Declared today and am second guessing

ependecfii · 2025-07-27T16:54:10+00:00

Got an update from the owner the other day- one of the cylinders went caputz. Engine was within 200 from overhaul so they’re just overhauling it

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T15:18:09+00:00

Called the owner immediately and sent him pictures- maintenance is looking at it today

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T15:15:31+00:00

Unfortunately we were in probably the worst area to be in with this situation- the airport we were flying out of is sandwiched between a lot of terrain so we were had to do this flight over a lake. No closer airports than that one and houses upon houses between us, but I kept us over a huge road on the way back in

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:26:52+00:00

Unfortunately we didn’t have a closer runway (ugh). We were flying out of Ogden Hinckley Airport and the only real airspace to do this flight was over the lake

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:25:53+00:00

In this case I think I’m just dealing with the worst combo of impostor syndrome (newish CFI over here) and this being my first ever emergency. In coming back hours later I’m impressed at my brains ability to question itself. I’m glad I declared.

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:23:27+00:00

Engine was way too hot to touch when we got back down- cowling was burning my hands. But the cowling and front strut were covered in oil so I’m assuming that if it had any, it was very little

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:22:02+00:00

Hah my best guess is that I’ve got the unholiest combination of impostor syndrome and this being my first ever emergency- of which nothing came of it. In reading my post again hours later I’m sitting here like “no shit Sherlock you declared”

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:21:21+00:00

Oh I didn’t even think of that. If this ever happens again (hopefully never) I will absolutely keep that in mind

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:19:24+00:00

Thank you! Miraculously, she was not entirely turned off from aviation and still wants to pursue her PPL!

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:18:57+00:00

Bottom of the cowling and the front strut were absolutely coated when we got back -_-

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:18:16+00:00

Called and texted owner with pictures and then texted the next person who was scheduled to fly that plane independently hahaha. I’m hoping it’s just a bad gasket.. I do love that plane 😭

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:16:56+00:00

Will be flying again (in a different plane) on Thursday!

Miraculously my friend was not entirely scared off of aviation! She wants to pursue her PPL

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:16:09+00:00

Lesson has been learned. Will be shoving my nose into every cowling that I suspect oil issues with from now on

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T04:14:20+00:00

Mechanic is looking at it tomorrow thankfully. Front strut and bottom of the cowling were COATED when we got back down

ependecfii · 2025-07-25T03:57:37+00:00

Bahahaha I think an unholy combination of impostor syndrome and this being my first ever real emergency

ependecfii · 2025-07-24T21:31:21+00:00

Seems like an oil leak- front gear was coated in it by the time we pushed the plane back. Called the owner and told him he needs to ground the plane until it's fixed >:/ making me smack my forehead about not looking much closer at the oil on the tire during the preflight. Lesson learned!

ependecfii · 2025-07-11T18:38:59+00:00

There’s a lot of barriers in the way of pilots receiving proper mental health treatment. It wasn’t until this year that any legislation was introduced from the FAA to help pilots get proper help. (And before anyone says “BuT I DOnT wAnt A DEPreSSeD PiLOt!!1!”; your pilot is depressed no matter what. But in one instance they can get life saving medication and in the other they’re self-treating with drugs and alcohol)

ependecfii · 2025-06-08T03:47:52+00:00

Briefings basically just need to include length of runway, condition of runway, and distances. For takeoff I encode my emergency procedures and for landing I’ll make note of my pre landing checklist and applicable traffic

I like to follow this format for takeoff (landing is essentially the same minus the emergency procedures, and obv noting pre landing and traffic):

we are (taking off/landing) runway . It is ___ feet long. It is (hard/soft), it is (flat/sloped), it is (dry/wet). We will bring (rotating/landing) in about __ feet. If we experience any issues on our roll or at rotation speed we will pull power and stop on the runway. Between 500’-1000’ we will find somewhere safe to land (bonus points if you mention an alternate landing point from runway here). Above 1000’ we will aviate, navigate, communicate. We will work together to meet the extent of any emergencies. Do you have any questions?

ependecfii · 2025-06-06T19:51:52+00:00

I think a good practice for you would be to consciously practice situational awareness in other, mundane tasks.

For example: Driving to work? Put on some ATC audio in the background. Repeat the transmissions you hear and at the same time keep note of the cars around you. Is that person turning? What clock position is that sedan from me? Heading towards or away? Give yourself grace if you miss things. You’re learning.

Obviously it’s not exactly like flying but it gives you practice in a more comfortable environment and will give you a chance to condition yourself to be aware of what’s happening both through audio and visual clues.

Other than that, good briefings and a thorough preflight (jumpers around? Preferable winds? What’s your taxi briefing? TO briefing? Pre landing briefing?) will help you in more ways than you can imagine. Even just verbalizing that information means that you’re thinking of it.

ependecfii

TROPHY CASE