain in command" is IN COMMAND.

Nicely done! 👍👍😎

[automan]

some of the best lessons like this being assertive for your own survival. Unable, NO, Can't, won't. Can keep you alive.

[davem]

Altitude and airspeed equal energy. Energy is life. Hang on to it as long as possible.

[dougmarshall]

The pilot has final say to comply or refuse ATC instructions if it is putting the aircraft in danger.