A Few Things That Sharpened My Thinking Recently
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Hey GlideScope Fam,
Over the past couple weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about engine failures in low-visibility conditions.
A lot of it came from some really thoughtful discussions I’ve had recently with other pilots and instructors.
One thing that really struck me is how often we subconsciously focus our planning on the departure and destination weather, but we don’t always spend as much time thinking about what’s actually underneath us along the route if something were to happen.
A few ideas from those conversations that really sharpened my thinking:
1. Enroute conditions need just as much (if not more) attention than our departure/destination areas
Many of us naturally focus on the approach and alternate requirements when flying IFR.
But if you lose an engine enroute in IMC, the real question becomes:
Where will you break out of the clouds?
How high above the ground?
What's under you?
That was a really interesting thought exercise that came out of some recent discussions with other instructors.
2. Altitude buys you options (Reminder)
Several pilots pointed out the simple but powerful reminder...
Altitude equals time.
The higher you are, the more time you have to:
- look for VMC nearby
- coordinate with ATC
- identify possible landing areas
- plan how you want to break out of the clouds
Once you descend through a solid layer, many of those options disappear quickly.
3. Water might actually be a viable option
One instructor brought up something I hadn’t thought about much before.
If you never break out of the clouds and can’t reach an airport, large lakes can actually be one of the more predictable landing surfaces, since they’re usually obstacle-free...and flat :).
It’s not something anyone wants to do — but it’s another reminder that understanding the terrain along your route really matters.
4. Practicing the scenario (and out-loud radio calls) changes how you think
While some of our airplanes are down for maintenance lately, I’ve been practicing these situations in the simulator.
The first time you actually take a simulated engine failure all the way down to the ground in IMC or at night… it’s eye-opening.
Very quickly it becomes less about flying the airplane and more about decision-making under pressure. Talking through your radio calls out loud really forces you to organize your thoughts and hones your ability to clearly communicate where you are, what you're doing, and what you need.
Every time I practice it I learn something new about how I’d approach that situation in real life.
A moment that still gives me chills
In one of the recent simulator runs, I barely cleared a ridge and then broke out of the clouds right over an open field.
It was just a simulator… but honestly it still gives me chills watching the recording.
Breaking out of the clouds with no engine — and seeing a field instead of trees.
If you’re curious, here’s the short clip:
https://youtube.com/shorts/
And the longer practice run if you want to see a couple scenarios:
These discussions and practice runs have really helped sharpen how I think about these scenarios when flying with my wife and kids.
And I just want to say thank you!
The feedback, questions, and conversations from this community have genuinely helped shape GlideScope.
It’s been pretty amazing building this alongside such thoughtful pilots.
You all are awesome.
Fly safe,
Kevin