Flying Hint #5: Engine Failure Troubleshooting - Part 2

In the second part of engine failure troubleshooting (see previous post for Part 1) the right hand flies, and the left hand "fixes."  A little chant goes with the physical pattern in both parts, again to help automate the whole procedure.  In Part 1 say to yourself out loud:  "fuel, carb, throttle and mix."  Part 2 goes:  "mags, master, primer and boost."  First, verify that the ignition switch is set to BOTH, though in the case of a rough or misfiring engine, testing left (L) and right (R) magneto settings could solve the problem.  Second, turn the master off for a failure at takeoff or close to the ground, or, at altitude, confirm that it is on for emergency communications or to enable a restart in the case of a stopped prop.  Third, check that the primer is in and locked.  Fourth, turn the fuel boost pump on if so equipped.  This procedure works well for most Cessna light singles.  Customize it for the plane you fly using the three basic concepts:  use "one hand flies, one hand fixes," design a physical pattern from one control to another and reinforce that pattern with a phrase of one word per control.

Flying Hint #5: Engine Failure Troubleshooting - Part 1

This is the procedure I taught my flight and ground students, just the troubleshooting aspect of an engine failure, which must be done simultaneously with establishing glide speed and choosing an emergency landing site...thus, no peeking!  Do remember to fly the aircraft.  In Part 1 the left hand flies and the right hand fixes, and in Part 2 (next post) the right hand flies and the left hand fixes.  Create a pattern appropriate to the aircraft as the physical path helps cement memory.  In this Cessna check that the fuel selector is on both tanks, move up and apply full carburetor heat, move rightward and apply full throttle and last, adjust the mixture, though the flight manual recommendation for full rich may not be appropriate at high altitudes.  Pointy...square...smooth...bumpy.  Better than counting sheep, review the pattern with your eyes closed, practice cheaply in the cockpit while looking outside at the view of the ramp, and then do the real thing flying with an instructor.