Until recently, conventional training and wisdom dictated that pilots should always land straight ahead when confronted by an engine failure that occurs shortly after takeoff in a Single Engine Airplane.
This controversial topic has been hotly debated since the early days of aviation to the point where turning around to land on the departure runway has been called "the impossible turn." It can be argued convincingly, however, that there are instances when it would be safer to return to the airport than to land straight ahead following such an engine failure.
The FAA now states matter-of-factly in Advisory Circular 61-83J that "flight instructors should demonstrate and teach trainees when and how to make a safe 180-degree turnback to the field after an engine failure."
Brian Schiff will discuss the principles involved in returning to the airport safely. It will be based to a large extent on his father, Barry Schiff's, decades of study and research involving this subject.
Access Brian Schiff's "Engine Failure After Takeoff in a Single-Engine Airplane here
"The Possible Turn" AOPA Pilot Article
Originally published by AOPA Pilot, April 2019 , Click here for a PDF copy of this article
Brian Schiff is a captain for a major US airline and is type-rated on the Airbus A320, Boeing 727, 757, 767, DC-9 (MD-80), CL-65, LR-JET, and G-V. Schiff’s roots are deeply planted in general aviation where he has flown a wide variety of aircraft. His total flying time is over 21,000 hours.
He is a Gold Seal flight instructor and FAASTeam Representative and holds several flight instructor ratings. He is recognized for his enthusiasm and ability to teach in a way that simplifies complex procedures and concepts. He has been actively instructing since earning his flight and ground instructor certificates in 1985. Schiff also has been an FAA-designated examiner.
He attended San Jose State University, and earned his B.S. degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his M.S. Degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri. He regularly teaches and conducts seminars about aviation safety and techniques to student and professional pilots.
Ron Timmermans earned his Private Pilot Certificate in 1972, and went on to add Commercial, Instrument, CFI/MEI, ATP, and Remote Pilot. Shortly after earning a CFIIA/MEI-IA, Ron became a Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program Ground and Flight instructor.
Ron is the 2021 FAA National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year, and has been selected by AOPA as a professional ground instructor for the 'Rusty Pilots' program, Ron now makes presentations to reach long inactive pilots to encourage their return to flight.
Ron is a FAASTeam Lead Representative giving monthly presentations on GA safety topics, has given many Young Eagle rides, has authored training curriculum, and has developed flight instructor standardization guides, published articles, and served in leadership positions on the American Bonanza Society Board of Directors.
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