Netters The discussion of the 601 emergency landing brings a couple of thoughts to mind, without second guessing the PIC. First; did the PIC have an Emergency Checklist? Second; was the Emergency Checklist followed or even out where the pilot could use it. The main reason that I made checklists available through Dan Heaths website was to help pilots to have a checklist that they could tailor make to their own use and keep them in their plane, and USE THEM. Even high hour students, not away from training tend to stop using checklists once they pass their instrument rating, and are proceeding to their commercial. Those that go on to the airlines find the checklist an absolute must due to the volume of material, and the need to follow a certain sequence. It is no difference in our situations, just fewer items. CFIs have been training pilots this way for years to aid the pilot in the moment of crisis, to have the equivalent of full brain power to solve the problem, or land safely, by supplementing with the checklist, so he can fly the plane.
We all (me included) are guilty of not using checklists, and failing to rehearse enough times to become automatic what we will do when faced with an emergency. We should all spend time chair flying those emergencies in our planes, rehearsing what we will do, so that we can also JUST FLY THE PLANE. The very candid account is great for all of us to learn by, not put down the PIC, which is not my intention here. I would also recommend all KR owners to find an uncontrolled field, and practice some engine out landings, where you can cut your own power, and then make the field. Even if you do just a low approach power off, and then go around you have practiced judging the field and getting down safely. Just some thoughts, Colin N96TA
