Engine running rough: precautionary landing

Private pilot · Who you talk to: The examiner

What this case adds

• Land by choice while you still have power to correct mistakes.
• Use the power the rough engine still gives you.
• Do not let a precautionary landing turn into a forced one by waiting.

Critical fails

• Letting airspeed drift more than 10 knots from best glide.
• Stalling, spinning or flying into terrain while maneuvering low, for example a turn back to the runway without the altitude for it.
• Stretching the glide over obstacles short of the field instead of planning an approach with margin.
• Losing control of the airplane while working the checklist: positive control has priority over configuration and checklist tasks.

Sources

1. FAA-H-8083-3C, Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 18: Emergency Procedures https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/19_afh_ch18.pdf

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the FAA. The FAA documents are named and linked only to describe what this mold practices; always follow your airplane's POH/AFM and your instructor.